Beer Albion 2nds were beaten 4-1 by Starcross Generals in a Macron League Division Five match at a blustery Furzebrake, writes Richard Honnor.

Although the Fishermen battled hard to get something out of the game and had their fair share of possession, they struggled to cope with the visitors’ wide play and counter-attacking style.

With the wind to their advantage Beer competed well enough in the first half, but almost conceded on four minutes when John Adkin was forced to clear from inside his six-yard box after a defensive mix-up.

The Fishermen’s first chance came on 12 minutes when Billy Long found space for himself 18-yards out but his effort sailed over the Generals bar.

Starcross were now starting to get on top and only a couple of fine saves by Beer keeper Henry Bartlett kept his side in the game until on 23 minutes the visitors went ahead through Steffan Cottam who tapped the ball in from close range after another defensive mix-up.

Within a minute Beer were level through a solo effort from new signing Ed Karajev whose 20-yard strike was placed well wide of the keeper’s despairing dive.

The Fishermen did have a couple of chances to go ahead before the break. First Nathan Newbury found Karajev in the clear with a fine ball, but the striker miscued from 18-yards. Then a good cross from Jamie Walker found Newbury whose first-time effort was straight at the keeper.

After the interval Starcross began to dominate the play and went ahead 2-1 on 50 minutes.

A promising Beer move broke down on the edge of the Starcross area and the Fishermen were caught on the break as the visitors moved the ball quickly down the left to the dangerous Cottam.

He took the ball unchallenged to the edge of the Beer penalty area and cut inside to hit a clean strike giving Bartlett no chance. The Fishermen nearly equalised on 67 minutes when a fine cross from right winger Billy Long was met by Jamie Walker whose shot was deflected on to the post by the Starcross keeper. But a minute later the Generals increased their lead through Lewis O’Connor who took advantage of Beer’s failure to clear the ball with a fine strike from 20 yards.

After the introduction of midfielder Ollie Paget and Jack White down the left, Beer had a better shape but it was all too late and yet another defensive slip presented O’Connor with his 2nd goal on 90 minutes to make it 4-1 in the visitor’s favour.

Man of the Match was awarded to Starcross’s lively centre forward Stefan Cottam and for Beer the hard-working goalscorer Karajev caught the eye.

This Saturday (October 1) Beer Reserves entertain Awliscombe United at the Furzebrake in the Football Express Cup. Kick off is 2.30pm and the match is sponsored by Cafe Napoli, Fore Street Beer. Beer first team, who have yet to open their Macron League Premier Division account, travel to Upottery.