Barely Athletic 0 Bathelona 3
Goal: Steve
Defence: Rich B, Phil, Tom, Danny
Midfield: Nick, Jim, Sam, Mani
Attack: Richie, Lefils
Subs: Mike, Paul
Spectators: Bob and dog.
This game, like a particularly well-sprung peg, was tighter than it first appears. Granted, Barely can have no cause to grumble about the result, but had they taken all their chances they would have come away with at least a point. The crossbar shuddered twice after goalmouth melees in the Bathelona box, efforts were cleared off the line, and Richie's finishing on a hat-trick of chances was unusually wayward.
The game klcked off late after both teams debated the wisdom of playing on what was literally frozen ground. They agreed that an extra few minutes of sun before kick-off would do no harm, and began with the caveat that Paul (refereeing at this stage) would stop the clock after ten minutes and see if everyone was happy to continue. The score being 0-0 at that point, and everyone's limbs intact, it turned out they were.
Barely welcomed the return of the scampering goal-machine that is Lefils, which boosted a pretty strong line-up bearing in mind stalwarts Rich Jackson and Andy Lillford were both missing. And as the game began, things were pretty even. Bathelona probably won the first ten minutes on points, but as the half wore on Barely were working their way into the game. The potentially bad news of both Nick and Sam limping off injured was shrugged aside as with Mike and Paul on as replacements, Barely had probably their best period of the game for the last 20 minutes of the first half. Bathelona had been restricted to three efforts at goal, all gobbled up by Steve. Worryingly though, they were on target, whereas the otherwise excellent Mani and Richie put their chances wide. A shot across Bathelona's bow, or a wild roundhouse that left Barely wide open?
Please bear with us as we mix metaphors.
At half time Barely knew they were, if not on top, then at least shading things, and certainly better than the last time they played Bathelona. But the break had also given the opposition a chance to regroup, and it was Bathelona who opened the scoring early in the second half. A cross came in that Phil attempted to chest back to Steve, but the bounce was awkward, the contact slippy, and the skidding ricochet fell kindly for Bathelona's right-winger, who had shrewdly gambled and made the run. His contact was weak too, but enough to see it bounce over Steve and into the net for the lead.
Barely rallied, but the Bathelona defence were more disciplined in this half and, the crossbar shaking aside, the home team could not trouble the goalkeeper unduly. At the other Bathelona seemed intent on scoring every 8 minutes as they plonked a shot past Steve and in off the post, and another saw the ball squeeze under the diving Barely sticksman to seal the points. Unsurprisingly Barely's head's drooped a little at 2-0, sensing the parsimony of the Bathelona back line wasn't going to allow a comeback. But of course they kept pushing, and probably finished the game the stronger side - albeit vulnerable to the counter-attack, and grateful to Danny and Phil for a couple of last-ditch clearances.
So back to square one it is. Barely were shivering as they left Keynsham yesterday, and it wasn't just the cold. The hardest teams in division one may be out of the way, but Barely have 2 points from three games, and zero momentum. But then again, no-one will play a game for about three months now - if the great leveller that is the Bristol winter has anything to do with it. So come March, a new leaf, a clean slate, and the bell rings for round five with Barely behind on points but far from out of it.
Man of the Match went to Jim, though the Barely Reporter would also like to note considerable defensive contributions from - well, the whole back line, and salute Paul and Mike's impact.
Monday 8 December 2008
Sunday 19 October 2008
Wanderers seen off by Barely
Barely Athletic 4 Westbury Wanderers 1
Goal: Steve
Defence: Rich B, Tom P, Phil, Andy
Midfield: Sam, Jim, Jacko, Mani
Attack: Richie, Ioan
subs: Ian, Paul
Ioan Williams will be the name on John Toshack's lips this morning as the Wales national team's manager searches for a striker to end his world cup woes. Could a diminuative tab-puffing middle-aged veteran be the answer? If Toshack had witnessed yesterday's display by the Barely marksman the answer would be a categorical yes, and Earnshaw would be out on his ear again. What's going on with Earnshaw? Why do people keep paying him money? I know he can run fast, but that doesn't seem to do Dwain Chambers any favours.
Anyway Ioan took the deserved plaudits for a stirring hat-trick, but Williams himself would admit the whole team turned in a really good day at the office - as though instead of congregating around the water cooler on a Friday afternoon gossiping, the workforce knuckled down at their desks and forced through that sale everyone said was a stone-cold lead balloon. That kind of arse-licking can get you noticed by the top brass, and sure enough other Casuals League teams may well be rubbing their eyes at the scoreline and feeling the stir of anxiety within their chests. The Barely Beast awakens.
After an opening couple of games that had seen our heroes looking somewhat less than heroic, one might have forgiven the team for hesitancy against a big (but it must be said, fair) Westbury Wanderers side. However Richie had spent many a sleepless night telling himself not to worry, and whilst staring at the ceiling he also managed some tactical jiggery-pokery, which resulted in a changed line-up. Andy reverted to defence and Sam and Mani to midfeld. Richie pushed himself up as an attacking midfielder just behind Ioan, with a mind to drop deep whenever Westbury had the ball. With Rich Batten at right-back, Barely's most durable engine rooms were placed at optimum positions - both full-backs and attacking midfield. Though reward was not immediately evident, the promise was - and Barely grew in stature as the game wore on.
Barely were already shading things in the early stages, though they were grateful that Phil and Tom were alert at centre-back, as Westbury looked to attack through the middle. But after Ioan deftly diverted an Andy shot past the keeper to give Barely the lead, the team never looked back. Not when Westbury forced an equaliser somewhat against the run of play just before half-time. Not when both Tom (clobbered by the only Wanderer who seemed intent on crossing the line physically, and to be fair he was swiftly reined in by his captain) and Jacko (with a recurrent strain) were forced off with injury. Their replacements in Ian and Paul performed beyond the call of duty, Paul chipping in with a goal as he broke from deep in the game's closing stages.
By that time Ioan had his hat-trick, a side-footed finish and a stooping header both converting crosses from Richie making the game safe. Ioan also missed a sitter and hit the post from a narrow angle, though 6-1 would have been harsh on Westbury, who never stopped competing. Man of the Match was a cakewalk for Williams.
Paul then tragically marred what should have been a great day by modelling his lucky pants - harrowing enough on their own but when seen in-situ, the stuff of nightmares. Andy confirmed he has already put in a request for counselling, and Bob was seen driving away ashen-faced and shivering.
But Barely will have to try and block out the flashbacks and concentrate on repeating this kind of display until it can justifiably be called good form. Not every team will grant them the space Westbury did, but if Barely play to their potential as they did yesterday, they will always be in with a shout of some points.
Goal: Steve
Defence: Rich B, Tom P, Phil, Andy
Midfield: Sam, Jim, Jacko, Mani
Attack: Richie, Ioan
subs: Ian, Paul
Ioan Williams will be the name on John Toshack's lips this morning as the Wales national team's manager searches for a striker to end his world cup woes. Could a diminuative tab-puffing middle-aged veteran be the answer? If Toshack had witnessed yesterday's display by the Barely marksman the answer would be a categorical yes, and Earnshaw would be out on his ear again. What's going on with Earnshaw? Why do people keep paying him money? I know he can run fast, but that doesn't seem to do Dwain Chambers any favours.
Anyway Ioan took the deserved plaudits for a stirring hat-trick, but Williams himself would admit the whole team turned in a really good day at the office - as though instead of congregating around the water cooler on a Friday afternoon gossiping, the workforce knuckled down at their desks and forced through that sale everyone said was a stone-cold lead balloon. That kind of arse-licking can get you noticed by the top brass, and sure enough other Casuals League teams may well be rubbing their eyes at the scoreline and feeling the stir of anxiety within their chests. The Barely Beast awakens.
After an opening couple of games that had seen our heroes looking somewhat less than heroic, one might have forgiven the team for hesitancy against a big (but it must be said, fair) Westbury Wanderers side. However Richie had spent many a sleepless night telling himself not to worry, and whilst staring at the ceiling he also managed some tactical jiggery-pokery, which resulted in a changed line-up. Andy reverted to defence and Sam and Mani to midfeld. Richie pushed himself up as an attacking midfielder just behind Ioan, with a mind to drop deep whenever Westbury had the ball. With Rich Batten at right-back, Barely's most durable engine rooms were placed at optimum positions - both full-backs and attacking midfield. Though reward was not immediately evident, the promise was - and Barely grew in stature as the game wore on.
Barely were already shading things in the early stages, though they were grateful that Phil and Tom were alert at centre-back, as Westbury looked to attack through the middle. But after Ioan deftly diverted an Andy shot past the keeper to give Barely the lead, the team never looked back. Not when Westbury forced an equaliser somewhat against the run of play just before half-time. Not when both Tom (clobbered by the only Wanderer who seemed intent on crossing the line physically, and to be fair he was swiftly reined in by his captain) and Jacko (with a recurrent strain) were forced off with injury. Their replacements in Ian and Paul performed beyond the call of duty, Paul chipping in with a goal as he broke from deep in the game's closing stages.
By that time Ioan had his hat-trick, a side-footed finish and a stooping header both converting crosses from Richie making the game safe. Ioan also missed a sitter and hit the post from a narrow angle, though 6-1 would have been harsh on Westbury, who never stopped competing. Man of the Match was a cakewalk for Williams.
Paul then tragically marred what should have been a great day by modelling his lucky pants - harrowing enough on their own but when seen in-situ, the stuff of nightmares. Andy confirmed he has already put in a request for counselling, and Bob was seen driving away ashen-faced and shivering.
But Barely will have to try and block out the flashbacks and concentrate on repeating this kind of display until it can justifiably be called good form. Not every team will grant them the space Westbury did, but if Barely play to their potential as they did yesterday, they will always be in with a shout of some points.
Monday 29 September 2008
Reunion 9 (Nine) Barely Athletic 1
Goal: Steve
Defence: Chris, Andy, Danny, Rich B
Midfield: Mike, Ian, Jacko, Mani
Attack: Sam, Nick
Subs: Jim, Richie, Ioan, Eustace
It took so long to begin this report it almost feels like an obituary. Like a theatre critic going proudly, hopefully, to see his son play Vladimir in Waiting For Godot only to forget all his lines and keep bumping into Estragon. How to write up such humourless corpsing? Performance-wise, Barely Athletic did not die yesterday afternoon, but they spent a good bit of time on the gurney looking dazed. What's your name? How many fingers?
