COLLIERS WD 1, BADSHOT LEA 2

WHILE Colliers Wood slumped to a sixth straight defeat, Badshot Lea continued their resurgence under manager Ben Dillon with a third win in four games.

At a wet Wibbandune last Saturday, it was the Baggies who slithered to a narrow victory, with Darren Blake scoring the decider on 73 minutes.

The opening skirmishes were pretty even. The home side’s Mario Embalo fired just over from 20 yards, but it was Badshot Lea who made the breakthrough after 20 minutes.

From near the corner-flag, George Jones pulled back a fine cross and Ryan Stephens’ diving header nestled in the corner of the net.

Colliers Wood huffed and puffed, and fell over a lot, notably Eli Ogunseye when through on goal, much to the frustration of the home supporters.

However, Wood did draw level on 32 minutes. After some neat and patient passing, the ball fell to Dan Harding and his superb 25-yard shot flew over Josh Peckham into the top left-hand corner.

The goal inspired Colliers into some much better play, but the visitors defended in numbers and when they did break out, Wester Young was forced to make an important save to deny the dangerous Stephens his second goal.

The home side almost grabbed the lead in a strong finish to the half. Harding’s attempted chip narrowly cleared the bar and Peckham used his legs to stop another shot from Ogunseye.

Colliers continued to force the pace in the second half, but were missing the killer ball needed to open up a resilient rearguard

Keeper Peckham commanded his area and when Colliers did get through, Elliott Hobden and Gavin Muir made vital clearances for the Baggies.

As the floodlights penetrated the gloom and the rain returned, Badshot Lea were rewarded for their defensive excellence.

After a series of throw-ins, Craig Barker launched a cross to the far post and with Young rooted to his line, Blake bundled the ball into the net with a combination of head and chest.

Colliers Wood renewed the pressure, but the Baggies held out, with Jason Minton outstanding at the back. And when Wood did have a chance to salvage a point, Joe Mead blazed over the bar from close range.