Unhappy End For Reunion

Barely Athletic 5 Reunion 2

Goal: Mike

Defence: Batts, Ian, Danny, Paul

Midfield: Andy, Alex, James Fry, Sam

Attack: James, Mani

Subs: Jim, Colin

Another three points in the bag for Rich Batten's side after a decent first half performance was followed by a vintage second one. Both sides were well up for this one but the game was a credit to the Casuals league in terms of spirit as well as performance; "a pleasure to referee" according to Bob, who had taken the whistle. And a pleasure to write up as well, after an enforced absence for the Barely Reporter. The presses are up and running again - thanks to Batts for stepping in with match reports for last three games.

The match started almost as briskly as the chilly wind that blew lazily across the AXA pitch as both sides carved out half-decent chances, and James tested the pace of the Reunion defence up front. But if anyone was assigning too much importance to the game they were sobered by a crunching of heads - as Paul dived into the back of the Reunion number 4 - and then James Fry being carried off after twisting his knee painfully - Jim came on in his stead as Barely reshuffled. Sam got in on the act with a scream of alleged agony - possibly a bit of embellishment - after a set of studs came down on his twisted foot. But then the game settled into a bit of football and it was James, opening his account for the afternoon, who set Barely on the way with a calm finish when finding himself one on one with the keeper.

Reunion came right back into it when a spell of decent possession ended with a shot wellied in from the edge of the box - though taking a fortunate deflection on the way. Back came Barely with a fortunate, nay silly, goal of their own, as James' corner was punched into his own net by the Reunion keeper. And as the half drew to it's conclusion it was Barely who shaded things, though no-one was under the illusion the second half would be a cakewalk - Reunion were still doing plenty with the ball but other than the one goal, had found Mike a formidable barrier to their efforts.

Second half started again with both teams having their moments, and it was Reunion who struck first, a very deft finish from a free-kick bypassing both defender and keeper. 2-2, and Reunion had a spell of being well on top as they sought to increase momentum. But Barely did not sway, and worked their way back into the game, Batts eventually getting their third after Mani and the goalkeeper obliterated each other in an attempt to reach the ball. Barely's manager swept home in the composed manner of an Aston Villa cast-off to put Barely back in front.

No looking back now - James, after another of his darting dribbles into the box, set Mani up to make it 4-2, then as Reunion's resolve finally faltered James got his sort-of hat-trick from the spot after being clearly tripped - no complaints from the Reunion boys. There was time for a little cameo at the end of the game from Colin as Barely sought to add even more goals but Reunion were still playing for pride and got the necessary tackles in.

Enough good work from James, then, to ensure a decent shout for Man of the Match, but in the end he was pipped by Mike Graney in what is being described as 'tactical voting' in terms of coaxing him into goal again - but tactical voting that was obviously inspired by his outstanding display between the sticks - so well done Mike. Andy's barnstorming midfield display saw him runner-up with other votes going to James, Ian, Alex and Sam.

So a great day at the office for everyone, except poor James Fry, who would probably have been better off in an actual office, changing a lightbulb or something. We wish him a speedy recovery.