In fact basic math is not the only thing Barely are struggling with. If their traditional slow start now applies season-wide then some remedial classes might be in order. For this is relegation form and Barely's long stay in the top tier will be in serious jeopardy if they cannot pull something out of the fire, to mix a couple of metaphors.
On a brighter note, though it seems perverse to say so this was in some ways an improvement on the opening day defeat to AXA - the ludicrous soundbites from the Barely dressing room afterwards ("We played some good stuff") did have a germ of truth in them, desperately straw-clutching though they were. Though defensively little needs to be noted other than a glance at the scoreline, Barely had their moments going forward, especially after Richie and Jim joined the fray in the second half. By this time Barely were 5-1 down though (the goal coming courtesy of Mani coolly slotting home Mike's deep cross) and Reunion had been pretty much granted freedom of Bristol such was the space they were afforded. Barely's second half showing was an improvement, with Richie reshuffling the team to a large extent (and making an impact himself), but Reunion were still the better team, and punished Barely mercilessly with a late salvo of goals as Barely faltered in the heat and the midfield found it exponentially harder to chase back after any attacks broke down. It might have been much worse too but for several interventions by Nick, playing the game of his life in goal, and some last-ditch blocks from Danny and Rich Batten in particular.
At the other end Jim and Richie both shot narrowly wide and the former so nearly got on the end of a Richie cross as Barely did their best to penetrate a well organised, but not hugely mobile, defence. Sam forced a stretching save from the keeper with an improvised chip after nicking the ball from the centre-back, and the Reunion sticksman also denied Richie again with two saves pushing the ball out for corners as he and Andy combined to good effect on the left. Steve, having a spell up front, managed a couple of neat turns but couldn't free himself enough for a finish. At the other end, however, the home team were proving clinical with a series of precision finishes.
Richie (who shared man-of-the-match with Andy) and Jim have some job on their hands building morale, not to mention ekeing out a result - even a draw - after this. The Barely Reporter will hazard a guess and say the work starts at the back, though as Nick pointed out, starting the game against last year's champions with their two best players on the bench might have been misplaced loyalty (or worse, faith) on Jim's part. But that's part of Barely's creed after all, and the day the managers approach the game from a purely mercenary perspective, then a little something will have died after all.
And on that slightly pompous note, your correspondant signs off, looking for a very stiff cup of coffee.
Defence: Chris, Andy, Danny, Rich B
Midfield: Mike, Ian, Jacko, Mani
Attack: Sam, Nick
Subs: Jim, Richie, Ioan, Eustace
It took so long to begin this report it almost feels like an obituary. Like a theatre critic going proudly, hopefully, to see his son play Vladimir in Waiting For Godot only to forget all his lines and keep bumping into Estragon. How to write up such humourless corpsing? Performance-wise, Barely Athletic did not die yesterday afternoon, but they spent a good bit of time on the gurney looking dazed. What's your name? How many fingers?
In fact basic math is not the only thing Barely are struggling with. If their traditional slow start now applies season-wide then some remedial classes might be in order. For this is relegation form and Barely's long stay in the top tier will be in serious jeopardy if they cannot pull something out of the fire, to mix a couple of metaphors.
On a brighter note, though it seems perverse to say so this was in some ways an improvement on the opening day defeat to AXA - the ludicrous soundbites from the Barely dressing room afterwards ("We played some good stuff") did have a germ of truth in them, desperately straw-clutching though they were. Though defensively little needs to be noted other than a glance at the scoreline, Barely had their moments going forward, especially after Richie and Jim joined the fray in the second half. By this time Barely were 5-1 down though (the goal coming courtesy of Mani coolly slotting home Mike's deep cross) and Reunion had been pretty much granted freedom of Bristol such was the space they were afforded. Barely's second half showing was an improvement, with Richie reshuffling the team to a large extent (and making an impact himself), but Reunion were still the better team, and punished Barely mercilessly with a late salvo of goals as Barely faltered in the heat and the midfield found it exponentially harder to chase back after any attacks broke down. It might have been much worse too but for several interventions by Nick, playing the game of his life in goal, and some last-ditch blocks from Danny and Rich Batten in particular.
At the other end Jim and Richie both shot narrowly wide and the former so nearly got on the end of a Richie cross as Barely did their best to penetrate a well organised, but not hugely mobile, defence. Sam forced a stretching save from the keeper with an improvised chip after nicking the ball from the centre-back, and the Reunion sticksman also denied Richie again with two saves pushing the ball out for corners as he and Andy combined to good effect on the left. Steve, having a spell up front, managed a couple of neat turns but couldn't free himself enough for a finish. At the other end, however, the home team were proving clinical with a series of precision finishes.
Richie (who shared man-of-the-match with Andy) and Jim have some job on their hands building morale, not to mention ekeing out a result - even a draw - after this. The Barely Reporter will hazard a guess and say the work starts at the back, though as Nick pointed out, starting the game against last year's champions with their two best players on the bench might have been misplaced loyalty (or worse, faith) on Jim's part. But that's part of Barely's creed after all, and the day the managers approach the game from a purely mercenary perspective, then a little something will have died after all.
And on that slightly pompous note, your correspondant signs off, looking for a very stiff cup of coffee.
Monday 15 September 2008
Barely in 5-goal Thriller!
Barely Athletic 0 AXA 5
Unfortunately Barely's role was that of straight man continuously slapped around the face by his 'hilarious' master. And frankly it could have been worse. With crowd favourites Tom Pinnell, Andy Lillford and Rich 'the metronome' Jackson all absent, it was always going to be a tough game against a big and composed AXA side. Barely began like this:
Goal: Steve
Defence: Chris, Danny, Phil, Rich B
Midfield: Mike, Jim, Richie, NIck
Attack: Mani, Sam
Subs: Gareth and Eustace.
It was a warm and curiously dry day, though the pitch was heavy with dew after the first cold night of the impending autumn. How Barely must have wished the dawn had never came. But for an hour they were in the game. They began, like almost every match report in the Barely archives surely echoes, on the back foot. AXA had a degree of passing and movement that tactician Richie can only dream of, if indeed he has nothing better to dream about, and they put the Barely defence to work from the word go. However, in the early stages they generally found them impassable on the ground, and turned instead to hitting in crosses at great speed, with mixed successes. Steve was occasionally beaten, but these efforts weren't hitting the target.
Instead the goal came rather freakishly when Rich Batten hit a goal-kick straight at the opposing attacker, who belted the ball in off the underside of Steve's body. It says much about Rich 'The Body' Batten's character that he shrugged off this gaffe and turned another man-of-the-match performance, narrowly seeing off Richie in the voting.
Meanwhile though Barely shoe-horned their way into the game with the odd swift - for them - counter-attack. Jim, put in by The Body, saw a shot smothered by the defence. Sam hit an effort from the edge of the box just past the right-hand post. Richie went narrowly wide of the left-hand. And the break came with Barely 1-0 down and well in the game, if they could keep the AXA attack at arm's length.
Gareth and Eustace both put in busy appearances in the second-half, as did Nick who took up position between the sticks. But between his fine saves AXA hit a second around the hour, and the Barely house of cards collapsed. Man-for-man a few years older than their blue-beshirted counterparts, Barely were going backwards through the gears as time took it's toll and AXA took advantage, breaking again and again as Barely looked for a consolation at the other end. It wasn't to be. Everything was in place - the crisp weather, the tingly sensation of a opening season, the delightful 'thwack' noise a ball makes when you strike it just right - but for Barely, it was merely the silver lining to a very dark cloud.
Credit must go to both teams for playing the game in the right spirit - the fire in Barely's bellies is of the cosy hearth variety and they don't tend to throw tantrums when they lose. But that's now history. Somehow they must shake off this defeat and return in two week's time - nobody appears to be taking next week's cup game as anything more than a convoluted friendly - with a clean slate. Otherwise their long tradition of occupation in the highest Casuals division could be in danger of coming to a dramatic close.
Unfortunately Barely's role was that of straight man continuously slapped around the face by his 'hilarious' master. And frankly it could have been worse. With crowd favourites Tom Pinnell, Andy Lillford and Rich 'the metronome' Jackson all absent, it was always going to be a tough game against a big and composed AXA side. Barely began like this:
Goal: Steve
Defence: Chris, Danny, Phil, Rich B
Midfield: Mike, Jim, Richie, NIck
Attack: Mani, Sam
Subs: Gareth and Eustace.
It was a warm and curiously dry day, though the pitch was heavy with dew after the first cold night of the impending autumn. How Barely must have wished the dawn had never came. But for an hour they were in the game. They began, like almost every match report in the Barely archives surely echoes, on the back foot. AXA had a degree of passing and movement that tactician Richie can only dream of, if indeed he has nothing better to dream about, and they put the Barely defence to work from the word go. However, in the early stages they generally found them impassable on the ground, and turned instead to hitting in crosses at great speed, with mixed successes. Steve was occasionally beaten, but these efforts weren't hitting the target.
Instead the goal came rather freakishly when Rich Batten hit a goal-kick straight at the opposing attacker, who belted the ball in off the underside of Steve's body. It says much about Rich 'The Body' Batten's character that he shrugged off this gaffe and turned another man-of-the-match performance, narrowly seeing off Richie in the voting.
Meanwhile though Barely shoe-horned their way into the game with the odd swift - for them - counter-attack. Jim, put in by The Body, saw a shot smothered by the defence. Sam hit an effort from the edge of the box just past the right-hand post. Richie went narrowly wide of the left-hand. And the break came with Barely 1-0 down and well in the game, if they could keep the AXA attack at arm's length.
Gareth and Eustace both put in busy appearances in the second-half, as did Nick who took up position between the sticks. But between his fine saves AXA hit a second around the hour, and the Barely house of cards collapsed. Man-for-man a few years older than their blue-beshirted counterparts, Barely were going backwards through the gears as time took it's toll and AXA took advantage, breaking again and again as Barely looked for a consolation at the other end. It wasn't to be. Everything was in place - the crisp weather, the tingly sensation of a opening season, the delightful 'thwack' noise a ball makes when you strike it just right - but for Barely, it was merely the silver lining to a very dark cloud.
Credit must go to both teams for playing the game in the right spirit - the fire in Barely's bellies is of the cosy hearth variety and they don't tend to throw tantrums when they lose. But that's now history. Somehow they must shake off this defeat and return in two week's time - nobody appears to be taking next week's cup game as anything more than a convoluted friendly - with a clean slate. Otherwise their long tradition of occupation in the highest Casuals division could be in danger of coming to a dramatic close.
