Barely crushed by Flying Saucer

Barely Athletic 2 Flying Saucers 3

Goal: Steve
Defence: Rich B, Phil, Ian, Chris
Midfield: Jim, Mani, Sam
Attack: Nick, Richie

Sub/ref: Mike

High drama played out under the shadow of the doomed Cadburys factory in Keynsham as two closely matched teams fought to improve their league standing. It might possibly have ended in a draw but Flying Saucers took advantage and made off with the points.

With the Saucers only managing a 9 player turn-out Barely agreed to play with ten men in a chivalrous gesture, however chilvary was thereafter fairly low on the agenda, as one of the Saucers berated Mike's (and later Rich B's) refereeing at length. Flying Saucers took the lead early as they looked livelier than a lethargic Barely, but as the home team slowly awoke from their torpor the complexion of the game became more even. Barely had a goal ruled out for offside - correctly - however the subsequent Saucers goal from an offside source was allowed to stand - incorrectly, as far as a furious Steve was concerned. The perceived lack of honesty after Barely had volunteered to have their own goal chalked off set a slightly fractious tone for the game, but as aggrieved as Barely were they could have no complaints when the verbose Flying Saucers striker let fly from distance and put the visitors 3-0 up. Morally dubious or not, they were three goals to the good and making light of their shortage of personnel.

Then from the kick-off Barely found a chink of light. Richie and Sam combined down the right to set up Mani for a deftly headed finish, and as half-time arrived the score was 3-1. Nick and Steve swapped positions and Chris took the whistle for 20 minutes. Feeling they hadn't done the Barely name justice, the home side began the second half like a team possessed, and were very soon back to 3-2 when Mani slotted in at the near post. At this stage it was all Barely, and your correspondant felt sure that a draw was the least they could expect. But credit to Flying Saucers - they rode out the storm and as the full-time whistle beckoned, Barely looked tired. They did create chances - Rich B headed into the side netting, Steve headed over the bar, and Richie was distraught at firing over late on - but Flying Saucers held on for the points, and mounted the odd counter-attack of their own, prompting a couple of decent saves from Nick.

Jim picked up Barely's Man of the Match award, though Richie ran him close and Mike and Mani - with some fine finishing - also featured in the voting. There was a general sense of disappointment that went beyond the result, but as well as the debated goal Flying Saucers also displayed very good possession play and great defending. Barely must now pick themselves up for next week's game, and perhaps make sure they bring a referee!