CONVINCING WIN KEEPS 6s IN PROMOTION HUNT

Having only just made the long trip to Bexley a few weeks ago, it was with considerable reluctance that the 6s squad trudged out eastwards once more – but needs must and, with the continuing pitch woes at Richardson Evans, there was no other option if the fixture was going to get played.

Add to that the (to say the least) challenging weather conditions on the day, Boro might’ve been forgiven for delivering a less than bright start but start brightly they did, with Sweeney sweeping in a pinpoint cross from Black in the opening minutes.

Chance after chance to score a second was missed, with Swirkowski particularly culpable, and it wasn’t until close to the 40-minute mark when Kershaw controlled a rebound on the edge of the area before calmly volleying over the goalkeeper’s head. Mere moments later, Swirkowski finally found his shooting boots and rounded the keeper before slotting in from a tight angle.

With the score 3-0 at half time, the manager delivered one of his trademark inspirational team talks, emphasising, in particular, the need to keep applying pressure and not to let the opposition back into the game.

Inevitably, therefore, immediately after the restart the Old St Mary’s right-winger cut inside and smashed a left foot worldie from long range that flew right into the top corner, the ball skimming both crossbar and post on its way in.

A well-worked corner routine, however, saw Black restore Boro’s three-goal lead shortly after, and opposition heads started to drop until, with about 20 minutes still to play, another speculative long-range effort was picked up by the strong crosswind, completely wrongfooting Cibardo on its way through to the back the Boro net.

A few nervy moments followed as the elements continued to have their say in proceedings but, with Tecwyn in fine form, the two-goal cushion was preserved – and when, with seven minutes remaining, Swirkowski bundled home his second of the day to put a well-deserved win beyond doubt.

Celebrations were cut short, however, when immediately after the final whistle the 6s’ beloved manager broke the news that the hot water in the showers still hadn’t been fixed from our last jaunt to Bexley. With only 12 more league games still to play, the 6s now have high hopes of finishing this season before the next one begins.