Wednesday 20 August 2008
Awards Night Declared 'reasonable success'
The Barely Athletic Football Team Awards (BAFTAs) were hosted mid-summer by Barely's very own Ioan Williams, at the palatial Hope and Anchor on Jacobs Wells Road. Despite the relatively low turnout - new babies, holidays and alternative piss-ups featuring women (Andy) taking their toll, it was still a star-studded evening for celeb-spotters, autograph hunters and Barelyites in general as almost a full team congregated expectantly to hear the awards announced and partake in Ioan's deviously-themed quiz.
Without further ado, then, the winners of the 'minor' categories are:
Sartorial Elegance- Chris (prize a Vidal Sasoon hair brush)
Strop of the year shared between Fizzy and Rich Batten (prize a dummy)
Collina refereeeing award -Bob (prize a genuine reproduction antique whistle)
Hairstyle of the season -Mani (shower gel)
Busst injury of the year -Andy (failed to collect as was injured)
Alistair Campbell writing award -Sam (a set of the finest writing crayons and a mug)
Special Chairman's Award (No Category) or SCANC. Rich Jackson and Danny now known collectively in the shire as 'the wall'.
And in the big leagues, the winners who got to snort cocaine off some silicon-enhanced tits later in the evening at the after-show party:
Clubman - Nick
Players Player - Steve
Players of the year - Jim
These awards were considered so serious Ioan didn't even supply comedy prizes, but proper trophies. The evening a complete success, The Barely Reporter would like to say thanks to everyone involved, especially Ioan for hosting both the awards and the quiz.
Without further ado, then, the winners of the 'minor' categories are:
Sartorial Elegance- Chris (prize a Vidal Sasoon hair brush)
Strop of the year shared between Fizzy and Rich Batten (prize a dummy)
Collina refereeeing award -Bob (prize a genuine reproduction antique whistle)
Hairstyle of the season -Mani (shower gel)
Busst injury of the year -Andy (failed to collect as was injured)
Alistair Campbell writing award -Sam (a set of the finest writing crayons and a mug)
Special Chairman's Award (No Category) or SCANC. Rich Jackson and Danny now known collectively in the shire as 'the wall'.
And in the big leagues, the winners who got to snort cocaine off some silicon-enhanced tits later in the evening at the after-show party:
Clubman - Nick
Players Player - Steve
Players of the year - Jim
These awards were considered so serious Ioan didn't even supply comedy prizes, but proper trophies. The evening a complete success, The Barely Reporter would like to say thanks to everyone involved, especially Ioan for hosting both the awards and the quiz.
Friday 16 May 2008
Statastic Season
Barely's resident statto has, with much scratching of heads (not always his own), checking of factoids, searching of memory banks and probably artistic licence, come up with a set of figures so comprehensive and all encompassing that Opta will be committing suicide en masse in collective shame. Here, set to the sound of trumpets (please supply your own in your head, or out loud if there's no-one around) are the Barely player stats for season 07-08.
Thursday 15 May 2008
The Beautiful People pt II
Richie and Sam are in constant motion. Mani is offside. Chris is performing his terrifying levitating ball trick.
The Beautiful People
Woah! Look at all those chins. Sadly absent from the team photo are late arrivals Nick, Chris and Rich B along with the nomadic Quentin, Rich Walters and Rich Sloper.
Bathelona leave Barely washed out
Bathelona 5 Barely Athletic 2
Goal: Andy
Defence: Sam, Tom, Phil, Danny
Midfield: Steve, Jacko, Jim, Richie
Attack: Ioan, Lefils
Subs: Mani, Chris, Mike, Nick, Paul, Rich B
Spectators: Dave, Bob
If last week's defeat to Easton Monday was a hiccup, this was the subsequent projectile that flies from your mouth and lands in the lap of your bosses wife at an important dinner. All that hard work meeting and exceeding projected targets and facilitating percentiles could be undone by your terrible gaffe. But it's ok, because your boss remembers what a good worker you are and he merely chuckles as he wipes the glacéd cherry from his wifes skirt. However, when it comes to promotion you'll probably be passed over for Geoff in marketing, as he is able to run faster than you.
Which tenuous, nay clumsy analogy, means that Barely lost their last two games but it should not detract from a good season. Last night at the Fry's club they had a record turnout of 17 players chomping at the bit. Sadly though they were made to look a bit carthorsey against a fit and more than competent Bathelona side.
With Steve playing through the pain-bump with an injured hand, Richie called for volunteers to go in goal. After much impromptu lace-tying and thousand-yard-staring, Andy volunteered to do a half and impressed no end. Coming down with outfield players, the Barely man-manager and left-wing dynamo went with the options above and the subs spent the early portion of the game probably chomping slightly less with each successive minute.
Barely began badly, however this for a change was not their traditional just-out-bed approach to the game but purely Bathelona's energy and verve. Nonetheless Barely were their own worst enemies when a low ball escaped the whole defence and was converted deftly to give Bathelona an early lead.
But the game had only just begun and despite their haggard demeanour Barely knew they were capable of better and set about realising it. Bathelona, hitherto happy to attack, began to find their defence called to use, and the keeper even made a save or two. But when Richie swung in a corner he couldn't stop Phil prodding the ball in at the far post for his first of the season.
Could Barely capitalise on the change of fortune? Could they bollocks. It was the end-to-end Phil who went from hero to slightly less than hero when he felled an attacker in the box. No arguments about the penalty (though the Barely reporter will, in sour-grapes fashion, tell readers of the blatant handball by Bathelona seconds earlier that the ref ignored) and no problems despatching it. Andy did well to get a hand to the ball but the power took it into the net. Barely were wobbling and Fizzy was beginning to lose his fragile temper.
Richie brought off Steve and Paul came onto the right wing. His impact was immediate, both physically and verbally. He also began marking the Barely left-winger leaving Sam free to push on and join the fray further forward, which Sam was particularly pleased about. But Barely, despite playing better as the game wore on, found themselves 3-1 down by the break when a corner swerved directly into Andy's goal - again, Andy got to the ball but the pace took it in. And things might have been worse but for a couple of splendid tip-overs from Andy, who may find himself occupying the sticks again next season if he's not careful.
There were a flurry of half-time changes that are too complex to go into detail over, but basically Chris was now at right back and Nick in goal. Mani was up front with Lefils.
But the second half started terribly when Barely seemed to move in slow-motion as Bathelona cut a swathe down their right and lobbed the ball in the net past a speechless Nick. 4-1 now, and dreams of a draw for Barely looked to be ebbing away like their memories of youth. Bathelona stepped up their game and time and again Barely were clearing their lines with Danny, more comfortable now at centre-back, prominent with a series of headers and interceptions. However, Barely capitalised with the most nonchalent of finishes from Mani when he scooped the ball over the advancing keeper while under pressure from defenders. Mani does a nice line in trotting away insouciantly.
Highlights from the rest of the game: Mike's half-cartwheel and ankle-flick in the box. Nick's langorously dynamic diving save. Sam being told off for his linesmanship by a member of the opposition's wife. And the Herculean man-of-the-match performance by Richie, who eventually subbed himself from exhaustion. Bathelona's fifth was a nice finish too, which kind of rubbed salt in Barely's wounds after their efforts, but even taking into account a largely one-eyed refereeing performance Bathelona were worthy winners and hope now to go on and defeat Easton Monday to take the title. That game will be an interesting battle.
Next up: the Barely Masters Golf Tournament this weekend, as players relax from the season's strains by thwacking a ball hundreds of yards at a time. Reports will follow.... as will team photos and stats galore from our resident facts man.
Goal: Andy
Defence: Sam, Tom, Phil, Danny
Midfield: Steve, Jacko, Jim, Richie
Attack: Ioan, Lefils
Subs: Mani, Chris, Mike, Nick, Paul, Rich B
Spectators: Dave, Bob
If last week's defeat to Easton Monday was a hiccup, this was the subsequent projectile that flies from your mouth and lands in the lap of your bosses wife at an important dinner. All that hard work meeting and exceeding projected targets and facilitating percentiles could be undone by your terrible gaffe. But it's ok, because your boss remembers what a good worker you are and he merely chuckles as he wipes the glacéd cherry from his wifes skirt. However, when it comes to promotion you'll probably be passed over for Geoff in marketing, as he is able to run faster than you.
Which tenuous, nay clumsy analogy, means that Barely lost their last two games but it should not detract from a good season. Last night at the Fry's club they had a record turnout of 17 players chomping at the bit. Sadly though they were made to look a bit carthorsey against a fit and more than competent Bathelona side.
With Steve playing through the pain-bump with an injured hand, Richie called for volunteers to go in goal. After much impromptu lace-tying and thousand-yard-staring, Andy volunteered to do a half and impressed no end. Coming down with outfield players, the Barely man-manager and left-wing dynamo went with the options above and the subs spent the early portion of the game probably chomping slightly less with each successive minute.
Barely began badly, however this for a change was not their traditional just-out-bed approach to the game but purely Bathelona's energy and verve. Nonetheless Barely were their own worst enemies when a low ball escaped the whole defence and was converted deftly to give Bathelona an early lead.
But the game had only just begun and despite their haggard demeanour Barely knew they were capable of better and set about realising it. Bathelona, hitherto happy to attack, began to find their defence called to use, and the keeper even made a save or two. But when Richie swung in a corner he couldn't stop Phil prodding the ball in at the far post for his first of the season.
Could Barely capitalise on the change of fortune? Could they bollocks. It was the end-to-end Phil who went from hero to slightly less than hero when he felled an attacker in the box. No arguments about the penalty (though the Barely reporter will, in sour-grapes fashion, tell readers of the blatant handball by Bathelona seconds earlier that the ref ignored) and no problems despatching it. Andy did well to get a hand to the ball but the power took it into the net. Barely were wobbling and Fizzy was beginning to lose his fragile temper.
Richie brought off Steve and Paul came onto the right wing. His impact was immediate, both physically and verbally. He also began marking the Barely left-winger leaving Sam free to push on and join the fray further forward, which Sam was particularly pleased about. But Barely, despite playing better as the game wore on, found themselves 3-1 down by the break when a corner swerved directly into Andy's goal - again, Andy got to the ball but the pace took it in. And things might have been worse but for a couple of splendid tip-overs from Andy, who may find himself occupying the sticks again next season if he's not careful.
There were a flurry of half-time changes that are too complex to go into detail over, but basically Chris was now at right back and Nick in goal. Mani was up front with Lefils.
