Valiant Central City run Bideford mightily close

A gutsy, battling performance saw Central City fall to a narrow 4-2 defeat at the hands of table-topping Bideford Blues today at a blustery King George V. 

Both teams came into the match with unblemished 100% records, the visitors having won most games by substantial margins, meaning this highly anticipated match really was a clash of the titans. After a highly promising opening period in which City matched their opponents and came to terms with their physical approach, the visitors took the lead on 17 minutes and went on to add two further goals, giving them a 3-0 half-time lead. The game had been played almost entirely in driving rain but the scoreline by no means reflected the balance of play, with City testing the opposition keeper and winning a string of corners without being able to make them pay.

The second-half, however, witnessed an outstanding comeback by City. The tone was set by intense City pressure from the off which lead to a goalmouth scramble which Bideford somehow managed to clear. The pressure soon paid off and following yet another City corner, the ball broke to Will Pye wide on the right. From there he delivered a powerful cross which deceived everyone and flew into the net, making 1-3. With the momentum very much with the home team, City poured forward, Alfie W testing the 'keeper. Moments later and it was 2-3, an in-swinging corner causing confusion in the Bideford defence and the ball nestling in the back of the net via the goalie. An unfortunate own goal, perhaps, but one which City's determination fully merited. With nearly 25 minutes remaining, it was very much a case of game on.

The ball is in the back of the net as City fight back against Bideford!

What followed was an enthralling encounter, with both teams having good opportunities to score. City went agonisingly close to an equaliser on several occasions, notably when Alfie W was one-on-one with the 'keeper and when Ryan flicked a cross from Alfie which was cleared off the line. However, City were unable to fashion the equaliser which their all-round play deserved and with 5 minutes remaining, Bideford made the game safe with a fourth. There was still time for City to almost claw back a third goal, Alfie R firing past the post from a corner.

So, a first defeat in the league this season, but on another day and with a bit more luck on their side, City would undoubtedly have got something out of the game. Indeed, Bideford had to defend resolutely throughout the match in the face of some fantastic moves from City, who combined excellent all-round inter-play and passing with grit, determination and athleticism. Bideford certainly knew that they had been in a real game and there are so many positives which City can take out of the game, not least being the first team to score more than one goal against Bideford this season. City had matched their well-organised, strong opponents at every step and can be hugely encouraged by this performance.

Yet again, it was very much a team performance with outstanding play across the pitch from back to front. Man of the Match, as chosen by John Plumer, went to Julen for his determination, flexibility in playing in midfield and defence and eagerness to bring team-mates into play with his passing. Well done to Julen, and well done to everyone for running a very good Bideford team so close.

Next week sees the league take a break, with Central City hosting Alphington in the Cup. On the back of this display, we can look forward to another excellent performance.