FC Baresi 1 Blue Marlin 0

Essex Alliance League Senior Division, Tuesday November 30th

I was over Mayesbrook Park on Tuesday night to see FC Baresi's second floodlit EAL Senior Division contest of the season, and a solitary goal from Tyreece Robertson proved enough for them to take the points against Blue Marlin in a cold and windy Barking.

Baresi came into this one smack bang in mid table (7th) having had a rather mixed season so far, four wins, a draw and five defeats saw them three points and four places above fourth bottom (11th) Blue Marlin who had just three wins to their name, and also one draw but seven defeats so far in the campaign.

The home side started the better and saw both posts hit, one where a ball driven into the near post come off a defender and strike the near post, and then the struck the other post from point blank range when it looked easier to score, Blue Marlin did have their moments thereafter when they forced three really good stops from hosts keeper Luca Carlton.

FC Baresi did then find the post again when a shot across goal glanced off the far post and away to safety, so despite both sides having some decent openings, the game remained goalless as the teams headed for the warmth of the changing rooms for their half time break.

The early exchanges of the second period saw both sides go close, the visitors rifling over from range before visiting keeper John Parsons had to make a stop down the other end, but he could do nothing about their goal in the 62nd minute when a lovely pass saw Robertson get in behind the Blue Marlin back line, and he rounded Parsons before slotting into the empty net.

This was to be Robertson's final act though as he limped off injured after netting that goal, and after the hosts had a few chances to double their lead, the visitors created some real guilt edged openings, however they drilled one wide and saw three others saved by keeper Carlton, and it meant the hosts would hold on and take a fifth win of the season and move up into the top six although way way behind the leading sides in the division still.

For Blue Marlin it was a case of what could have been, after staying in the game and then having the chances to take something from the contest, however they could not and fall to an eighth loss in their campaign as they stay fourth bottom. Both sides are in league action this weekend, FC Baresi are at home to Rapid Chingford, whilst Blue Marlin travel to Kit Out London. 

Full Time FC Baresi 1 Blue Marlin 0