But the second half started terribly when Barely seemed to move in slow-motion as Bathelona cut a swathe down their right and lobbed the ball in the net past a speechless Nick. 4-1 now, and dreams of a draw for Barely looked to be ebbing away like their memories of youth. Bathelona stepped up their game and time and again Barely were clearing their lines with Danny, more comfortable now at centre-back, prominent with a series of headers and interceptions. However, Barely capitalised with the most nonchalent of finishes from Mani when he scooped the ball over the advancing keeper while under pressure from defenders. Mani does a nice line in trotting away insouciantly.
Highlights from the rest of the game: Mike's half-cartwheel and ankle-flick in the box. Nick's langorously dynamic diving save. Sam being told off for his linesmanship by a member of the opposition's wife. And the Herculean man-of-the-match performance by Richie, who eventually subbed himself from exhaustion. Bathelona's fifth was a nice finish too, which kind of rubbed salt in Barely's wounds after their efforts, but even taking into account a largely one-eyed refereeing performance Bathelona were worthy winners and hope now to go on and defeat Easton Monday to take the title. That game will be an interesting battle.
Next up: the Barely Masters Golf Tournament this weekend, as players relax from the season's strains by thwacking a ball hundreds of yards at a time. Reports will follow.... as will team photos and stats galore from our resident facts man.
Thursday 8 May 2008
More archive footage
From the Jerry Gyde collection - some golf pics of one of the Barely Masters. A disappointing lack of chequered slacks.
Monday make bleak Wednesday for Barely
Easton Monday 3 Barely Athletic 1
Goal: Steve
Defence: Rich B, Tom, Quentin, Andy
Midfield: Nick, Sam, Jacko, Mike
Attack: Manrouf, Lefils
Subs: Phil, Danny, Richie, Ioan, Chris
All good things must come to an end - things like the Sopranos, the cadburys creme egg window, and the funniness of Steve Martin. And last night at Fairfield School Easton Monday ended Barely's unbeaten league record with a performance of rare panache that Barely, try as they might, couldn't quite equal.
They had their moments. After a shaky start when the defence seemed to be doing most of the work, Barely edged their way into the game as they strove to keep the ball on the ground and engineer some chances for their strikers. For a while the game looked fairly even but then Monday eased up a gear and began bossing things - and this period of pressure led to the goal, as Tom, sick to the eye teeth of winning the man of the match award, deftly nodded the ball past his dad for an intended easy catch but a resultant own goal. Monday politely declined to celebrate over-exuberantly.
Richie made changes - despite having a gammy eye (the reporter hereby prints a full and frank denial that we alluded anything else on the night of the Chelsea - Liverpool game) the boss brought himself on in midfield and moved Sam to the wing. Richie's frenetic energy gave Monday something else to think about, but Barely could still not exert any real authority, and they got the scores level thanks only to Lefils' persistance and some ludicrous ball-patting by the defender as, lying prone, he pushed the ball away from Fizzy's feet with his hand. Initially hesitant, the Monday ref gave the spot kick after some impressively indignant changes of octave in the Barely larynxes.
At this point we should say that, penalty reluctance aside, the reffing from the Monday players was commendably fair-minded.
Lefils battered in the penalty for his seventh goal of the season and Barely were back in the game. However, neither side were able to take a lead before the break and this was due to the obstinacy of both defences and the cat-like reactions of Steve, who was playing through injury after taking a blow on the hand. Jacko had a shot from distance saved and Fizzy saw a couple of chances go whistling just wide of the far post as Barely enjoyed their strongest spell of the half.
So; half-time. Steve took a turn on the bench as Danny came on at right-back for Mike in a tactical reshuffle. Barely resumed play looking slightly better balanced and, every now and again, breaking forward in numbers as they began to put some moves together. But they always foundered on the rock of the Monday defence, with the keeper pretty much untested. And at the other end Nick was busy, but he could do nothing about a first-time half-volley that was swept beyond him to give Monday the lead. It was an uphill struggle for Barely here on in, with Monday looking comfortable in possession and playing an unhurried game that they could not be hassled out of. Barely tried though. Another Jacko shot - Andy shot high. Fizzy was brought down on the edge of the box and, after a lung-busting scream of pain, got up and belted the ball over the bar. And Steve almost found himself with a heading chance at point-blank range, but the ball bounced agonisingly over his head. Richie made a last throw of the dice with Ioan coming on for Mani for a spell up front, but the Welsh wizard was stifled by the big guns of the Monday defence.
All that said, Monday looked good for the win, looking always the likelier scorers despite impressive defending by Barely, especially Phil (on for the hamstrung Quent), who caught the eye with a series of tackles. When the home side scored again with the last kick (neé header) of the game from a corner, it did not flatter them. Barely's hardest game of the season, played in sapping heat, ended with their first league defeat, though there was no shame in losing to the likely champions. But it would be nice to end the season next week with a result - something the return of co-manager Jim can only help.
In a wide spread of votes, Steve and Jacko shared the man of the match vote, though the clincher for Steve was the fact Tom already had it at home.
Goal: Steve
Defence: Rich B, Tom, Quentin, Andy
Midfield: Nick, Sam, Jacko, Mike
Attack: Manrouf, Lefils
Subs: Phil, Danny, Richie, Ioan, Chris
All good things must come to an end - things like the Sopranos, the cadburys creme egg window, and the funniness of Steve Martin. And last night at Fairfield School Easton Monday ended Barely's unbeaten league record with a performance of rare panache that Barely, try as they might, couldn't quite equal.
They had their moments. After a shaky start when the defence seemed to be doing most of the work, Barely edged their way into the game as they strove to keep the ball on the ground and engineer some chances for their strikers. For a while the game looked fairly even but then Monday eased up a gear and began bossing things - and this period of pressure led to the goal, as Tom, sick to the eye teeth of winning the man of the match award, deftly nodded the ball past his dad for an intended easy catch but a resultant own goal. Monday politely declined to celebrate over-exuberantly.
Richie made changes - despite having a gammy eye (the reporter hereby prints a full and frank denial that we alluded anything else on the night of the Chelsea - Liverpool game) the boss brought himself on in midfield and moved Sam to the wing. Richie's frenetic energy gave Monday something else to think about, but Barely could still not exert any real authority, and they got the scores level thanks only to Lefils' persistance and some ludicrous ball-patting by the defender as, lying prone, he pushed the ball away from Fizzy's feet with his hand. Initially hesitant, the Monday ref gave the spot kick after some impressively indignant changes of octave in the Barely larynxes.
At this point we should say that, penalty reluctance aside, the reffing from the Monday players was commendably fair-minded.
Lefils battered in the penalty for his seventh goal of the season and Barely were back in the game. However, neither side were able to take a lead before the break and this was due to the obstinacy of both defences and the cat-like reactions of Steve, who was playing through injury after taking a blow on the hand. Jacko had a shot from distance saved and Fizzy saw a couple of chances go whistling just wide of the far post as Barely enjoyed their strongest spell of the half.
So; half-time. Steve took a turn on the bench as Danny came on at right-back for Mike in a tactical reshuffle. Barely resumed play looking slightly better balanced and, every now and again, breaking forward in numbers as they began to put some moves together. But they always foundered on the rock of the Monday defence, with the keeper pretty much untested. And at the other end Nick was busy, but he could do nothing about a first-time half-volley that was swept beyond him to give Monday the lead. It was an uphill struggle for Barely here on in, with Monday looking comfortable in possession and playing an unhurried game that they could not be hassled out of. Barely tried though. Another Jacko shot - Andy shot high. Fizzy was brought down on the edge of the box and, after a lung-busting scream of pain, got up and belted the ball over the bar. And Steve almost found himself with a heading chance at point-blank range, but the ball bounced agonisingly over his head. Richie made a last throw of the dice with Ioan coming on for Mani for a spell up front, but the Welsh wizard was stifled by the big guns of the Monday defence.
All that said, Monday looked good for the win, looking always the likelier scorers despite impressive defending by Barely, especially Phil (on for the hamstrung Quent), who caught the eye with a series of tackles. When the home side scored again with the last kick (neé header) of the game from a corner, it did not flatter them. Barely's hardest game of the season, played in sapping heat, ended with their first league defeat, though there was no shame in losing to the likely champions. But it would be nice to end the season next week with a result - something the return of co-manager Jim can only help.
In a wide spread of votes, Steve and Jacko shared the man of the match vote, though the clincher for Steve was the fact Tom already had it at home.
Wednesday 7 May 2008
From the Vaults
There are a lot of things in the Barely vaults including several skeletons, some Brut 33 and a pair of maroon pants that haven't seen soap suds since 1983. But whilst browsing through the other ephemera longtime Barely stalwart Jerry Gyde happened across these pictorial delights from years gone by. The Barely Reporter recognises a few cherubic faces but perhaps someone can fill in the blanks?
Thursday 1 May 2008
Barely's evening performance dashes Reunion
Barely Athletic 1 Reunion 0
Goal: Steve
Defence: Andy, Danny, Quentin, Tom
Midfield: Rich B, Jacko, Sam, Nick
Attack: Manrouf, Lefils
Sub: Chris
Devoted attendees: Martin, Phil
If football is sometimes like poetry then last night's ground-out result was closer to a couple of drunks singing on their way back from a lock-in. There was music in there somewhere, but it was lost amidst the bleary ramblings of half-remembered tunes and abrupt halts as the players struggled to hit the right note.
Yes, it's the time of the season where the Autumnal flurry of excitement has long-gone and tired players are doggedly doing their best to eke out a result. And hats off to Barely; that's exactly what they did against a competitive Reunion side.
With co-manager Richie mysteriously off sick on the very night his (other) beloved team played the pivotal match of their season (bad luck Richie) it was left to Jim to arrange the side, and he charitably refereed the first half whilst shuffling his players to accomodate the returning Quentin, who slotted in at centre-back as Tom moved to the right. But missing both their managers and with a couple of shorties in the middle of the park, Barely looked a hesitant side in the early stages, and one was reminded of their early season form when they often looked sluggish at the opening. Gradually, perceptibly, Barely's players got their foot on the ball and started to edge things, but couldn't quite find the final pass. Their best chance came when Lefils put through Mani but the Gallic marksman skewed the ball just wide.
But a breakthrough came from an unlikely source. As Barely pressurised Quentin had pushed further and further up the pitch, and it was his Jim-or-Richie-like run into the box that saw the ball batted down by a defender's hand. Jim had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and though the keeper got a hand to Lefils' penalty, it had enough power to bulge the back of the net despite his interception.
At half-time Jim brought himself on for the now-reffing Sam (who swopped with Jacko later) and Chris went up front in place of Mani, who took up linesman duties. Steve and Nick swopped places, as is their wont.
