Bosham are top dogs after Roffey win

A second-half strike from Ben Blanshard was enough to get Bosham past a determined AFC Roffey side at Walton Lane and move to the top of the Southern Combination division-two table.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Oct 2015, 20:29 BST
Bosham moved to the top of division two by beating AFC Roffey Club / Picture by Tommy McMillanBosham moved to the top of division two by beating AFC Roffey Club / Picture by Tommy McMillan
Bosham moved to the top of division two by beating AFC Roffey Club / Picture by Tommy McMillan

Both goalkeepers had a quiet first half, despite the opening 45 minutes being played at a frantic pace.

The Robins were dealt a blow when Neil Redman was forced off with a toe injury before the break, which saw Jake Lafferty take to the field. The Robins back line were being tested throughout the game but Blanshard, Dave Bryant and player manager, Andy Probee were resilient.

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In the second half Bosham began to assert themselves and Lafferty had a great chance to open his account after getting put through on goal but Rob Bamber denied him.

Bosham were getting closer but needed to be aware of Roffey on the attack. As Chris Manvell let fly from distance but the effort sailed wide and moments later the visitors had another chance but Kieran Magee dealt with the danger.

Alex Barnes went close for the Reds with the post denying Bosham a deserved goal. However Barnes redeemed himself by providing the assist for the winning goal.

Blanshard reacted quickest to lash home after Dave Storey’s scuffed shot could only be parried by the goalkeeper following Barnes’ dangerous cross into the box.

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Bosham held firm and were relieved and happy at the final whistle as they moved to the top of the table by a single point. Next week sees Bosham travel to Crowborough Reserves in the intermediate cup which should provide an intriguing test of their credentials.

Bosham: Magee, Probee, Docherty, Wilson, Blanshard, Bryant, Barnes, Redman, Storey, Bulbeck, Bell. Subs: Stevens, Dye, Fewell, Lafferty.

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