Easton Monday 5 Barely Athletic 0
Goal: Nick
Defence: Rich B, Ian, Danny, Luis
Midfield: Andy, Jacko, Sam
Attack: Dwez, Mike, Richie C
Subs: Mani, Steve
The game that was played as a double header for both league and cup ties ended badly for Barely Athletic, with them out of the cup and on a goal difference of -5 in the league. In a horrifying echo of last season's travails, manager Rich Batten found himself down to the bare eleven 24 hours before kick-off, and that was with Simon 'Dwez' Dwerryhouse drafted in to play upfront. Taking on the resident Casuals champions, it didn't bode well for the boys in yellow and fading black-to-grey. However, perhaps inspired by circumstance, or feeling he had nothing to lose, Rich went for a crazy 4-3-3 formation with Dwez, Mike and Richie leading the attack. And by God it nearly worked.
For over half an hour Barely took the game to the champions, and forced two or three saves from the keeper as well as 4 or 5 corners. But like a surgeon trying to perform an appendectomy with a spatula, they had no cutting edge.
In turn, Easton Monday didn't get where they are today by spurning chances, and when a cross from their right winger went over the collapsing limbs of Ian and an Easton attacker, it fell invitingly for the man at the far post who rifled in, against the run of play to be fair.
Barely's house of cards then collapsed, as in quick succession Easton added two more before half-time, one the type of goal that makes Alan Hansen wake up screaming for his mummy, as a long punt from the goalkeeper cleared the whole Barely team and with one bounce the attacker had the easiest of chances to stroke it in past Nick.
Half-time and everyone was inevitably a little forlorn - it had been a cracking opening but nobody could honestly say they felt Barely were still in it, as they'd not taken their chances when on top. Rich moved the team around slightly, swapping Nick and Luis over and himself with Andy. Richie dropped deeper too as after the restart Barely struggled to maintain possession. Though the second half saw them only concede two more goals, they were thankful to Luis that it wasn't more, as he turned in a decent half between the sticks. But the game was over a long time before the final whistle, and Barely need to lift themselves for the next one - if they can play like they did in the first half (without letting in the silly goals) there's no telling what they can do this season.
Man of the Match was Richie with Luis, impressive outfield and in goal, runner-up.
Monday 27 September 2010
Monday 10 May 2010
Barely draw hope for next season
BARELY ATHLETIC 2 RUSSELL ATHLETIC 2
(Was trying to work "leaves Russell" into that headline but it wouldn't take.)
Goal: Danny
Defence: Dave Baines, Jim Perret, Matt, Colin
Midfield: Rich Bats, Richie, Sam, Andy
Attack: Ioan, Nick
Subs: Lewis, Luke, Mani.
Barring an unlikely reunion with Reunion, this was Barely Athletic's last game of the 09-10 season and they signed off in some style, very nearly grabbing both points against a Russell team fighting for the first division title. In a game dotted with superlative performances it'd be tricky to pick a man of the match. As Bats said after the game, it was a proper team performance and everyone put in a shift.
No less than four debutants were called on yesterday and all played their part. Matt was imperious at centre-back, Dave Baines a regular outlet at right-back and Lewis and Luke both had impact as subs, the latter especially.
From the off Barely were up for this game. Even the usual pre-match talk of how they might not lose was nipped in the bud as being 'presumptuous'. Nick's warm-up shoulder injury looked to be catastrophic as Barely prepared to start the game with ten men, but no - scampering across the field like a latter-day cavalry comes Danny, taking his place between the sticks and making Barely eleven (Lewis and Luke, who are 'younger', and therefore work to a slightly different clock, turned up later).
Barely kicked off and the teams went at it as teams who-were-almost-fighting-relegation or fighting for the title are wont to do. Russell are a big team physically and not ones to say "after you" in a challenge, but it's a credit to both teams and the ref that the game was played in good spirit. Unsurprisingly, Russell were the first team to create a chance on goal, but it took a good while for them to do so as the jerry-rigged defence were playing like a unit borne of long-standing relationships. Jim blocked and bludgeoned, Colin and Dave shut off approaches down the wings, and Matt was simply always in the right place, displaying some weird quantum relationship with the ball. When Russell did break through, Danny pulled off the saves to keep the game goalless, and Russell began shooting from further and further out, with wayward results.
At the other end Andy showed them how to do it, After a spell of Barely pressure, he gave the team in orange and black the lead with a Lillford special, cracking low shot into the far corner from just outside the box.
Russell replied almost immediately however, when a corner was headed into the net shortly before half-time to put the score at 1-1. Rich Batten made no immediate changes as Barely were right in the mix at this stage.
The second half was a similar pattern to the first, with Russell shading things in terms of pressure but unable to break Barely down, although they came very close. Danny pulled off a spectacular double-save at one stage and at least once Russell failed to hit the target from headers as they pounded the Barely penalty area. Barely continued to look to counter-attack and, with the introduction of 'faster than most' Luke, found their second goal on such an occasion. Barely broke and Richie, at the heart of almost everything Barely did offensively, found Luke on the right-wing. He darted to the by-line and crossed. After a short melee the ball fell to Ioan, who scored the most insouciant of goals, dummying past a challenge and flipping the ball past the keeper into the roof of the net. It was the second of two brilliant goals and no matter how much the Russell centre-back protested disdainfully that Barely didn't deserve it, his argument went counter to the accepted wisdom on how games are scored. See end of previous post for bottom line on winning and losing.