Initially the game was fairly decent, but after ten minutes or so it took on a ragged composure and neither side really looked likely to score unless it came from a mistake. As the half wore on one or two of Reunion decided to contest every decision by the reluctant refs, and this didn't help the game's pallor as tempers began to fray. In a game that was largely even-tempered for the first hour it was a shame that every throw-in or tackle became a bone of contention for both sides. But maybe this approach serves Reunion well, as they were arguably the stronger side as the game drew to it's conclusion. After forcing a series of corners they had the ball in the net at one stage, but it had crossed the touchline in the build-up and Barely escaped.
One keystone moment from Nick aside in the goal ("it bobbled in the air" he said later) - though in fairness we should also mention a couple of crucial catches - the game drew to an end and Barely had ground out an impressive result. Reunion were well-organised and mobile, so a victory was no mean feat, albeit via the penalty spot. Chris made an impressive turn at centre-forward, winning several headers and at one stage dribbling through about four defenders, though the game was mainly about the defenders, who were uniformly excellent for Barely, with Danny and Quentin bossing the back line to the manner born. Serial award-winner Tom squeaked the Man of the Match gong, but one damp spot on proceedings was a hamstring injury to midfield maestro Jim, who we wish a speedy recovery.
Barely now have a week to recover before the next game.
Goal: Steve
Defence: Andy, Danny, Quentin, Tom
Midfield: Rich B, Jacko, Sam, Nick
Attack: Manrouf, Lefils
Sub: Chris
Devoted attendees: Martin, Phil
If football is sometimes like poetry then last night's ground-out result was closer to a couple of drunks singing on their way back from a lock-in. There was music in there somewhere, but it was lost amidst the bleary ramblings of half-remembered tunes and abrupt halts as the players struggled to hit the right note.
Yes, it's the time of the season where the Autumnal flurry of excitement has long-gone and tired players are doggedly doing their best to eke out a result. And hats off to Barely; that's exactly what they did against a competitive Reunion side.
With co-manager Richie mysteriously off sick on the very night his (other) beloved team played the pivotal match of their season (bad luck Richie) it was left to Jim to arrange the side, and he charitably refereed the first half whilst shuffling his players to accomodate the returning Quentin, who slotted in at centre-back as Tom moved to the right. But missing both their managers and with a couple of shorties in the middle of the park, Barely looked a hesitant side in the early stages, and one was reminded of their early season form when they often looked sluggish at the opening. Gradually, perceptibly, Barely's players got their foot on the ball and started to edge things, but couldn't quite find the final pass. Their best chance came when Lefils put through Mani but the Gallic marksman skewed the ball just wide.
But a breakthrough came from an unlikely source. As Barely pressurised Quentin had pushed further and further up the pitch, and it was his Jim-or-Richie-like run into the box that saw the ball batted down by a defender's hand. Jim had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and though the keeper got a hand to Lefils' penalty, it had enough power to bulge the back of the net despite his interception.
At half-time Jim brought himself on for the now-reffing Sam (who swopped with Jacko later) and Chris went up front in place of Mani, who took up linesman duties. Steve and Nick swopped places, as is their wont.
Initially the game was fairly decent, but after ten minutes or so it took on a ragged composure and neither side really looked likely to score unless it came from a mistake. As the half wore on one or two of Reunion decided to contest every decision by the reluctant refs, and this didn't help the game's pallor as tempers began to fray. In a game that was largely even-tempered for the first hour it was a shame that every throw-in or tackle became a bone of contention for both sides. But maybe this approach serves Reunion well, as they were arguably the stronger side as the game drew to it's conclusion. After forcing a series of corners they had the ball in the net at one stage, but it had crossed the touchline in the build-up and Barely escaped.
One keystone moment from Nick aside in the goal ("it bobbled in the air" he said later) - though in fairness we should also mention a couple of crucial catches - the game drew to an end and Barely had ground out an impressive result. Reunion were well-organised and mobile, so a victory was no mean feat, albeit via the penalty spot. Chris made an impressive turn at centre-forward, winning several headers and at one stage dribbling through about four defenders, though the game was mainly about the defenders, who were uniformly excellent for Barely, with Danny and Quentin bossing the back line to the manner born. Serial award-winner Tom squeaked the Man of the Match gong, but one damp spot on proceedings was a hamstring injury to midfield maestro Jim, who we wish a speedy recovery.
Barely now have a week to recover before the next game.
Monday 28 April 2008
Barely Undo Swift on Gullible Travels
Barely Athletic 3 Swift 2
Goal: Steve
Defence: Nick, Tom, Danny, Andy
Midfield: Richie, Jacko, Jim, Sam
Attack: Lefils, Mani
Sub: Phil
Barely maintained their league momentum yesterday with an inspired second half after a first period that was fairly risible by recent standards. With Swift apparently struggling in the league Barely were favourites before the off, but for the first 45 minutes they were outplayed and outfought by a Swift team hell-bent on gaining three points. Barely began gingerly when a rare mistake by Tom let in an attacker on goal, and Steve had to get down quickly to push the ball away. That danger over, another one presented itself when Swift established themselves as serial winners of headers, particularly their big number nine. It was predominantly pressure from the home team and therefore a surprise when Barely opened the scoring.
Our heroes won a corner with a bit of pressure, and the ball was cleared as far as Jim. A quick interchange with Sam and Mani later, Jim fired the ball into the six-yard box where Lefils just did enough to see the ball bobble in off the post.
Swift obviously felt this was a little unfair, and came looking for justice. They found it when a deft chip beat Steve all ends up, and shortly afterwards went ahead after Barely failed to clear a free-kick and the ball was stabbed in from close-range.
Barely came off at the break looking sheepish to say the least - Lefils was enraged enough to kick a passing steward, had there been one present. Richie squinted his brow thoughtfully and made changes. As is traditional, Nick went in goal for Steve and the first-half stopper went to the right wing. Phil came on at right-back for Nick and Sam went up front with Mani. The general consensus was that Barely should quit hitting the ball long and play their simple passing game that serves them so well in training, and they took to the pitch determind to make amends.
And from the off Barely looked a different team. Long balls were reduced to a minimum and the midfield began to work like a well-oiled machine - the footballing midfield machine, in fact, that Brunel was working on close to his death. Not ten minutes had passed when Richie worked his way banana-like to the left touchline, and skewed the ball back for his co-conspirator Jim to squeeze the ball under the keeper at the near post. Two-two.
Then, from a corner, Jacko exchanged passes with Danny and flighted a ball into the box, where Andy lamped the ball into the roof of the net. Barely were all over the game like a cheap suit. In fact the only real pressure they suffered at the hands of Swift were a couple of corners and some adventurous goalkeeping by Nick, who likes to keep his defence on their toes.
But the more likely scorers were Barely. Lefils returned to the fray and began opening up chances for his team-mates that Swift, never giving up, managed to block and clear. Andy fired narrowly wide. And Tom managed to partly concuss himself with a headed clearance that saw Barely's number one son reeling around like a sailor let loose on the grog.
But thankfully the feeling passed and Tom saw out the game, which ended 3-2 in Barely's favour. A good result, considering they pretty much achieved it in one half, Lefils' goal not withstanding. Man of the Match by a landslide was Jim, who covered every blade of grass, set up one goal and scored another. Danny and Phil were the only other players to feature in the vote, although the Barely Reporter would like to tip its hat to the whole midfield in the second half. Barely now have a succession of Wednesday night games with which to finish the season, and there is talk of Quentin, Dave Williams and Jerry all returning to the fold. A vintage line-up for a vintage season? We'll see.
*
In other news, Barely manager Richie has put it to the Barely Reporter that he would welcome some kind of Opta stats to measure the effectiveness of his team. At time of writing, we only have one forgetful reporter and no technology to speak of, however if all Barely players would like to add (in comments section below, settings have been changed to allow anyone to comment) their estimated pass success rate we can at least have a good laugh.
Finally Sam is making a swift (no pun intended) recovery after running so hard he threw up all afternoon, and has warned he expects the same commitment from the whole team on Wednesday. "There's not enough gut-busting in this team" the fiery utility player tub-thumped. "I expect at least one cardiac episode this week, or I'll be disappointed."
Goal: Steve
Defence: Nick, Tom, Danny, Andy
Midfield: Richie, Jacko, Jim, Sam
Attack: Lefils, Mani
Sub: Phil
Barely maintained their league momentum yesterday with an inspired second half after a first period that was fairly risible by recent standards. With Swift apparently struggling in the league Barely were favourites before the off, but for the first 45 minutes they were outplayed and outfought by a Swift team hell-bent on gaining three points. Barely began gingerly when a rare mistake by Tom let in an attacker on goal, and Steve had to get down quickly to push the ball away. That danger over, another one presented itself when Swift established themselves as serial winners of headers, particularly their big number nine. It was predominantly pressure from the home team and therefore a surprise when Barely opened the scoring.
Our heroes won a corner with a bit of pressure, and the ball was cleared as far as Jim. A quick interchange with Sam and Mani later, Jim fired the ball into the six-yard box where Lefils just did enough to see the ball bobble in off the post.
Swift obviously felt this was a little unfair, and came looking for justice. They found it when a deft chip beat Steve all ends up, and shortly afterwards went ahead after Barely failed to clear a free-kick and the ball was stabbed in from close-range.
Barely came off at the break looking sheepish to say the least - Lefils was enraged enough to kick a passing steward, had there been one present. Richie squinted his brow thoughtfully and made changes. As is traditional, Nick went in goal for Steve and the first-half stopper went to the right wing. Phil came on at right-back for Nick and Sam went up front with Mani. The general consensus was that Barely should quit hitting the ball long and play their simple passing game that serves them so well in training, and they took to the pitch determind to make amends.
And from the off Barely looked a different team. Long balls were reduced to a minimum and the midfield began to work like a well-oiled machine - the footballing midfield machine, in fact, that Brunel was working on close to his death. Not ten minutes had passed when Richie worked his way banana-like to the left touchline, and skewed the ball back for his co-conspirator Jim to squeeze the ball under the keeper at the near post. Two-two.
Then, from a corner, Jacko exchanged passes with Danny and flighted a ball into the box, where Andy lamped the ball into the roof of the net. Barely were all over the game like a cheap suit. In fact the only real pressure they suffered at the hands of Swift were a couple of corners and some adventurous goalkeeping by Nick, who likes to keep his defence on their toes.
But the more likely scorers were Barely. Lefils returned to the fray and began opening up chances for his team-mates that Swift, never giving up, managed to block and clear. Andy fired narrowly wide. And Tom managed to partly concuss himself with a headed clearance that saw Barely's number one son reeling around like a sailor let loose on the grog.
