Something to Chew On

Barely Athletic 1 - 2 Chew Magna

Gareth

Nick    Batts     Colin

Scott    Chris    Paul L      Mike    Sam

Paul T      John R

Sub: Adam

It was a crisp December morning as Barely trotted out for their monthly fresh-air punishment schedule. As assorted players dropped out in the build-up to the day, it fell to Chris - who had sworn off football - to step into the breach, and he filled out a 5-man midfield as Batts opted for a 3-5-2 line-up.

Barely started the game in unusually perky fashion, mixing up their usual defensive opening with a bit of attacking. Chris had quite an impact as he sashayed to the goal-line twice, crossing for Paul Tovey each time - who sadly couldn't convert. But Barely kept the pressure on, and after half an hour of soaking up Chew pressure and countering, they got the goal their persistence deserved when Paul Loftus bundled the ball over the line.

However, they somehow contrived to not only surrender the lead, but find themselves 2-1 down at half-time, after a near-post finish was followed with what would turn out to be the winner. Batts' 90-minute plan involved changing the formation to a 4-4-2 and experimented by pairing Paul T and Sam up front.

It didn't pay off, although both had further chances. Paul couldn't quite turn Sam's cross into the net, and Sam found himself at acute angles during the game; forcing a save from the keeper (left) and belting it into the side-netting (right). But that was only the tip of the half-chance iceberg, as Barely managed to hit the post in both halves (Paul almost scoring the goal of the game with a cheeky lob) and kept the Chew keeper the far busier of the glovemen.

Paul Loftus - now in goal - wasn't completely unemployed though, at one stage pulling out a cracking full-length save to keep the Chew lead at a single goal.

But time was ticking away for an equaliser, and despite Barely having the lion's share of chances - ending the game playing a front four of Adam, Sam, Paul T and Gareth - they couldn't quite find the goal their performance probably deserved.

The Man of the Match vote harvested a number of names in a solid team performance, but Scott took the honours in a clear 1-1-1-1-1-1-4 result in his favour. Lots of positives to take from this one - but no points.

A game of ifs and buts....

Barely Athletic 1 - 4 Reunion 

Gareth 

Adam Danny Batts John T

Alistair Paul Loftus Mike G Dazza

Jim Semmence Paul Tovey

Sub John R.

If Nick had turned up
If we had our kit at kick off.
If we had a penalty.
If I hadn't put the ball in the wrong net.
If Jim had scored that second ....
But that is not the Barely way......so we lost.

We gave a great account of ourselves for 60 minutes against a cool Reunion team but tired legs and a lack of subs caught up with us again.
We started off well with quick passing and neat one twos but Reunion took the lead from a free kick that was planted on the head of their number 12.
Barely reacted quickly with some neat touches involving Tovey Adam and Jim finishing off a great move.
1.1 half time
Straight away in the second half Barely were on the back foot . Reunion recognising the threat moved their number ten up into attack and gave their playmaker the very young number 7 more space to dictate the play.
Batts put Dazza on their number 7 as unfortunately John T had to come off. He was knackered!
Another free kick saw their number 12 about to bury the ball in the back of the net but Batts gave him a nudge...Penalty!
Reunion missed!
Then they scored when a harshly given corner was bundled over the line when Barely had options to clear.
At the other end of the pitch James was upended but....no penalty and straight from the break Gareth spilled a ball and number 12 hungrily buried it. Gareth took a whack so came out of goal Mike taking over. No subs left so Barely had to go for it. We huffed and puffed Adam and Paul Paul Loftusputting themselves in every. 50 50 with gusto.
The icing on the messy cake was Reunions number 11 whipping over a delicious cross Batts tried to take it away from their number 10 only for the lightest of touches allowing the ball to roll in off the post. Great finish ........not.
John T gallantry came on as goalie for last ten minutes as Barely searched for an answer......
The ref gave it and blew up.
Another game of what ifs... But everyone put in a decent shift.
Mom a deserving Paul Loftus with other votes spread throughout the team

report by Batts