Drawn away

HC Voyager 2 - Barely 2.

A fresh Sunday morning saw a Barely team bolstered by late additions lining up on a slightly boggy field at Combe Dingle to take on HC Voyager. Allan, Darren and Scott all passed late fitness tests, to make the starting line up which consisted of Allan in goal, a back four of Dave H, Mike, Batts, and Colin. A four man midfield of Darren, Chris, Scott, and Alistair, with John Rosseti and Jim Semmence upfront. The bench boasted the riches of 5 players, Paul Loftus (Manager for the day), Gareth, Kevin and debutants Dave and Rowley. 

A minutes silence for remembrance day was observed before the business of huffing and puffing around a football pitch began in earnest. As seems to be the pattern with games against Voyager both teams enjoyed periods of threat in the oppositions final thirds without really troubling the keeper. Jim Semmence was energetically running the channels and trying to feed in late arriving midfielders when the opportunity to punt goal wards wasn’t on. It was from one of these moves that Barely’s first goal arrived. Following some brief interplay down the left Jim once again cut in to spot a steaming scotsman careering toward the box. The pass was perfectly weighted for Scott to take it in his stride first time and plant it firmly to the side of the Voyager keeper. 

Paul rang the changes bringing on himself, Gareth, Kevin and Rowley throughout the half as the sides traded attacks, Voyager proving a handful at corners due to their numerous lengthy gentlemen dotted about their ranks. The half finished with Barely one goal to the good and there were many positive notes to the traditional halftime ritual of talking over each other.

The second period saw new guy Dave now occupying a central berth with Mike making way for Chris at the back. The break and subsequent changes along with a Voyager resurgence saw the Barely defence grossly unravelling like a 58 year old stripper (pick your own gender preference for simile purposes). Two penalty awards - One accidental handball by Chris from a wickedly bouncing through ball and an unavoidable block tackle from Dave H, meant that Barely were starting to feel the pressure. Fortunately Alan guessed right and parried the first penalty but second was confidently converted. There was enough time for a goal line clearance before Barely regained their composure to direct further attacks at the Voyager goal. Paul Loftus was all busy energy crashing around the midfield. Gareth in his roaming forward role was causing problems with his physical presence and Rowley providing tidy, pacy interplay from the wing. Barely’s second came fairly fortuitously as Chris’s looping cross shot was deemed to be too pitiful to be dealt with by the Voyager defence and was left for Alistair to gamble at the back post, shinning in a beauty from one yard.  

Voyager were not done yet and continued to probe. The pressure told after a breakaway move down the wing produced a decent cross for the tall centre forward, who managed to get his head to it and sky the ball over Allan’s groping fingers. There were a handful of close attempts by each side before the referee brought the action to a close. It was a game that could have had any score line at the end as neither did quite enough to secure the win but also didn’t deserve to lose.

report by Chris.

Biting off more than you can Chew

Barely Athletic 1 - 1 Chew Magna (4-2 on penalties)

                         Kieran
Dave H    Danny        Batts    John T
Allan          Scott        Chris    Mike
                 Adam        Gareth

Subs: Al G, Bob, Ian G

Chris suggested that his version of the match report would start with “It was a dark and stormy night”, but actually Barely Athletic continued their cup defence in bright sunshine. The stormy wind was in place however, with powerful gusts blowing left to right across the pitch which would test the judgement of both teams.

With five first-team regulars missing (Paul, Paul, Sam, Rich and Jim) there was unnerving space in the dressing room before the match. The depleted team expected a tough challenge today...

Barely began with high-tempo pressing as Scott, Chris, Gareth, Allen and Adam combined to force mistakes from the normally assured Chew defenders. Mike's long throws and Kieran’s long kicking cause some consternation as well, but the Gegenpress isn't a long-term option and Chew started to get into the game as the half went on.

Kieran was the busier of the keepers in the first half but was only stretched when pulling out a full-length dive to thwart a one-on-one. John T and Dave H saw a lot of the ball and needed to be solid to keep their wingers at bay. Then Al’s delayed bus finally arrived and Mike subbed himself off before Al was even changed. Meanwhile Danny and John had time for a hilarious running-away-from-the-ball mix-up and Scott had a brace of rasping shots collected by the keeper.

At the break Ian came on for Danny to provide fewer step-overs, but many more trademark last-ditch sliding tackles.

The second half became increasingly bad-tempered, with a lot of complaining, more foul throw-ins than we saw all last season, and an ongoing war of words between Gareth and almost everyone. On today’s evidence some may be tempted to call Chew's central midfielders cloggers but I’m sure they were just frustrated at their inability to get near Scot as he hared around the midfield winning challenges in a most Loftus-like way.