But thankfully the feeling passed and Tom saw out the game, which ended 3-2 in Barely's favour. A good result, considering they pretty much achieved it in one half, Lefils' goal not withstanding. Man of the Match by a landslide was Jim, who covered every blade of grass, set up one goal and scored another. Danny and Phil were the only other players to feature in the vote, although the Barely Reporter would like to tip its hat to the whole midfield in the second half. Barely now have a succession of Wednesday night games with which to finish the season, and there is talk of Quentin, Dave Williams and Jerry all returning to the fold. A vintage line-up for a vintage season? We'll see.
*
In other news, Barely manager Richie has put it to the Barely Reporter that he would welcome some kind of Opta stats to measure the effectiveness of his team. At time of writing, we only have one forgetful reporter and no technology to speak of, however if all Barely players would like to add (in comments section below, settings have been changed to allow anyone to comment) their estimated pass success rate we can at least have a good laugh.
Finally Sam is making a swift (no pun intended) recovery after running so hard he threw up all afternoon, and has warned he expects the same commitment from the whole team on Wednesday. "There's not enough gut-busting in this team" the fiery utility player tub-thumped. "I expect at least one cardiac episode this week, or I'll be disappointed."
Sunday 20 April 2008
Hill Farm reap a point
Barely Athletic 0 Hill Farm 0
Goal: Steve
Defence: Nick, Tom, Rich B, Chris
Midfield: Mike, Jim, Rich J, Richie
Attack: Mani, Sam
Subs: Gareth, Lee
Babysitting: Billy.
It does no disservice to Hill Farm to say their goalkeeper was the reason they came away with the point. Barely bossed the game for long periods but simply couldn't find a way past the acrobatic man between the sticks, who served notice of his ability when he got down low to Sam's header, after Mike had charged into the box early doors and got the ball onto the forehead of Lefils' understudy. The ball stuck to the goalie like an unwanted bogey sticks to a reluctant finger, and that, uh, finger, to force the metaphor, haunted Barely throughout the next 90 minutes.
Without key players like the aforementioned Lefils, Danny, Andy, and Phil, Barely put in a good performance overall, as they edged things in terms of possession and looked unflustered at the back despite a patched-up defence. However with the fledgling partnership of Mani and Sam upfront, they couldn't quite find a way through to give them the goal their play arguably deserved. Twenty minutes in Lee came on for Nick as a precautionary measure and added his voluble presence in terms of organisation, as well as a comfortable stint at left-back. Barely pushed on, but in a first half largely notable for the absence of goalmouth action, Steve was not called on to make a single save and his opposite number, whilst busy, looked at ease with what the home team had to offer.
Richie made just one change at the break, with Nick going in goal for Steve. The second half was a more open affair, especially late on as Barely legs tired and to be fair at this point the energetic Hill Farm mounted a sustained period of pressure. But previous to this it was all Barely, as Jim (the ticking midfield time-bomb abetting Jacko's pinpoint-pendulum), Mani, and Richie all saw shots gobbled up by the Hill Farm custodian. Sam, found by the impressively busy Richie in the box, had a shot tipped over the crossbar, but should have done better from another chance when he scuffed the ball low into the keeper's arms. Jacko, despite a fine display at midfield, left his shooting boots at home and managed to gouge a trough out of the turf in his enthusiasm for a goal. Even Tom managed to get forward, but a long distant effort went wide.
If this match report seems to resemble a list of near-misses, that's because at times that's what it was. To give Hill Farm their due however, they managed to eke out some chances of their own as the half wore on but by and large Nick was well-positioned for simple catches. Gareth came on at right-midfield and made one swashbuckling dash down the wing only to have his cross swallowed up by a box lacking in attackers.
When the last ten minutes arrived Barely were spent, and at one stage it looked like Hill Farm would nick a winner - and they might have done but for goal-line clearances by Tom and Chris. Barely were still trying to knock the ball around but Hill Farm were looking stronger, and must have been thinking they had ridden out the storm and had the momentum to take the points.
But Barely are made of stronger stuff than that, and a universally satisfying team performance ended with the game goalless when Bob blew the final whistle. The Barely Reporter gives every player at least 8 out of ten, but the player vote was a three-way tie between Tom, Rich B and tackling-maestro Chris, who was given the award in recognition of the fact that Tom and Rich had had it already and the team wanted them to keep a bit of humility, so previous holder Tom may have to take it out of the frame above his bedroom mirror again.
A tough and congested run-in sees Barely take to the field against Swift next Sunday. If they can add a bit of steel to their attack and continue to defend like this, anything is possible. Especially if the Swift keeper doesn't prove to be another bogeyman.
Goal: Steve
Defence: Nick, Tom, Rich B, Chris
Midfield: Mike, Jim, Rich J, Richie
Attack: Mani, Sam
Subs: Gareth, Lee
Babysitting: Billy.
It does no disservice to Hill Farm to say their goalkeeper was the reason they came away with the point. Barely bossed the game for long periods but simply couldn't find a way past the acrobatic man between the sticks, who served notice of his ability when he got down low to Sam's header, after Mike had charged into the box early doors and got the ball onto the forehead of Lefils' understudy. The ball stuck to the goalie like an unwanted bogey sticks to a reluctant finger, and that, uh, finger, to force the metaphor, haunted Barely throughout the next 90 minutes.
Without key players like the aforementioned Lefils, Danny, Andy, and Phil, Barely put in a good performance overall, as they edged things in terms of possession and looked unflustered at the back despite a patched-up defence. However with the fledgling partnership of Mani and Sam upfront, they couldn't quite find a way through to give them the goal their play arguably deserved. Twenty minutes in Lee came on for Nick as a precautionary measure and added his voluble presence in terms of organisation, as well as a comfortable stint at left-back. Barely pushed on, but in a first half largely notable for the absence of goalmouth action, Steve was not called on to make a single save and his opposite number, whilst busy, looked at ease with what the home team had to offer.
Richie made just one change at the break, with Nick going in goal for Steve. The second half was a more open affair, especially late on as Barely legs tired and to be fair at this point the energetic Hill Farm mounted a sustained period of pressure. But previous to this it was all Barely, as Jim (the ticking midfield time-bomb abetting Jacko's pinpoint-pendulum), Mani, and Richie all saw shots gobbled up by the Hill Farm custodian. Sam, found by the impressively busy Richie in the box, had a shot tipped over the crossbar, but should have done better from another chance when he scuffed the ball low into the keeper's arms. Jacko, despite a fine display at midfield, left his shooting boots at home and managed to gouge a trough out of the turf in his enthusiasm for a goal. Even Tom managed to get forward, but a long distant effort went wide.
If this match report seems to resemble a list of near-misses, that's because at times that's what it was. To give Hill Farm their due however, they managed to eke out some chances of their own as the half wore on but by and large Nick was well-positioned for simple catches. Gareth came on at right-midfield and made one swashbuckling dash down the wing only to have his cross swallowed up by a box lacking in attackers.
When the last ten minutes arrived Barely were spent, and at one stage it looked like Hill Farm would nick a winner - and they might have done but for goal-line clearances by Tom and Chris. Barely were still trying to knock the ball around but Hill Farm were looking stronger, and must have been thinking they had ridden out the storm and had the momentum to take the points.
But Barely are made of stronger stuff than that, and a universally satisfying team performance ended with the game goalless when Bob blew the final whistle. The Barely Reporter gives every player at least 8 out of ten, but the player vote was a three-way tie between Tom, Rich B and tackling-maestro Chris, who was given the award in recognition of the fact that Tom and Rich had had it already and the team wanted them to keep a bit of humility, so previous holder Tom may have to take it out of the frame above his bedroom mirror again.
A tough and congested run-in sees Barely take to the field against Swift next Sunday. If they can add a bit of steel to their attack and continue to defend like this, anything is possible. Especially if the Swift keeper doesn't prove to be another bogeyman.
Tuesday 15 April 2008
Barely leave Westbury wondering
Westbury Wanderers 1 Barely Athletic 2
Goal: Steve
Defence: Rich B, Danny, Tom, Sam
Midfield: Mike, Richie, Jim, Nick
Attack: Mani, Lefils
Subs: Andy, Rich J
Barely extended their unbeaten run in the league to five games at the weekend with a narrow victory over Westbury Wanderers. Both teams had their moments, but both also had times when it looked as though the pitch - an undulating bobbly-jumper of a surface - was doing them no favours. Asking Barely to produce their slick pass and move game in such an environment was equivalent to asking Ronnie O'Sullivan to produce a 147 break whilst playing snooker on a shaggy rug. He'd give it a go because he's that sort of man, but then he'd probably get cheesed off and storm out of the Crucible, lamping an official en route.
Thankfully, there were no such histrionics from the Barely players. If there were one might wonder what they were doing in the Crucible in the first place, as there was a match to be won in Eastville. And win it they did, though the aforementioned pitch didn't lend proceedings any real sense of spectacle. Instead it was a hard-working game by both sides, played in commendably fine spirit. Indeed, your correspondent feels that this match would be a great example of the Casual League's ethos as, despite no lack of competitive edge, frustrations were kept to a minimum and the Westbury players were noble in defeat, not to stray into the Stuart Hall territory of overexuberance and verbosity.
So: the game. Unusally for Barely, they moved up through the gears quickly from the off and avoided the usual early game lethargy. Nonetheless, they did have some pressure to soak up and the Barely defence, particularly the centre-back pairing of Tom and Danny, were imperious. At the other end, like Westbury, Barely were struggling in a similar vein to test the keeper, though they did force a few corners. It was from one of these that the deadlock was broken, after Barely had seen a shot pushed wide from the keeper. The resultant corner was cleared by the Westbury defence, but only as far as Sam, who touched the ball wide right to Mike. Mike's cross sailed over the crowd in the box to the far post, where Mani headed gratefully in for his second goal of the season.
At this point Barely were edging proceedings and probably deserved their lead as they came off at half time. Danny took the ref's whistle for the second half and Rich Batten moved from left to centre-back. Andy Lillford made his long awaited return from a broken leg to slot in a left-back. Richie took himself off for Rich Jackson, and Steve and Nick swapped places between left wing and goalkeeper.
But the start of the second half was mostly Westbury Wanderers, who were obviously stung by their team talk at the break. But again, Nick was rarely tested as Tom and Rich B marshalled the defence with aplomb. When Wanderers did look likely to score there were goal-line clearances from Sam and Tom to bail them out. And as the half wore on, Barely came back into the game. Rich J began to exert his customary poise and Mani and Lefils started to link with the midfield. They began to mount a series of attacks - that Westbury in turn looked to counter-attack from. But with legs tiring, the long-distance engines of Pinnell and Batten looked comfortable dealing with that threat.