However Russell were never going to lie down and continued to pressure. Despite some breaks of their own - Dave Baines put a shot oh-so-narrowly wide - Barely looked to be holding on slightly and just conceded that one corner too many. With the seconds ticking away, the ball broke loose in the box and the Russell forward was on hand to poke it into the net as Rich and Sam desperately tried to clear. There was no time for either team to net a winner though, and the game - a cracking one - ended honours deservedly even.
Let's all take a moment to consider what Bats has achieved this season. Barely's first division status, thanks to results elsewhere, was achieved before kick-off yesterday in the face of multiple and prolonged absenteeism and praise be, the squad have another year to tilt at mid-table safety despite, as was the case again in this game, the team regularly being patched-up and/or thrown together at the last minute. Hats off to Bats, and thanks also to all those who have stepped into the breach, no matter how glorious or humiliating the result on the day. Ioan, for instance, has appeared on numerous times looking like he might be more comfortable on a gurney. Let's see if we can't have a strong turnout next season, meantime there's end-of-season boozing to be down, possible poker, and certainly some kind of partisan voting to be made on player of the season and that kind of stuff. Well done all!
(Was trying to work "leaves Russell" into that headline but it wouldn't take.)
Goal: Danny
Defence: Dave Baines, Jim Perret, Matt, Colin
Midfield: Rich Bats, Richie, Sam, Andy
Attack: Ioan, Nick
Subs: Lewis, Luke, Mani.
Barring an unlikely reunion with Reunion, this was Barely Athletic's last game of the 09-10 season and they signed off in some style, very nearly grabbing both points against a Russell team fighting for the first division title. In a game dotted with superlative performances it'd be tricky to pick a man of the match. As Bats said after the game, it was a proper team performance and everyone put in a shift.
No less than four debutants were called on yesterday and all played their part. Matt was imperious at centre-back, Dave Baines a regular outlet at right-back and Lewis and Luke both had impact as subs, the latter especially.
From the off Barely were up for this game. Even the usual pre-match talk of how they might not lose was nipped in the bud as being 'presumptuous'. Nick's warm-up shoulder injury looked to be catastrophic as Barely prepared to start the game with ten men, but no - scampering across the field like a latter-day cavalry comes Danny, taking his place between the sticks and making Barely eleven (Lewis and Luke, who are 'younger', and therefore work to a slightly different clock, turned up later).
Barely kicked off and the teams went at it as teams who-were-almost-fighting-relegation or fighting for the title are wont to do. Russell are a big team physically and not ones to say "after you" in a challenge, but it's a credit to both teams and the ref that the game was played in good spirit. Unsurprisingly, Russell were the first team to create a chance on goal, but it took a good while for them to do so as the jerry-rigged defence were playing like a unit borne of long-standing relationships. Jim blocked and bludgeoned, Colin and Dave shut off approaches down the wings, and Matt was simply always in the right place, displaying some weird quantum relationship with the ball. When Russell did break through, Danny pulled off the saves to keep the game goalless, and Russell began shooting from further and further out, with wayward results.
At the other end Andy showed them how to do it, After a spell of Barely pressure, he gave the team in orange and black the lead with a Lillford special, cracking low shot into the far corner from just outside the box.
Russell replied almost immediately however, when a corner was headed into the net shortly before half-time to put the score at 1-1. Rich Batten made no immediate changes as Barely were right in the mix at this stage.
The second half was a similar pattern to the first, with Russell shading things in terms of pressure but unable to break Barely down, although they came very close. Danny pulled off a spectacular double-save at one stage and at least once Russell failed to hit the target from headers as they pounded the Barely penalty area. Barely continued to look to counter-attack and, with the introduction of 'faster than most' Luke, found their second goal on such an occasion. Barely broke and Richie, at the heart of almost everything Barely did offensively, found Luke on the right-wing. He darted to the by-line and crossed. After a short melee the ball fell to Ioan, who scored the most insouciant of goals, dummying past a challenge and flipping the ball past the keeper into the roof of the net. It was the second of two brilliant goals and no matter how much the Russell centre-back protested disdainfully that Barely didn't deserve it, his argument went counter to the accepted wisdom on how games are scored. See end of previous post for bottom line on winning and losing.
However Russell were never going to lie down and continued to pressure. Despite some breaks of their own - Dave Baines put a shot oh-so-narrowly wide - Barely looked to be holding on slightly and just conceded that one corner too many. With the seconds ticking away, the ball broke loose in the box and the Russell forward was on hand to poke it into the net as Rich and Sam desperately tried to clear. There was no time for either team to net a winner though, and the game - a cracking one - ended honours deservedly even.
Let's all take a moment to consider what Bats has achieved this season. Barely's first division status, thanks to results elsewhere, was achieved before kick-off yesterday in the face of multiple and prolonged absenteeism and praise be, the squad have another year to tilt at mid-table safety despite, as was the case again in this game, the team regularly being patched-up and/or thrown together at the last minute. Hats off to Bats, and thanks also to all those who have stepped into the breach, no matter how glorious or humiliating the result on the day. Ioan, for instance, has appeared on numerous times looking like he might be more comfortable on a gurney. Let's see if we can't have a strong turnout next season, meantime there's end-of-season boozing to be down, possible poker, and certainly some kind of partisan voting to be made on player of the season and that kind of stuff. Well done all!