Chris was struggling with the remains of flu but managed to keep up with the pace throughout the second half. Twenty minutes in he surged into the box to finish Barely’s slickest move after Al and Gareth had exchanged passes.

The lead was short lived though, with a suspiciously offside-looking striker getting in behind Barely’s rear guard and spanking it into the corner of the net.

Mike rang the changes, hurling himself and Bob into the fray and Barely weren't going to fold. Collecting possession from another long goal kick Gareth found space and threaded the ball through to Adam, who beat one man, rounded the Keeper and resisted the temptation to kneel and head the ball over the line, only to discover the linesman's flag unjustly chalking his goal off. Then the same thing happened at the other end, although that guy was clearly miles offside and funny-looking.

The second half proceeded with Mike winning more headers then any player reasonably should, Ian diving into more last ditch tackles, Batts haring down the wing, some spectacularly wayward shooting (it was the wind, alright?) and Kieran taking the sweeper-keeper motif a little too far when jinking between two attackers as they bore down on him...

The last ten minutes saw some desperate defending, the highlight of which was from a free-kick on the edge of the D - as Kieran leapt to palm the top-corner-bound shot past the post.

And then it was penalties.

1:0 – Chris started things by sending the keeper the wrong way and calmly rolling the ball into the net.
1:1 – Chew respond with one that Kieran gets a hand to but can't keep out.
2:1 – Scot copies Chris exactly.
2:2 – Chew reply with an excellent low, hard shot that Kieran can’t get near.
3:2 – Kieran steps up to slot his own penalty home with aplomb.
3:2 – Then, with an arm thrust out at a surprising angle, he manages to reach a powerful shot and Barely have the advantage!
3:2 – Gareth swaggers up to the spot and blasts it over the bar – advantage over…
3:2 – But Kieran spots the nerves of the next Chew player, and stands up tall to parry the straight-down-the-middle shot and take the advantage again!
4:2 – And Adam thumps the last kick of the game off the goalie’s glove and into the net!

And with that Barely tucked into the delicious treats provided by Mike (veggie sausage rolls and pork pies) and Bats (fairy cakes) and headed to the bar with some mutterings about getting away with robbery...

The man-of-the-match award was won by seven clear votes. Congratulations Kieran!

Axes Ground

Axbridge 2 - 4 Barely Athletic

Kieran

Dave                Ian                 Danny                 Batts

Darren                 Chris              Scott                    Richie

 Jim                 Bob 

Subs: Gareth, Allan, Adam, Sam, Paul L

Paul Loftus took charge of Barely as part of their new guest-manager regime, and his win record remains intact after Barely survived a stern test of their ongoing annus mirablis - as yet, unbeaten in the calendar year of 2017. Axbridge know how to play good football, and for the first few minutes of this game they were giving Barely the runaround, with some neat touches and interplay to keep tidy possession of the ball.

But Barely are made of sterner stuff themselves these days, and started inching their way into the contest before any subs were called for. Both teams had their moments and Barely were grateful that Kieran, as ever, was quick off his line on more than one occasion. However, Barely's own chances were snatched at or seemed to bobble wide or sail high. Was it going to be one of those games? Thankfully not, as Jim refused to go down despite the close attention of three defenders - he wriggled through all of them and powered the ball hard and low past the keeper to give Barely the lead.

With the bit between his teeth, the smart money was now on Jim to grab his second and so it was - after sporadic attacking down the Barely left was repelled, the ball came to Mr Siemens via Richie, and he provided a deft finish from just inside the box to put the way team two goals to the good.

Axbridge were far from out of it though, and looked continuously to counter-attack with long balls from their defensive midfield pairing. One such sortie down the Axrbidge right was squared and tucked away to put the home team back in the hunt - half-time arrived with the score at 2-1 to Barely.

By now Paul was already rotating the subs, with Adam on up front alongside Gareth, and Sam and Allan in midfield. Jim's hat-trick would have to be another day, as he had to go early.

The second half began much as the first had ended; with both teams eking out half-chances and not taking them thanks to either wayward finishing or smart goalkeeping. That changed however when Darren - who was busy all game - found a way past the goalkeeper to put Barely 3-1 up. That had a visible effect on the away team, who had their strongest period of the game as they threatened the Axbridge goal again and again, and finally had their reward with a goal for the purists: Richie played the ball wide to Darren from midfield, Darren surged down the left and into the box, where he squared for Gareth. the big man helped it on to the steam train that was Richie - as the defence and goalie moved to their left, he steered it neatly the other direction: 4-1 Barely and surely now the jig was up?