Defences being dominant, it looked to be heading for a 1-0 win for Barely when a couple of late goals enlivened the endgame. First blood went to Barely when the tireless Mani put in Lefils for a simple tap-in. Then, with seconds remaining, Westbury got a consolation when an attacker nodded in from a corner. But it was too late to save them, and Barely go into next week's game in solid form.
Man of the match was Tom Pinnell, though the Barely reporter would also put in honourable mentions for Rich B, Mani, and Danny's first half (and willingness to ref the second). With Lillford's return to the fold and Batten's apparent comfort in the middle, Barely now have several options in defence for managers Jim and Richie to ponder. Next week: (if it doesn't rain) Hill Farm Casuals.
Goal: Steve
Defence: Rich B, Danny, Tom, Sam
Midfield: Mike, Richie, Jim, Nick
Attack: Mani, Lefils
Subs: Andy, Rich J
Barely extended their unbeaten run in the league to five games at the weekend with a narrow victory over Westbury Wanderers. Both teams had their moments, but both also had times when it looked as though the pitch - an undulating bobbly-jumper of a surface - was doing them no favours. Asking Barely to produce their slick pass and move game in such an environment was equivalent to asking Ronnie O'Sullivan to produce a 147 break whilst playing snooker on a shaggy rug. He'd give it a go because he's that sort of man, but then he'd probably get cheesed off and storm out of the Crucible, lamping an official en route.
Thankfully, there were no such histrionics from the Barely players. If there were one might wonder what they were doing in the Crucible in the first place, as there was a match to be won in Eastville. And win it they did, though the aforementioned pitch didn't lend proceedings any real sense of spectacle. Instead it was a hard-working game by both sides, played in commendably fine spirit. Indeed, your correspondent feels that this match would be a great example of the Casual League's ethos as, despite no lack of competitive edge, frustrations were kept to a minimum and the Westbury players were noble in defeat, not to stray into the Stuart Hall territory of overexuberance and verbosity.
So: the game. Unusally for Barely, they moved up through the gears quickly from the off and avoided the usual early game lethargy. Nonetheless, they did have some pressure to soak up and the Barely defence, particularly the centre-back pairing of Tom and Danny, were imperious. At the other end, like Westbury, Barely were struggling in a similar vein to test the keeper, though they did force a few corners. It was from one of these that the deadlock was broken, after Barely had seen a shot pushed wide from the keeper. The resultant corner was cleared by the Westbury defence, but only as far as Sam, who touched the ball wide right to Mike. Mike's cross sailed over the crowd in the box to the far post, where Mani headed gratefully in for his second goal of the season.
At this point Barely were edging proceedings and probably deserved their lead as they came off at half time. Danny took the ref's whistle for the second half and Rich Batten moved from left to centre-back. Andy Lillford made his long awaited return from a broken leg to slot in a left-back. Richie took himself off for Rich Jackson, and Steve and Nick swapped places between left wing and goalkeeper.
But the start of the second half was mostly Westbury Wanderers, who were obviously stung by their team talk at the break. But again, Nick was rarely tested as Tom and Rich B marshalled the defence with aplomb. When Wanderers did look likely to score there were goal-line clearances from Sam and Tom to bail them out. And as the half wore on, Barely came back into the game. Rich J began to exert his customary poise and Mani and Lefils started to link with the midfield. They began to mount a series of attacks - that Westbury in turn looked to counter-attack from. But with legs tiring, the long-distance engines of Pinnell and Batten looked comfortable dealing with that threat.
Defences being dominant, it looked to be heading for a 1-0 win for Barely when a couple of late goals enlivened the endgame. First blood went to Barely when the tireless Mani put in Lefils for a simple tap-in. Then, with seconds remaining, Westbury got a consolation when an attacker nodded in from a corner. But it was too late to save them, and Barely go into next week's game in solid form.
Man of the match was Tom Pinnell, though the Barely reporter would also put in honourable mentions for Rich B, Mani, and Danny's first half (and willingness to ref the second). With Lillford's return to the fold and Batten's apparent comfort in the middle, Barely now have several options in defence for managers Jim and Richie to ponder. Next week: (if it doesn't rain) Hill Farm Casuals.
Sunday 9 March 2008
Barely suffer surprise probe at hands of Flying Saucers
Barely Athletic 5 Flying Saucers 5
Goal: Steve
Defence: Danny, Tom P, Phil, Rich B
Midfield: Sam, Rich J, Jim, Mike
Attack: Mani, Lefils
Sub: Rich Sloper, Richie Cormack
It was the biggest ding-dong battle since the great doorbell war of 1974, when Nutone eventually bought up Brighton Electrics in a hostile takeover after a prolonged and very public financial war. Somehow, Barely found themselves 3-1 up despite playing no better than when they conceded the opening goal in their ongoing tradition of opening sluggishness. Flying Saucers rallied, and went into the break 3-4 up. Barely found some form and got back to 5-4, only to give away a cheap goal with what was the last kick of the game.
Our correspondent was granted exclusive access to Barely's dressing room for the post-mortem, but found disappointingly that constructing the game from these disparate interpretations would be rather like getting the description of an absent clown from a load of colour-blind amnesiacs. Only Rich Jackson seemed able to give a version of events that seemed calm and objective - rather like the type of performances Rich Jackson puts in week in and out, with nary a mention in the Barely Reporter - as Rich Jackson was quick to point out last month. The Barely Reporter is working on a appearances-to-mentions table to examine his claims which we will be publishing in the future.
But back to the game. Barely had almost their full complement of Riches, with only Rich Walters missing, as long-term absentee Rich Sloper made a return to the squad after a succession of presumably lazy Sundays. Richie Cormack gamely refereed the first half, Rich Batten began at left-back and Rich 'Action' Jackson took up his unsung role in midfield. Lefils and Manrouf supplied the 'French Connection' as they paired up to spearhead the attack, their moniker presumably inspired by the gritty 1971 film by William Friedkin and not the pastelly-toned high street shop of the same name who have somehow made billions from deliberately misspelling a swearword. Also, they're both French. At the back Phil and Tom P formed the centre of defence and Danny took up the left-back position behind Mike.
But despite the apparent strength of Barely's line-up they began in a fairly half-arsed fashion. Flying Saucers to be fair were not playing total football - they were just doing the simple things well, and it was enough to see Barely looking slightly dazzled. The away side took a deserved lead early on as Barely reeled around in a collective daze. It took the magic boots of Rich Batten, setting out his stall for the man-of-the-match award he ultimately won, to batter in an equalizer after Barely finally managed to exert some coherent pressure. Rich Jackson had been urging him to shoot, and he did.
Not to be forgotten, Lefils controlled a ball on the right, and from a narrow angle rifled the ball into the top left corner to give Barely the lead. And despite Flying Saucers still looking better at this stage in almost every aspect (except when they encountered the determined and on-form Rich Batten), Lefils added his second and Barely's third when he despatched Mike's cross from the left to put his team 3-1 up. For both goals Barely were grateful to have Rich Jackson lurking in midfield.
But the game was a long way from over. To credit Flying Saucers, their heads never went down - probably because they knew the lead flattered Barely. And in the course of about eight mad minutes they scored three goals to ease them into the break a very creditable 4-3 up.
The team needed a shake-up, and Richie got out the broom for the changes. Jim had already agreed to ref the second half, so Rich Sloper joined Rich Jackson in centre-midfield, Richie himself went wide left, coming on for Sam, and Steve and Mike swapped positions. The changes had the desired effect, as immediately Richie's manic energy put the opposition under pressure and forced the game to up a gear. Barely looked a different team, as suddenly Flying Saucers were no longer carving out openings but Barely were instead. And again, Lefils was the one to capitalise as he first dribbled around the keeper to put Barely level (Rich Jackson disappointingly nowhere to be seen) and then gave the home team the lead, when Rich Batten galloped past a couple of challenges and put in a cross we are contractually bound to describe as a 'peach', leaving Lefils with the job of nodding into the net.
Thereafter Barely were dominant and really should have built on their lead. Lefils set up Sam, who was on for Mani, but unfortunately the diminutive firebrand spooned his shot over the bar. In that respect he was the ideal replacement for Mani, who had done exactly the same thing earlier in the half. Rich Sloper ran on a mazy Giggs-like run, if Giggs were sustained by clockwork and nearing the end of his power-up, before plonking a shot onto the post. Despite the wing play of Richie setting up further openings for the attack, that was as close as they got. Nevertheless Barely were so improved the one goal looked to be enough for a long time, Flying Saucers only real chance being an overhead kick that Danny cleared off the line.
But without that two-goal cushion, there was always a chance for Flying Saucers, and Barely succumbed to what would be unfair on Flying Saucers to describe as a sucker punch, but was nonetheless unexpected to a degree. With the seconds ticking out, a right-wing cross ended at the feet of Mike, now in goal, and what happened after that to the minute detail is a matter of interpretation, but Danny and Mike were certainly unable to stop the ball going in the net - and neither was Rich Jackson, who will be furious with himself.
There was no time for Barely to respond, and they cannot complain about the result, especially as Flying Saucers played the game in very good spirit right to the end. Rich Batten picked up the Man of the Match award, as the general consensus was that Lefils really should have scored six goals instead of a paltry four. Much improvement needed from him. And despite the disappointment of a point dropped Barely do remain unbeaten in the league, and with the Casual Leagues 2pts-for-a-win system, their third draw in four games sees them drop only 3 points rather than six. Whilst that fact may be essentially the epitome of straw-clutching, it is nonetheless mathmatically reassuring.
Barely need to improve. Their post-match analysis mined a rich seam of teasing for the several Barely players who weren't at their best, but management team Richie and Jim would surely rather be celebrating a win and slagging off the other team instead. Next week gives them a chance to put the theory to the test as they take on the big guns of Reunion.
Goal: Steve
Defence: Danny, Tom P, Phil, Rich B
Midfield: Sam, Rich J, Jim, Mike
Attack: Mani, Lefils
Sub: Rich Sloper, Richie Cormack
It was the biggest ding-dong battle since the great doorbell war of 1974, when Nutone eventually bought up Brighton Electrics in a hostile takeover after a prolonged and very public financial war. Somehow, Barely found themselves 3-1 up despite playing no better than when they conceded the opening goal in their ongoing tradition of opening sluggishness. Flying Saucers rallied, and went into the break 3-4 up. Barely found some form and got back to 5-4, only to give away a cheap goal with what was the last kick of the game.