Monday 26 April 2010
Hill Farm leave Barely with Mountain to Climb
Barely Athletic 0 Hill Farm 5
Goal: Mike
Defence: Colin, Bats, Andy, Chris
Midfield: Nick, Richie, Jacko, Sam
Attack: Lefils, Ioan
Subs: Steve P, Tom P, Sean
It was a wonderful day for football, crisp and fresh with intermittent sun, and a decent - if somewhat hard - pitch. Barely had a decent team together with the return of Rich 'the pendulum' Jackson to add composure to the midfield. However the list of absentee centre-backs was long - no Danny, Ian, Phil, and no Lee to step into the breach as he did so admirably in Barely' last game. Bats, caught between a rock cake and a blancmange, opted for himself and Andy Lillford in the middle of defence, prompting a pained expression from the latter. Andy went on to put in a man of the match performance, making up for a lack of stature - for a centre-half - with determination and inexhaustible energy.
And despite the scoreline Barely collectively and individually put in a good shift. Both teams like to play good football and the battle lines were drawn along the ground rather than above the player's heads. Barely were playing some pretty stuff in the middle with all the midfield linking well. Breaking the Hill Farm back line, however, proved a tougher task, and Hill Farm adroitly foiled Lefils and Ioan whenever the strikers threatened.
And after half an hour of both teams showing flashes of joined-up football, Hill Farm finally broke through the Barely back line twice in succession and put themselves 2-0 up. Mike had expressly asked the outfield players not to let Hill Farm shoot 'along the ground' but that's exactly what they did, leaving Mike with a long way to go to the floor, and by the time he got their the ball was past him on both occasions. Barely looked slightly dazed but tried to galvanise a response; Jacko had at least one shot blocked, Sam jinked between players to put his effort just wide, and Richie thought he'd scored but his thumping shot was deftly tipped over by the keeper. Lefils tore down the left a couple of times but Hill Farm were first to every ball in the box, and the break came with Barely came two goals down.
Rich Batten initiated the rolling subs system with Tom coming on in central defence for the gaffer and Nick going into goal for the injured Mike. Steve came into left midfield, and Sean came on for the last half-hour upfront.
Hill Farm though were confident in the box seat, and soaked up the Barely pressure before picking their moments to score a couple more - one on the break from a Barely attack, and one a bullet header from a corner. Inevitably Barely's heads went down and the match became scrappier as Hill Farm had no need to pressurise and Barely were forced to do the running. Lefils and his opposite number began a preamble to what would have been death of a thousand kicks had the game gone on long enough and a vein of cantankerousness crept into the game, which was thankfully was kept a lid on by some sensible captaincy from both sides.
Sean's debut was impressive in terms of his energy and distribution, but despite a late rally from Barely where they were for a few minutes encamped in the Hill Farm penalty area, no-one really had a decent sight of goal. Hill Farm even rubbed it in a bit by scoring a fifth late on to well and truly put a thumping seal on a game that did not have 5-0 written on it in terms of the balance of play or level of performance.
But then unless they change the rules it's the goals that count, and Hill Farm scored five of 'em.
Goal: Mike
Defence: Colin, Bats, Andy, Chris
Midfield: Nick, Richie, Jacko, Sam
Attack: Lefils, Ioan
Subs: Steve P, Tom P, Sean
It was a wonderful day for football, crisp and fresh with intermittent sun, and a decent - if somewhat hard - pitch. Barely had a decent team together with the return of Rich 'the pendulum' Jackson to add composure to the midfield. However the list of absentee centre-backs was long - no Danny, Ian, Phil, and no Lee to step into the breach as he did so admirably in Barely' last game. Bats, caught between a rock cake and a blancmange, opted for himself and Andy Lillford in the middle of defence, prompting a pained expression from the latter. Andy went on to put in a man of the match performance, making up for a lack of stature - for a centre-half - with determination and inexhaustible energy.
And despite the scoreline Barely collectively and individually put in a good shift. Both teams like to play good football and the battle lines were drawn along the ground rather than above the player's heads. Barely were playing some pretty stuff in the middle with all the midfield linking well. Breaking the Hill Farm back line, however, proved a tougher task, and Hill Farm adroitly foiled Lefils and Ioan whenever the strikers threatened.
And after half an hour of both teams showing flashes of joined-up football, Hill Farm finally broke through the Barely back line twice in succession and put themselves 2-0 up. Mike had expressly asked the outfield players not to let Hill Farm shoot 'along the ground' but that's exactly what they did, leaving Mike with a long way to go to the floor, and by the time he got their the ball was past him on both occasions. Barely looked slightly dazed but tried to galvanise a response; Jacko had at least one shot blocked, Sam jinked between players to put his effort just wide, and Richie thought he'd scored but his thumping shot was deftly tipped over by the keeper. Lefils tore down the left a couple of times but Hill Farm were first to every ball in the box, and the break came with Barely came two goals down.
Rich Batten initiated the rolling subs system with Tom coming on in central defence for the gaffer and Nick going into goal for the injured Mike. Steve came into left midfield, and Sean came on for the last half-hour upfront.
Hill Farm though were confident in the box seat, and soaked up the Barely pressure before picking their moments to score a couple more - one on the break from a Barely attack, and one a bullet header from a corner. Inevitably Barely's heads went down and the match became scrappier as Hill Farm had no need to pressurise and Barely were forced to do the running. Lefils and his opposite number began a preamble to what would have been death of a thousand kicks had the game gone on long enough and a vein of cantankerousness crept into the game, which was thankfully was kept a lid on by some sensible captaincy from both sides.