No. Axbridge probably felt, not unreasonably, that the scoreline flattered Barely a little, and as the endgame approached they stepped up their game and produced a goal to rival Richie's - a delightful move down the Barely left ended with the centre-forward sending the defence the wrong way as he pulled the deficit back to two goals. Axbridge pushed and pushed, but they couldn't find another, and they began to feel the heat of the Darren/Gareth/Adam combo at the back, as Barely now created chances on the counter, but neither team added to the score.

A great day at the office all around and Richie, as he so often does, took the man of the match award as Barely's march through 2017 continued unabated - for now, at least.

Matherngate

Barely Athletic 3 Mathern 2.

Paul Loftus was guest manager for this 1st league game of the season and had a lot to live up to after Mike Graineys demolition of Voyager in the Cup.

Paul went for 442 with Kieran in goal Dave Harris Batts Mike and John Trimble at the back Dazza Loftus Chris Smith and Alan midfield with Gareth and Paul Tovey upfront.

We were blessed with John Rossetti Rich Cormack Bobby and Colin Smart as finishers!!

Jim James Semmence was also a sub but volunteered to ref first half.

Mathern arrived with only 11 men but started fiercely attacking Barely straight from the whistle however Paul Tovey Gareth both managed to put the ball in the net only to be deemed offside by a vigilant Mathern linesman who waved so often we doubted the fact he had a broken collarbone. Paul made some changes to combat the strong Mathern midfield only for Barely to get caught out by a quick throw which ended up passing Mike through his legs allowing the Mathern number 10 to slot home. At this time Alan had taking over ref duties allowing Jim S to get on the pitch. 

Half time arrived very quickly allowing Barely to regroup. John Trimble took over as ref allowing Colin to slot in at left back. Paul T left the field wishing us all the best for the second half. Gareth was rested after his lung bursting runs allowing the classy John Rossetti to play number 10.

The second half started better for Barely with some great link up play between Chris Dave Dazza and Paul Loftus the ball ending up wide right with Dazza who beat his left back and stroked the ball passed the Mathern keeper for 1.1

Now it is well known that Barely and Mathern always draw so with 25 minutes of the game left and Mathern tiring we all new the script........except Mike Grainey and Mathern.

Their small number 6 sent a hopeful ball to their number 9 which Dave Headed to clear but fail favourably for the Mathern number 8 who collected the ball in his stride and ran on towards Kieran in goal. Mike Grainey got at across and there was a meeting of shoulders and the ball skidded out for a goal kick. Mathern voiced a mediocre shout for a penalty. John Trimble asked big Mike who surprised everyone bar himself by taking the Corinthian spirit to the highest level....and confirming he felt a penalty was fair.

Much applause must be given to Mike for this as soon as the penalty was scored Barely had their tales up at the injustice of it all. 

Also Rich Cormack rocked up to play with Bob making way. 

10 minutes to go and Barely were knocking so hard on the Mathern door that a door bell was needed.

Corner after corner was defended until at last cometh the legend that is John Rossetti who rose like a salmon to deftly steer the ball over the Mathern keepers head 2.2

Barely and Mathern always draw so normal service was resumed. Even when the Mathern defender managed to hit the ball against his post and upright it would not go in because Barely and Mathern always draw. Even when Rich Cormack burst through the Mathern defence got barged but he didn't go down for a penalty . It just not the Barely way. We always draw with Mathern.

But not today!

With only seconds remaining Gareth got onto another Jim S cross . For once the flag did not go up. He was through on goal but got wiped out by the Mathern keeper.

Penalty!

Arguements were had but it was an obvious decision .

Jim stood up and sent the keeper the wrong way.

3.2 and game over.

Generally played in a good spirit and on chances alone Barely just about deserved it. 

Man of the match went to Dazza for his goal and never say die attitude. Dave Paul Loftus John Rossetti Kieran all got a mention too. But generally everyone put a shift in.

report by Batts

Third Dan

Voyager 0 - 3 Barely Athletic

Kieran

Dave             Batts             Danny           Scott

Sam             Chris             Paul L            John T

Adam          Gareth

Subs: Al, Paul T, Jim S, Ian, Allan

A new season, but Barely's unbeaten run reaches its ninth game. Today's opponents for the first game of the season were the ones Barely faced for the last of the last: Voyager, who gave Barely a torrid time after their cup-winning exploits back at the start of the summer.

With Autumn looming, it wasn't just seasonal change in the air though - up stepped Mike Graney for his first managerial outing. The pre-match team talk was very Mike: no Dave Bassett-style testosterone; more a nostalgic wedding speech from an avuncular uncle. Who was playing up front? Mike wasn't sure, and looked around, combing his internal files to match names to faces. However his Clough/Charlton/McKenna mash-up seemed to work wonders, as despite a reasonably solid start from Voyager, their chances on goal were limited and easily snaffled up by Kieran.

