Wasteful Catholic United fall to consecutive defeats as second-half goals from Alex Bessent and Max Noe help ACD United secure their first league win of the campaign.

Report by Freddie Facey

The Essex Bhoys made the brighter start of the two sides, with Dom O’Kane testing George Walker early on. Catholic continued to apply pressure as Tashinga Zvirawa drove forward and beat his marker, before finding O’Kane, whose clever flick released Zvirawa for a shot that was again saved by Walker.

Eamonn Kearney’s side continued to break down the visitors’ backline as O’Kane played the ball in behind ACD’s defence, but Aaron Baldwin’s shot was denied by Walker, who was proving difficult to beat.

After finding it difficult to make it out of their own half, the visitors had the first opportunity before half-time. An effort from outside the penalty area forced Owen Wells into action, with Wells reacting well to turn the ball behind for a corner. The resulting set-piece came to nothing, leaving the sides goalless heading into the break.

Half-time: Catholic United 0-0 ACD United

Catholic started the second half brightly, as Josh Bird played a sweeping pass into the path of Zvirawa, who raced beyond the ACD defence before seeing his attempt denied by Walker.

Catholic started the second half brightly; they suffered a blow ten minutes after the restart when ACD’s Alex Bessent broke the deadlock to claim his first goal of the season against the run of play.

Despite ACD holding the advantage, the Essex Bhoys searched for a quick response. A dangerous delivery from Dan Rogers flashed across the penalty area, but there were no green and white shirts to capitalise.
The visitors conceded a free kick on the edge of the area, but Dan Rogers’ superb effort rattled off both posts before bouncing clear, with no one there to turn in the rebound.

That chance would prove costly as ACD caught the home side out on the attack, as Max Noe’s clinical finish doubling ACD’s advantage and putting the game out Catholic’s reach.

The Bhoys continued to push in the closing stages but were unable to find a route back into the contest, as a strong defensive performance secured ACD their first-ever league win at the Len Forge Centre.

Full-time: Catholic United 0-2 ACD United
A frustrating afternoon for Catholic, who created opportunities throughout the contest but lacked the finishing touch in front of goal. With several key players, including Justin Price and Patrick Kearney, currently side-lined through injury, the Essex Bhoys will be looking to regroup and respond in their next outing.

Next up: Old Chelmsfordians | 2:00pm | Saturday 5 September.