Sean's debut was impressive in terms of his energy and distribution, but despite a late rally from Barely where they were for a few minutes encamped in the Hill Farm penalty area, no-one really had a decent sight of goal. Hill Farm even rubbed it in a bit by scoring a fifth late on to well and truly put a thumping seal on a game that did not have 5-0 written on it in terms of the balance of play or level of performance.
But then unless they change the rules it's the goals that count, and Hill Farm scored five of 'em.
Thursday 15 April 2010
Late show - Early Bath
Barely Athletic 5 Bathelona 2
Goal: Nick
Defence: Chris, Lee, Ian, Rich Bats
Midfield: Sam, James, Mike, Richie,
Attack: Lefils, Jim Banton
Subs: Steve, Jimbo, Jimmy, Ioan, Tom
Barely took a small step towards securing their first division status with a delayed but deserved victory over Bathelona, who had slightly put the dampers on an evening kick-off by going to the wrong ground and arriving an hour late. With everyone keen to play, however, the teams agreed to play half an hour each way, and duly kicked off.
Rich and Steve had a veritable cornucopia of players to choose from with 16 Barely players eager to play a part in reversing their recent fortunes. With a subs bench that could have made a decent barbershop quartet (with a sub of it's own) Barely rolled players on and off throughout the game to keep things fresh.
Barely started strongly with Wednesday regular, but big-match debutant Jim Banton getting on the end of a decent move and putting the home side one-up after just ten minutes. Lefils added a second to reward his persistent forward play and at half-time the score was 2-0, with Barely feeling comfortable. The Barely side was in constant flux, so much so that as the second half progressed they began to play with three forwards and two right wingers, but two goals from new recruit Jimmy had put Barely back in the box seat after Bathelona, playing better in this half, scored twice between Jimmy's efforts to make the score, at one stage, 3-2. The way Bathelona were playing you wouldn't have begrudged them a draw at that stage, but a penalty from Lefils after Jimmy was felled in the box - he did fall somewhat extravagantly, but it looked a trip - made the final score 5-2 and Barely took a precious three points away and a spring in their stride for the next game. As Bats said afterward, what a difference having a full squad makes.
Man of the match voting didn't happen, for some reason, but as well as notable mentions for the brace-scoring Jimmy and Lefils the Barely Reporter though Jim Banton was excellent on his debut - a goal as a forward, then virtually impassable in defence. Moment of the match was Lee's wonder-pass up the wing from a deep-position, which is indelibly etched on everyone's brains after Lee relived the moment at his leisure in the post-game discussions.
Fair enough.
As well as a great performance there was the welcome pitch-bound from injuries for Steve and Chris. Thumbs-up all around.
Goal: Nick
Defence: Chris, Lee, Ian, Rich Bats
Midfield: Sam, James, Mike, Richie,
Attack: Lefils, Jim Banton
Subs: Steve, Jimbo, Jimmy, Ioan, Tom
Barely took a small step towards securing their first division status with a delayed but deserved victory over Bathelona, who had slightly put the dampers on an evening kick-off by going to the wrong ground and arriving an hour late. With everyone keen to play, however, the teams agreed to play half an hour each way, and duly kicked off.
Rich and Steve had a veritable cornucopia of players to choose from with 16 Barely players eager to play a part in reversing their recent fortunes. With a subs bench that could have made a decent barbershop quartet (with a sub of it's own) Barely rolled players on and off throughout the game to keep things fresh.
Barely started strongly with Wednesday regular, but big-match debutant Jim Banton getting on the end of a decent move and putting the home side one-up after just ten minutes. Lefils added a second to reward his persistent forward play and at half-time the score was 2-0, with Barely feeling comfortable. The Barely side was in constant flux, so much so that as the second half progressed they began to play with three forwards and two right wingers, but two goals from new recruit Jimmy had put Barely back in the box seat after Bathelona, playing better in this half, scored twice between Jimmy's efforts to make the score, at one stage, 3-2. The way Bathelona were playing you wouldn't have begrudged them a draw at that stage, but a penalty from Lefils after Jimmy was felled in the box - he did fall somewhat extravagantly, but it looked a trip - made the final score 5-2 and Barely took a precious three points away and a spring in their stride for the next game. As Bats said afterward, what a difference having a full squad makes.
Man of the match voting didn't happen, for some reason, but as well as notable mentions for the brace-scoring Jimmy and Lefils the Barely Reporter though Jim Banton was excellent on his debut - a goal as a forward, then virtually impassable in defence. Moment of the match was Lee's wonder-pass up the wing from a deep-position, which is indelibly etched on everyone's brains after Lee relived the moment at his leisure in the post-game discussions.
Fair enough.
As well as a great performance there was the welcome pitch-bound from injuries for Steve and Chris. Thumbs-up all around.
Sunday 21 March 2010
Old Boys Put the Nail in Barely Coffin
Nailsea Old Boys 7 Barely Athletic 2
Goal: Tom
Defence: George, Danny, Jim, Rich Batten
Midfield: Paul, James, Jacko, Sam
Attack: Lefils, Ioan
No subs.
With a plethora of injuries and enough bouncing offspring to start a nursery, barely once again struggled to make up numbers for this game. There were officially four billion players absent, so Rich Batten called in Young Jim to the Barely central defence and even-more-newcomer George slotted in at right-back. One bright note was the return of James Fry from an extended hiatus, and he took up the central midfield alongside Jacko.
