BARELY OFF TO A FLYER

Barely 3 Westbury Wanderers 1

BARELY SECURE 100% RECORD IN THE LEAGUE & 100% PENALTY RECORD (.....in the League!!!)

Well for those brave apostles who couldn't make the game and for this who did, here's a brief report.....

Time: 9.30 am. Place: in the car driving to the game. Huey and Louey consider the starting options and panic (very slightly) over the prospect of playing with only 10 men....
The news of having only 10 was received positively by the team, followed by some frenetic texting and phoning to round up extra players (to no avail). On person, who shall remain nameless, did however comment, "What a bloo*y shambles. Would never have happened in my day".

Anyway, 10.30 ish, game on. The 10 become 9. Big Lee eventually makes a start 10 mins into the game. Despite having only 10 players, Barely dominate play but concede a nicely slotted goal to Westbury Wanderers (who, despite being newly promoted, showed no nerves playing in the top flight of the Casuals League). 
An early setback, but Barely continue to press and, following some neat link-up play, Lee looses his marker and slots in the equaliser from the edge of the box. All square.

The team are all playing well. Nick takes charge in goal and makes himself big (ooo er missus). Phil 'The Enforcer' and Danny 'You're not coming in if you're not on the list' shore up the defence in true a true Gandalf 'You Shall Not Pass' stylee. Andy and Sam, the full backs, have their opposing numbers in their pockets (even though their shorts have no pockets) and cause Westbury problems with pace and skill (there's just no substitute for these qualities in today's game).  The Barely midfield dominated, with Lee adding his (not inconsiderable) physical presence and Jerry 'The Flyer' Gyde making some truly inspirational runs and crosses. Yes Ladies, fear not, he still has the magic! Up front, the lone striker, Marseille Mani harried the defence, showing them no mercy or chance to rest.

Barely were paying great football, using the width and creating chance after chance. Still difficult with 10 men though.......

Then, a miracle. Enter Big Tyrone - a journeyman player for AXA and Redland looking to settle a score with a player from PSST. As none of these teams were actually playing and, following a brief chat with Nick, he joined the apostles and settles his score with Westbury players instead. Kind of a case of 'if you can't kick the one you want, kick the one you're with'.  Now with Tyrone, Lee and Phil in the site, Westbury could be forgiven for thinking that they were facing a rugby front row rather than footballers.

Half time 1:1

Second half and Barely continue to dazzle! Andy, breaking in from the left beats 2 or 3 (may even have been 4) and slots the ball home left of a flailing keeper. 2:1 for Barely.  Then, 10 minutes from time, Rich makes a characteristic burst from midfield and is scythed down in the box. Clear penalty. But who will take it with so many players still psychologically scarred form the experience of the cup game? One man stepped forward, Jerry. He eyed the keeper and buried it top left. Keeper no chance. 3:1 to Barely. Full time.

Man of the Match - 3-way tie between Rich, Jerry and Andy. (Jerry and Andy then generously conceded the title to Rich).

All in all, a great game. Westbury Wanderers were honourable, competitive and played true to the Casuals ethos. Decent men and fine fellows! All Barely players had fine games. The main thing was though that all supported each other, with the only comment and shouts being positive and encouraging. That made a big difference (along with the result!) and, as a result, all enjoyed the game. Which is, after all, the whole point of playing. Top Barely spirit was shown with a victory carved against the odds.