Premier SouthPoints shared thanks to Bowerman’s late stunner
Following the Robins opening day defeat away at Berkhamsted we needed an improved performance against newly promoted Uxbridge in our first game of the season at the SB stadium.
In front of a crowd of 723, the game kicked off with both teams looking to get an early foothold. The Robins began to short much more intent than the previous week but were still struggling to find enough possession to make an early impact.
With neither goalkeeper under any real pressure the first half took a while to get going, there were promising signs, but Uxbridge were up for the battle and were not going to be easy to breakdown.
The only real highlight of the first half was a long-range strike from Joe Grant that struck the bar but rebounded safely for a goal kick, although both sides had a couple of chances, they failed to break the deadlock going into the break. The Robins had more of the ball in the first 45 minutes but there was still a lot of room for improvement.
The second half started a lot more positively, the Robin’s taking early control of the proceedings ex Robin, Mark Scott in the Uxbridge goal, made two good early saves to deny Jordan Esprit.
he Robin’s still had the upper hand but fell behind after 65 minutes, Bernie Tanner made himself some space, and in a mirror image of Joe Grant’s earlier strike, his long-range effort, tipped onto the by Michael Eacott, the ball rebounded into space in the box and the dangerous Dan Rowe was first to react to put Uxbridge ahead with a simple header past a helpless Micheal Eacott.
Spurred on by the crowd, the Robins needed to find a way back into the game, but Uxbridge were making it difficult and once again Mark Scott was on hand to preserve their lead.
Uxbridge should have been reduced to 10 men when last man, Bocarro’s deliberate trip on Francis Amartey avoided an early shower when the referee only brandished a yellow card. With time running out and the Robin’s still showing more attacking intent, the game became a little feisty.
However, shortly after, in the 81st minute, a quickly taken freekick to Seb Bowerman in space had the time and composure to strike curling shot from 20 yards into the top right-hand corner despite the efforts of Mark Scott and an attempted headed clearance from the Uxbridge defender to put the Robins level.
Uxbridge closed out the game. The Robins performance was much better but still needs improving, with several new faces in the squad it will take a little time for things to gel.