But all this was pretty academic as Barely began by letting in the quickest, sloppiest three goals since Titus Bramble last walked out at St James' saying "I've just got a good feeling about this one". It might have been different had Sam tucked away an early cross from Paul after a break down the right, but his volley went straight at the goalkeeper. NOBs showed no such hesitancy as Barley pretty much gifted them three peachy chances that they took easily. 3-0 with about ten minutes gone and the word 'relegation' might as well have been sky-written by a plane.
But to be fair Barely were not being over-run. The midfield battle was fairly even and Ioan and Lefils were holding the ball up well in attack. As ever, though, Barely's ability to eke out a chance remained at a premium, and at the break the frustration at the scoreline was balanced by a feeling that Barely were actually playing well. Rich brought Tom into centre-midfield, pushed Jack to centre-back and Jim into goal. With no subs, everyone just had to get their heads down and sweat buckets for the cause under a dispassionate sun. And, after a period of thrust and counter-thrust, Barely scored a delightful goal. Rich combined with Lefils to set off Sam on a storming run (ok, a five yard scamper) down the left, and he drilled a ball into the box where George wellied off a defender and into the net. 3-1 and suddenly Barely had a glimmer of light.
The Barely Reporter would love to relate that the goal turned the game on it's head, that derring deeds were done, swashes buckled and goals galore scored. In fact they were, but another defensive collapse by the team in orangey-yellow and eighties fade from black to grey meant it all happened at the wrong end. That's Barely, in case the the kaleidoscope of horror lost you. With half an hour to play it was NOBs who stepped up a gear and, to use the vernacular, they twatted another four past Barely to one solitary reply, when Bats, haring forward in furious desperation, belted Tom's cross into the roof of the NOBs net. Good to see the boss leading by example, but it wasn't enough to save Barely, who really need to find a full-time goalkeeper, or possibly all chip in for an operation on Steve Pinnell's shoulder.
There was no man of the match vote but the Rich Batten sponsored choice was Ioan for leading the line so well - and obviously answering the call when it came. George made a good impression on the team and it was good to see James Fry slaloming through the midfield again, but overall, though Barely managed a decent 7/10, it wasn't enough. They are now staring down the barrel of a ticking relegation time-bomb between a rock and a hard place, and the only person who can save them - is themselves.(Read that last bit in the gravelly trailer voiceover style if you would).
Goal: Tom
Defence: George, Danny, Jim, Rich Batten
Midfield: Paul, James, Jacko, Sam
Attack: Lefils, Ioan
No subs.
With a plethora of injuries and enough bouncing offspring to start a nursery, barely once again struggled to make up numbers for this game. There were officially four billion players absent, so Rich Batten called in Young Jim to the Barely central defence and even-more-newcomer George slotted in at right-back. One bright note was the return of James Fry from an extended hiatus, and he took up the central midfield alongside Jacko.
But all this was pretty academic as Barely began by letting in the quickest, sloppiest three goals since Titus Bramble last walked out at St James' saying "I've just got a good feeling about this one". It might have been different had Sam tucked away an early cross from Paul after a break down the right, but his volley went straight at the goalkeeper. NOBs showed no such hesitancy as Barley pretty much gifted them three peachy chances that they took easily. 3-0 with about ten minutes gone and the word 'relegation' might as well have been sky-written by a plane.
But to be fair Barely were not being over-run. The midfield battle was fairly even and Ioan and Lefils were holding the ball up well in attack. As ever, though, Barely's ability to eke out a chance remained at a premium, and at the break the frustration at the scoreline was balanced by a feeling that Barely were actually playing well. Rich brought Tom into centre-midfield, pushed Jack to centre-back and Jim into goal. With no subs, everyone just had to get their heads down and sweat buckets for the cause under a dispassionate sun. And, after a period of thrust and counter-thrust, Barely scored a delightful goal. Rich combined with Lefils to set off Sam on a storming run (ok, a five yard scamper) down the left, and he drilled a ball into the box where George wellied off a defender and into the net. 3-1 and suddenly Barely had a glimmer of light.
The Barely Reporter would love to relate that the goal turned the game on it's head, that derring deeds were done, swashes buckled and goals galore scored. In fact they were, but another defensive collapse by the team in orangey-yellow and eighties fade from black to grey meant it all happened at the wrong end. That's Barely, in case the the kaleidoscope of horror lost you. With half an hour to play it was NOBs who stepped up a gear and, to use the vernacular, they twatted another four past Barely to one solitary reply, when Bats, haring forward in furious desperation, belted Tom's cross into the roof of the NOBs net. Good to see the boss leading by example, but it wasn't enough to save Barely, who really need to find a full-time goalkeeper, or possibly all chip in for an operation on Steve Pinnell's shoulder.
There was no man of the match vote but the Rich Batten sponsored choice was Ioan for leading the line so well - and obviously answering the call when it came. George made a good impression on the team and it was good to see James Fry slaloming through the midfield again, but overall, though Barely managed a decent 7/10, it wasn't enough. They are now staring down the barrel of a ticking relegation time-bomb between a rock and a hard place, and the only person who can save them - is themselves.(Read that last bit in the gravelly trailer voiceover style if you would).
Monday 1 March 2010
Black Mark for Barely
Red Star 4 Barely Athletic 1
Goal: Tom
Defence: Colin, Jim (2), Ian, Andy
Midfield: Sam, Mike, Dave, Bats
Attack: Mani, Lefils
Sub: Kel
Missing more first choice players than you can count on a radioactive centipede's feet, Rich 'Bats' Batten was forced to call on the 'Groinstrain Three' of Andy, Colin and Sam as well as drafting in emergency cover in the shape of Jim (who started at centre-back and swapped positions with Tom at half-time) and Kel, who began as sub.