Our correspondent was granted exclusive access to Barely's dressing room for the post-mortem, but found disappointingly that constructing the game from these disparate interpretations would be rather like getting the description of an absent clown from a load of colour-blind amnesiacs. Only Rich Jackson seemed able to give a version of events that seemed calm and objective - rather like the type of performances Rich Jackson puts in week in and out, with nary a mention in the Barely Reporter - as Rich Jackson was quick to point out last month. The Barely Reporter is working on a appearances-to-mentions table to examine his claims which we will be publishing in the future.
But back to the game. Barely had almost their full complement of Riches, with only Rich Walters missing, as long-term absentee Rich Sloper made a return to the squad after a succession of presumably lazy Sundays. Richie Cormack gamely refereed the first half, Rich Batten began at left-back and Rich 'Action' Jackson took up his unsung role in midfield. Lefils and Manrouf supplied the 'French Connection' as they paired up to spearhead the attack, their moniker presumably inspired by the gritty 1971 film by William Friedkin and not the pastelly-toned high street shop of the same name who have somehow made billions from deliberately misspelling a swearword. Also, they're both French. At the back Phil and Tom P formed the centre of defence and Danny took up the left-back position behind Mike.
But despite the apparent strength of Barely's line-up they began in a fairly half-arsed fashion. Flying Saucers to be fair were not playing total football - they were just doing the simple things well, and it was enough to see Barely looking slightly dazzled. The away side took a deserved lead early on as Barely reeled around in a collective daze. It took the magic boots of Rich Batten, setting out his stall for the man-of-the-match award he ultimately won, to batter in an equalizer after Barely finally managed to exert some coherent pressure. Rich Jackson had been urging him to shoot, and he did.
Not to be forgotten, Lefils controlled a ball on the right, and from a narrow angle rifled the ball into the top left corner to give Barely the lead. And despite Flying Saucers still looking better at this stage in almost every aspect (except when they encountered the determined and on-form Rich Batten), Lefils added his second and Barely's third when he despatched Mike's cross from the left to put his team 3-1 up. For both goals Barely were grateful to have Rich Jackson lurking in midfield.
But the game was a long way from over. To credit Flying Saucers, their heads never went down - probably because they knew the lead flattered Barely. And in the course of about eight mad minutes they scored three goals to ease them into the break a very creditable 4-3 up.
The team needed a shake-up, and Richie got out the broom for the changes. Jim had already agreed to ref the second half, so Rich Sloper joined Rich Jackson in centre-midfield, Richie himself went wide left, coming on for Sam, and Steve and Mike swapped positions. The changes had the desired effect, as immediately Richie's manic energy put the opposition under pressure and forced the game to up a gear. Barely looked a different team, as suddenly Flying Saucers were no longer carving out openings but Barely were instead. And again, Lefils was the one to capitalise as he first dribbled around the keeper to put Barely level (Rich Jackson disappointingly nowhere to be seen) and then gave the home team the lead, when Rich Batten galloped past a couple of challenges and put in a cross we are contractually bound to describe as a 'peach', leaving Lefils with the job of nodding into the net.
Thereafter Barely were dominant and really should have built on their lead. Lefils set up Sam, who was on for Mani, but unfortunately the diminutive firebrand spooned his shot over the bar. In that respect he was the ideal replacement for Mani, who had done exactly the same thing earlier in the half. Rich Sloper ran on a mazy Giggs-like run, if Giggs were sustained by clockwork and nearing the end of his power-up, before plonking a shot onto the post. Despite the wing play of Richie setting up further openings for the attack, that was as close as they got. Nevertheless Barely were so improved the one goal looked to be enough for a long time, Flying Saucers only real chance being an overhead kick that Danny cleared off the line.
But without that two-goal cushion, there was always a chance for Flying Saucers, and Barely succumbed to what would be unfair on Flying Saucers to describe as a sucker punch, but was nonetheless unexpected to a degree. With the seconds ticking out, a right-wing cross ended at the feet of Mike, now in goal, and what happened after that to the minute detail is a matter of interpretation, but Danny and Mike were certainly unable to stop the ball going in the net - and neither was Rich Jackson, who will be furious with himself.
There was no time for Barely to respond, and they cannot complain about the result, especially as Flying Saucers played the game in very good spirit right to the end. Rich Batten picked up the Man of the Match award, as the general consensus was that Lefils really should have scored six goals instead of a paltry four. Much improvement needed from him. And despite the disappointment of a point dropped Barely do remain unbeaten in the league, and with the Casual Leagues 2pts-for-a-win system, their third draw in four games sees them drop only 3 points rather than six. Whilst that fact may be essentially the epitome of straw-clutching, it is nonetheless mathmatically reassuring.
Barely need to improve. Their post-match analysis mined a rich seam of teasing for the several Barely players who weren't at their best, but management team Richie and Jim would surely rather be celebrating a win and slagging off the other team instead. Next week gives them a chance to put the theory to the test as they take on the big guns of Reunion.
Sunday 10 February 2008
Barely give Nobs a hard time.
Barely Athletic 9 Nailsea Old Boys 2
Goal: Steve
Defence: Chris, Tom P, Danny, Rich B
Midfield: Sam, Jim, Rich J, Richie
Attack: Manrouf, Lefils
Subs: Tom 2, Mike, Bob
Yes, that slightly laboured innuendo is in honour of Barely's comprehensive defeat of the always-competitive Nobs this morning. Perhaps a little foresight on Nick's part is to be applauded as he elected to play this game on astroturf, a surface that suits Barely's pass and move game, on the random occasions they get it going.
This morning was one of those days.
Barely shrugged off their traditional opening-ten-minutes lethargy and having dealt with Nob's early threat, set about opening the scoring themselves. Lefils and Mani were the epitomy of pace, positioning, power, and any complimentary adjective beginning with 'p' that you care to mention. They linked well with midfield and even better with each other - after Lefils opened the scoring he set up Mani for the second as Barely looked to trouble the Nobs defence every time they had the ball. Around the half-hour mark Rich B broke into the box and was barged over: penalty. Nobs felt hard done by but your correspondent feels the decision was just: the player ran across Rich without gaining control of the ball. Lefils plonked the penalty into the back of the net and Barely went into the break with a 3-0 lead.
Nobody was slapping themselves on the back however - Nobs are not a side who give up the ghost at any stage, and the team felt the next goal would be crucial. Tom (2) came on in defence, Mike to right-wing and Chris gamely went between the sticks as Barely made minor adjustments.
But it was the home team who scored again first as Lefils completed his hat-trick with a dribble and near-post finish, and then Tom added a fifth with a slightly deflected free-kick. "It would have gone in anyway" Tom confirmed after the game, possibly optimistically. In fact those goals may have been the other way around such was the dizzying speed of the second half, and the glut of goals. Nobs lived up to their reputation as whatever the opposite of quitters is by forcing in a couple of goals themselves - both well finished.
But these came amidst a further four goals for Barely. Jim finished off a fantastic, intricate move that went through the whole of the Barely midfield before he switched feet to make room for himself and slotted home. "Impact player" Mike marked his debut with a simple tap-in as Barely inevitably managed to convert some of the many chances they were creating. Rich Jackson got up to the far post to cushion a looping header over the keeper from Mike's cross. And Jim finished things off with a deft lob to give Barely their biggest win in a while. It might have been a larger score but for some profligacy from the Barely players - Bob in particular will be disappointed to have come on for a run-out at the end only to fall over when through on goal. But he was not alone. However it was a day for celebration in the end as Barely, knocked out of the cup, continue their tentative involvement in the league with a third game unbeaten.
Man of the match was a tricky vote with the team (finishing aside, though it seems picky to say so after nine goals) uniformly excellent. But Lefils' hat-trick was hard to ignore, with Tom P finishing runner-up after an imperious display of centre-halfism.
Next up: Flying Saucers.
Goal: Steve
Defence: Chris, Tom P, Danny, Rich B
Midfield: Sam, Jim, Rich J, Richie
Attack: Manrouf, Lefils
Subs: Tom 2, Mike, Bob
Yes, that slightly laboured innuendo is in honour of Barely's comprehensive defeat of the always-competitive Nobs this morning. Perhaps a little foresight on Nick's part is to be applauded as he elected to play this game on astroturf, a surface that suits Barely's pass and move game, on the random occasions they get it going.
This morning was one of those days.
Barely shrugged off their traditional opening-ten-minutes lethargy and having dealt with Nob's early threat, set about opening the scoring themselves. Lefils and Mani were the epitomy of pace, positioning, power, and any complimentary adjective beginning with 'p' that you care to mention. They linked well with midfield and even better with each other - after Lefils opened the scoring he set up Mani for the second as Barely looked to trouble the Nobs defence every time they had the ball. Around the half-hour mark Rich B broke into the box and was barged over: penalty. Nobs felt hard done by but your correspondent feels the decision was just: the player ran across Rich without gaining control of the ball. Lefils plonked the penalty into the back of the net and Barely went into the break with a 3-0 lead.
Nobody was slapping themselves on the back however - Nobs are not a side who give up the ghost at any stage, and the team felt the next goal would be crucial. Tom (2) came on in defence, Mike to right-wing and Chris gamely went between the sticks as Barely made minor adjustments.
But it was the home team who scored again first as Lefils completed his hat-trick with a dribble and near-post finish, and then Tom added a fifth with a slightly deflected free-kick. "It would have gone in anyway" Tom confirmed after the game, possibly optimistically. In fact those goals may have been the other way around such was the dizzying speed of the second half, and the glut of goals. Nobs lived up to their reputation as whatever the opposite of quitters is by forcing in a couple of goals themselves - both well finished.
But these came amidst a further four goals for Barely. Jim finished off a fantastic, intricate move that went through the whole of the Barely midfield before he switched feet to make room for himself and slotted home. "Impact player" Mike marked his debut with a simple tap-in as Barely inevitably managed to convert some of the many chances they were creating. Rich Jackson got up to the far post to cushion a looping header over the keeper from Mike's cross. And Jim finished things off with a deft lob to give Barely their biggest win in a while. It might have been a larger score but for some profligacy from the Barely players - Bob in particular will be disappointed to have come on for a run-out at the end only to fall over when through on goal. But he was not alone. However it was a day for celebration in the end as Barely, knocked out of the cup, continue their tentative involvement in the league with a third game unbeaten.
Man of the match was a tricky vote with the team (finishing aside, though it seems picky to say so after nine goals) uniformly excellent. But Lefils' hat-trick was hard to ignore, with Tom P finishing runner-up after an imperious display of centre-halfism.
Next up: Flying Saucers.
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