New Bohemians vs Handsworth FC Reserves (11th January 2020) Match Report

A second home game in a row saw New Bohemians return to Hillsborough Arena against an in-form Handsworth FC Reserves. The earlier league meeting was a resounding 5-1 victory for Handsworth. Bohemians knew they would have to be on form to get any points from this fixture. 

After winning the coin toss Bohemians elected to play with the wind at their backs in the first half, in order to peg back Handsworth and ensure they got a fast start to the game. The early exchanges were rather messy, and no chances of note came about. Bohemians did however get first sight of goal after good work from Clarke released Sousa down the right only for his half volley to go narrowly over the bar. 

Due to the blustery conditions the ball was often going out of play, so New Bohemians were having to try their hand at working an opening from set pieces and throw ins. They did exactly that after good work in the left corner from Ayton he released Petre to whip in a low and hard cross into the penalty area. The cross was too hot to handle for the Handsworth Keeper who spilled the ball in front of the lurking Lavington who smashed the ball in off the underside of the bar. Bohemians 1-0 up after 30 minutes. Changes were made in order to keep Bohemians legs as fresh as possible whilst they defended their lead into half-time. 

Bohemians understood a good 45 minutes would not be enough to take the points today. Would they learn from last week’s lessons?

As expected with the wind now behind them Handsworth started the second half strongly pinning Bohemians back into their half. The momentum of the game had clearly shifted, and the Bohemians defence were now being severely tested. Having said that Handsworth were being wasteful in good areas of the pitch and didn’t really test Wells in the Bohemians net until very late on in the game. 

The big moment of the half came when another Handsworth attack caused panic in the New Bohemians penalty area. The ball bounced the way of a loitering Handsworth player who redirected the ball towards the top corner of the net only for Wells to dive and somehow paw the ball away from trouble for a corner kick, which was also defended. Bohemians now desperately clinging onto their fragile lead.

The last 15 minutes of the contest would have seemed like an age for Bohemians as they lacked any outlet or composure when they were presented with possession. After dealing with yet another Handsworth free kick the referee blew the final whistle leading to great relief and celebration for New Bohemians. Keeping their first clean sheet of the season and notching a massive 3 points meant it was a great day at the office for the Green and Whites.

Back on the road next week away to Wombwell Main Reserves who Bohemians are now level on points with. A great chance to move up the league table and to remove themselves from danger of the drop. 

Goal scorer: Lavington 

Man of the Match: Kirk 

Starting 11: Wells, Kirk, Salt, Fox, Petre (c), Clarke, Lavington, Johnson, Ayton, Sousa, Becks

Subs: Slattery, Bunting, O’Connor, Taylor, Sheehan