Red Star are a good side and unsurprisingly began the game on top. Tom had already pulled out a couple of saves as the Barely back line was breached by the time Barely began to get a foothold on the game, as Mike started winning headers and challenges in the centre of the park. It looked like an inspired choice by Bats to play him there. Barely even started to put some attacks together but, as is often the case, the final ball wasn't quite there. Sam felt he might even have had a penalty as he was felled in the box but as the only person who agreed with him was his assailant, the game proceeded indifferently.
The first half was actually a pretty even affair with 'Hungover' Dave industrious in midfield and Andy and Bats combining well down the left. But Red Star went into the break two goals ahead - firstly when their left-winger outpaced Colin into the box to finish well, and secondly as Lefils argued over an offside call Red Star broke forward and scored a splendid counter-attacking goal. As guilty as Fizzy was for arguing, the rest of Barely were equally guilty of telling him to shut up rather than focussing on the game. So they felt a bit hard done to, but their was no arguing with the scoreline.
After a prolonged and confusing team shuffle Colin went to right wing and Kel (who had come on for Dave in the first half) went to right-back. It was a better balance to the team by and large but by the time they found the net - Tom heading in Lefils' corner - they had conceded a third as a cross-shot went into the Barely net off Jim's hands. And despite Lefils dropping into midfield to bolster Barely's play, there was time for another weak goal from a Barely point of view when a Red Star corner went directly in with no assistance other than the crapness of Jim and Sam on the line.
So a fairly sorry Barely put up a fight but were outpunched but a strong Red Star team. Man of the Match - apparently - went to Sam 'for turning up' but your correspondent would put down Ian as Barely's outstanding performer, with notable nods to a few others: Kel looked a very composed player, and Lefils, Dave and Andy kept battling until the end. The Barely Reporter actually felt Lefils was on the wrong end of some decisions as the fiery Frenchman used his strength to turn defenders or win the ball, but in fairness Red Star played and refereed fairly in the big picture. Hopefully Barely can get some rest -and some more players - before their next game .
Goal: Tom
Defence: Colin, Jim (2), Ian, Andy
Midfield: Sam, Mike, Dave, Bats
Attack: Mani, Lefils
Sub: Kel
Missing more first choice players than you can count on a radioactive centipede's feet, Rich 'Bats' Batten was forced to call on the 'Groinstrain Three' of Andy, Colin and Sam as well as drafting in emergency cover in the shape of Jim (who started at centre-back and swapped positions with Tom at half-time) and Kel, who began as sub.
Red Star are a good side and unsurprisingly began the game on top. Tom had already pulled out a couple of saves as the Barely back line was breached by the time Barely began to get a foothold on the game, as Mike started winning headers and challenges in the centre of the park. It looked like an inspired choice by Bats to play him there. Barely even started to put some attacks together but, as is often the case, the final ball wasn't quite there. Sam felt he might even have had a penalty as he was felled in the box but as the only person who agreed with him was his assailant, the game proceeded indifferently.
The first half was actually a pretty even affair with 'Hungover' Dave industrious in midfield and Andy and Bats combining well down the left. But Red Star went into the break two goals ahead - firstly when their left-winger outpaced Colin into the box to finish well, and secondly as Lefils argued over an offside call Red Star broke forward and scored a splendid counter-attacking goal. As guilty as Fizzy was for arguing, the rest of Barely were equally guilty of telling him to shut up rather than focussing on the game. So they felt a bit hard done to, but their was no arguing with the scoreline.
After a prolonged and confusing team shuffle Colin went to right wing and Kel (who had come on for Dave in the first half) went to right-back. It was a better balance to the team by and large but by the time they found the net - Tom heading in Lefils' corner - they had conceded a third as a cross-shot went into the Barely net off Jim's hands. And despite Lefils dropping into midfield to bolster Barely's play, there was time for another weak goal from a Barely point of view when a Red Star corner went directly in with no assistance other than the crapness of Jim and Sam on the line.
So a fairly sorry Barely put up a fight but were outpunched but a strong Red Star team. Man of the Match - apparently - went to Sam 'for turning up' but your correspondent would put down Ian as Barely's outstanding performer, with notable nods to a few others: Kel looked a very composed player, and Lefils, Dave and Andy kept battling until the end. The Barely Reporter actually felt Lefils was on the wrong end of some decisions as the fiery Frenchman used his strength to turn defenders or win the ball, but in fairness Red Star played and refereed fairly in the big picture. Hopefully Barely can get some rest -and some more players - before their next game .
Monday 15 February 2010
Barely 2 AXA 3
Goal: Nick
Defence: Colin, Tom, Ian, Rich B
Midfield: Lee, Sam, Jacko, Richie
Attack: Mani, Lefils
Sub: Chris
Barely were left frustrated yesterday after a performance that had everything but goals - and, obviously, the result they wanted. With quite a few few regulars missing Sam's mate Chris was drafted in as sub, and Rich Batten went for a mildly experimental 4-1-3-2 line-up with Lee parked in front of the back four. And it proved an astute bit of thinking when Lee began winning everything in the air and Barely took total control of the game from the off. Jacko dictated the tempo as ever and Bats and Richie started combining well down the right. Again and again they carved AXA open, and it was surprising the goal took as long coming as it did. After bossing the game for twenty or so minutes another left-wing move culminated in Lefils shimmying past a defender and planting the ball neatly in the far corner. One-nil. Shortly afterwards the second came - or so Barely thought. Sam crossed from the right, and after the ball hit the bar and was cleared from the goal-line in a melee, Barely eventually scored only for the linesman to give an offside decision. No-one could quite work out how he had come to that conclusion, but we must give him the benefit of the doubt in this instance as he obviously had the best view of events.
Shortly after though the ref gave the benefit of the doubt to AXA after not one but two dubious challenges on Richie went unpunished in the box. To be fair the ref could argue at that point that the defenders took possession of the ball using their bodies - but if so why did a similar challenge by Tom moments later result in a free-kick for AXA? It felt somewhat partisan and Barely were irked. Especially when AXA scored from the free-kick. Sam - who had the type of day at the office that might result in a written warning - was outjumped by the AXA midfield to head in their equaliser. Perhaps shaken by that, a minute later the diminutive midfielder-cum-imminent-bench-warmer gave away possession in midfield cheaply and AXA strode forward to put themselves ahead. Chris - now on for Lee - got back to make a challenge, but the ball ricocheted back off Nick to the striker, who had a second go. This time it hit Nick and went over his head, and after a horrible "it's behind you" moment, the striker finally got the goal his efforts deserved. But it was a stinker from a Barely point of view.
The second half was more of the same - Barely on top in terms of possession, but AXA understandably reluctant to cede any ground near the goal. With Chris now on the right wing, the debutant put in a good shift, regularly beating his man and getting crosses in, but Barely just couldn't find an equaliser. Headers went wide, corners were cleared, and shooting was disappointingly wayward. To make matters worse, AXA marked one of their counter-attacks with a good goal, chipping Lee (with Nick now in midfield) to put the 'away' team 3-1 up. At that point one could literally see the shoulders slump in Barely as everyone sensed it simply wasn't to be their day. But credit to manager Bats then, already sporting a bloody nose from one of several rumbustious challenges from the AXA number 8, who charged into the box and whacked the ball into the net to make it 2-3, after the umpteenth attack from Barely.
Inevitably though, the whistle blew for full-time before Barely could launch any further assaults in search of a point. The statistics of the game will make comforting reading - all except the important one, that is. An unnecessary defeat down to silly mistakes meant the post-game drinkers couldn't even bring themselves to vote for a man of the match. *Sigh*...
Defence: Colin, Tom, Ian, Rich B
Midfield: Lee, Sam, Jacko, Richie
Attack: Mani, Lefils
Sub: Chris
Barely were left frustrated yesterday after a performance that had everything but goals - and, obviously, the result they wanted. With quite a few few regulars missing Sam's mate Chris was drafted in as sub, and Rich Batten went for a mildly experimental 4-1-3-2 line-up with Lee parked in front of the back four. And it proved an astute bit of thinking when Lee began winning everything in the air and Barely took total control of the game from the off. Jacko dictated the tempo as ever and Bats and Richie started combining well down the right. Again and again they carved AXA open, and it was surprising the goal took as long coming as it did. After bossing the game for twenty or so minutes another left-wing move culminated in Lefils shimmying past a defender and planting the ball neatly in the far corner. One-nil. Shortly afterwards the second came - or so Barely thought. Sam crossed from the right, and after the ball hit the bar and was cleared from the goal-line in a melee, Barely eventually scored only for the linesman to give an offside decision. No-one could quite work out how he had come to that conclusion, but we must give him the benefit of the doubt in this instance as he obviously had the best view of events.
Shortly after though the ref gave the benefit of the doubt to AXA after not one but two dubious challenges on Richie went unpunished in the box. To be fair the ref could argue at that point that the defenders took possession of the ball using their bodies - but if so why did a similar challenge by Tom moments later result in a free-kick for AXA? It felt somewhat partisan and Barely were irked. Especially when AXA scored from the free-kick. Sam - who had the type of day at the office that might result in a written warning - was outjumped by the AXA midfield to head in their equaliser. Perhaps shaken by that, a minute later the diminutive midfielder-cum-imminent-bench-warmer gave away possession in midfield cheaply and AXA strode forward to put themselves ahead. Chris - now on for Lee - got back to make a challenge, but the ball ricocheted back off Nick to the striker, who had a second go. This time it hit Nick and went over his head, and after a horrible "it's behind you" moment, the striker finally got the goal his efforts deserved. But it was a stinker from a Barely point of view.
The second half was more of the same - Barely on top in terms of possession, but AXA understandably reluctant to cede any ground near the goal. With Chris now on the right wing, the debutant put in a good shift, regularly beating his man and getting crosses in, but Barely just couldn't find an equaliser. Headers went wide, corners were cleared, and shooting was disappointingly wayward. To make matters worse, AXA marked one of their counter-attacks with a good goal, chipping Lee (with Nick now in midfield) to put the 'away' team 3-1 up. At that point one could literally see the shoulders slump in Barely as everyone sensed it simply wasn't to be their day. But credit to manager Bats then, already sporting a bloody nose from one of several rumbustious challenges from the AXA number 8, who charged into the box and whacked the ball into the net to make it 2-3, after the umpteenth attack from Barely.
Inevitably though, the whistle blew for full-time before Barely could launch any further assaults in search of a point. The statistics of the game will make comforting reading - all except the important one, that is. An unnecessary defeat down to silly mistakes meant the post-game drinkers couldn't even bring themselves to vote for a man of the match. *Sigh*...
Monday 25 January 2010
Barely's Cup Dreams go South
SC Vets 5 Barely Athletic 1
Goal: Mike
Defence: Colin, Danny, Ian, Paul
Midfield: Richie, Jacko, Sam, Nick
Attack: Mani, Lefils
Sub: Tom
Injured in warm-up: Andy
Off to a christening: Bats
Ashen-faced manager: Steve
With Andy, Sam, Lefils, and who knows who else carrying injuries before the game even started, the only way Barely could have been more crocked was if they were helicoptered in. The disparity with a strapping and bullish SC Vets could not have been more pronounced as Andy Lillford hobbled on to the pitch and fell over with his first contact with the ball, screaming in pain. With James Fry missing with what the physio referred to as a 'shagged knee' it was a case of needs-must, with Sam insisting that he 'mustn't run' while playing in centre-midfield.
Barely turned tradition on it's head and started very well. With Jacko dictating the pace in the middle a clutch of decent moves saw Barely attacking through Nick down the right-wing, the stoical Barely veteran linking up well with Lefils. But then SC scored with what felt like their first attack of the game. Barely conceded a corner and as it rifled in to the near post the ball was acrobatically volleyed into the top of the net. Mike didn't even move - though to be fair he probably wouldn't have got a leg to it.
The next haif an hour was pretty even, a case of thrust and counter-thrust as Barely tried to find their way to goal through the wings and SC, winning every header against Barely's diminutive centre, looked for the long ball being flicked on to increase their lead. Neither team created a real chance though until some nice play from Paul and Mani set up the galloping Richie to finish past the keeper and bring the scores level. Thus it stayed until the break, whereupon Steve brought on Tom for Sam and moved Richie into the middle. Barely again began the half well, but in an uncanny mirror image of the first half, SC's first attack of note brought them the lead. Nick - now in goal for Mike, who was on the left wing - will be disappointed to have not saved it, but the SC winger's powerful shot from a narrow angle had enough velocity to go in off his surprised hands.
Suddenly SC were on top, and for every bright moment from Barely - and there were plenty - the final ball wasn't quite right, whereas SC looked ominously menacing near the goal. They stepped up a gear and fired one into the roof of the net, giving them a two goal advantage. A fourth came when the ball squeezed agonisingly under the diving Nick's body - and the fifth - well, who cares, frankly? The game was much more even than the scoreline suggested, but ultimately SC knew how to finish and Barely didn't. A team with two successive promotions behind them, the Barely Reporter fully expects to see them in the top division next year - when Barely will get another shot at beating them. For the meantime, the second division side go on in the cup, and Barely concentrate on the league.
Man of the Match was a tight affair with Jacko runner-up to Richie and Paul in joint first place. All in all though, Barely can stand the odd smarting defeat if they play as well as they did today - some good football bodes well for a solid assault on the league - perhaps 4th is up for grabs again.
Or fifth.
Goal: Mike
Defence: Colin, Danny, Ian, Paul
Midfield: Richie, Jacko, Sam, Nick
Attack: Mani, Lefils
Sub: Tom
Injured in warm-up: Andy
Off to a christening: Bats
Ashen-faced manager: Steve
With Andy, Sam, Lefils, and who knows who else carrying injuries before the game even started, the only way Barely could have been more crocked was if they were helicoptered in. The disparity with a strapping and bullish SC Vets could not have been more pronounced as Andy Lillford hobbled on to the pitch and fell over with his first contact with the ball, screaming in pain. With James Fry missing with what the physio referred to as a 'shagged knee' it was a case of needs-must, with Sam insisting that he 'mustn't run' while playing in centre-midfield.
Barely turned tradition on it's head and started very well. With Jacko dictating the pace in the middle a clutch of decent moves saw Barely attacking through Nick down the right-wing, the stoical Barely veteran linking up well with Lefils. But then SC scored with what felt like their first attack of the game. Barely conceded a corner and as it rifled in to the near post the ball was acrobatically volleyed into the top of the net. Mike didn't even move - though to be fair he probably wouldn't have got a leg to it.
The next haif an hour was pretty even, a case of thrust and counter-thrust as Barely tried to find their way to goal through the wings and SC, winning every header against Barely's diminutive centre, looked for the long ball being flicked on to increase their lead. Neither team created a real chance though until some nice play from Paul and Mani set up the galloping Richie to finish past the keeper and bring the scores level. Thus it stayed until the break, whereupon Steve brought on Tom for Sam and moved Richie into the middle. Barely again began the half well, but in an uncanny mirror image of the first half, SC's first attack of note brought them the lead. Nick - now in goal for Mike, who was on the left wing - will be disappointed to have not saved it, but the SC winger's powerful shot from a narrow angle had enough velocity to go in off his surprised hands.
Suddenly SC were on top, and for every bright moment from Barely - and there were plenty - the final ball wasn't quite right, whereas SC looked ominously menacing near the goal. They stepped up a gear and fired one into the roof of the net, giving them a two goal advantage. A fourth came when the ball squeezed agonisingly under the diving Nick's body - and the fifth - well, who cares, frankly? The game was much more even than the scoreline suggested, but ultimately SC knew how to finish and Barely didn't. A team with two successive promotions behind them, the Barely Reporter fully expects to see them in the top division next year - when Barely will get another shot at beating them. For the meantime, the second division side go on in the cup, and Barely concentrate on the league.
Man of the Match was a tight affair with Jacko runner-up to Richie and Paul in joint first place. All in all though, Barely can stand the odd smarting defeat if they play as well as they did today - some good football bodes well for a solid assault on the league - perhaps 4th is up for grabs again.
Or fifth.
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