At the other end Barely couldn't quite find the killer ball - Adam was as industrious as ever, but as a result Voyager assigned their best defender to keep tabs on him. Barely pressed but were unable to really test the keeper at first, with tame efforts trundling wide of the post.

That all changed after about half an hour - as Voyager looked to break, Sam dispossessed them and played it into the box, where some neat interplay saw Jim Siemens (on for Adam) put Barely 1-0 up.

The half came and went as Mike rolled the subs on and off and told everyone how wonderful they were. Ian and Al came on in defence and Paul Tovey gave Gareth a break by joining the attack. Barely started the second half well, and with the wind now at their backs, they had Voyager on the back foot. Indeed the half was marked by several Barely shots - usually from Allan or Chris - that unfortunately often sailed a yard over the crossbar, as they seemed fated not to add to their score. Voyager still had their moments and the Barely defence were far from uninvolved, but most of the action was now in the Voyager half. And two splendid goals put the result out of the home team's reach.

Firstly Chris broke up play in his own half and tore forward, holding off an attendant opponent who was matching him stride for stride before releasing Paul Tovey through on goal. The big man seemed to take an age to shoot, but one thing you can say about Paul is he is rarely panicked, and he slid it confidently home to put Barely two up.

Barely didn't slacken off, despite Voyager still pushing for that elusive goal in the odd breakaway. Chris nearly added a third when he dribbled around a challenge in the box but poked the ball wide. Sam went close with a effort at the near post that the keeper put out for a corner. But the game was truly settled when a corner was headed clear and the cry of "Danny's" went up, before the old soldier  - bizarrely out of his own half - bludgeoned one into the top of the neat. When someone put it to him that he'd rolled back the years Danny admitted there was never a year where he'd done that before.

Three-nil and that was pretty much that. A raft of Man of the Match votes went to a number of names but in the end Danny finished runner-up to Chris, who with the help of Paul Loftus had bossed the midfield. A solid start to the season: now for the league!

Cormack channels his inner Woodward

Voyager 3 - 3 Barely Athletic

Kieran

Scott         Batts         Ian          John T

Sam         Chris         Paul L        Richie

Gareth         Paul Tovey

Subs
Darren
Laurie
Mike

If there was a feel of After the Lord Mayor's Show to proceedings, Voyager soon set about waking Barely up from their post-final hangover. Barely turned up with the knowledge that Voyager were currently bottom of the league, and perhaps that fed into a little complacency.

They should have scored early on though, when Sam dribbled into the box only to waft the ball gently at the keeper as he lost balance. Minutes later, a Paul Tovey through-ball gave Sam a second chance, but he belted it wide. Barely were to regret this profligacy when - not entirely against the run of play - Voyager took the lead.

For whatever reason the team in the orange and black stripes couldn't quite get their mojo working, and for all their pressure, Kieran was still regularly called upon to foil the home team on a frequent basis.

The equaliser came out of nowhere - as Voyager tried to play out from the back, the ball was intercepted and fell to Paul Tovey. The big man celebrated his birthday with an instant shot on the turn, that with the goalie stranded at the edge of his box, sailed into an unguarded net.

Half-time came and went with Batts rotating the subs - Mike and Laurie now on the pitch as Barely tried to resemble the team who were seven games unbeaten before today. But the ball was given away at the back and Voyager were gifted another goal - and Barely had another uphill struggle. Thank goodness then for Richie, who on the last game of the season scored his first goal of the season, ensuring he has scored every year for Barely over the last two decades! As Barely pressed again, the ball arrived at his feet just outside the box, and Cormack let fly - the keeper got a faint touch but couldn't stop it billowing the net.

It was now 2-2 and Barely had a platform to build on. But despite losing their biggest threat on the Barely goal to a hamstring injury, Voyager seemed to build a head of steam at this point as the game swung from end to end like a large and slightly flabby executive toy. And they took the lead yet again when a corking shot from out wide defeated Kieran, who got both hands to it, but as he dived backwards, couldn't prevent it from giving Voyager the lead a third time.

Seconds ticked away. Minutes fell off reality like books of the end of a bookshelf. Barely were not getting the rub of the green, as Voyager made clearance after clearance and every loose ball seemed to go to the team in blue and black. Barely made a point of testing the keeper whenever they could, but too many shots simply went straight at him. If Edward Woodward had been there to witness proceedings, he would have been shaking his head. Or possible yelling "Jesus Christ!" in the same unhinged way half the Barely team were.

Then with moments left on the clock, Richie came to the rescue again. Getting his head down and his energy from somewhere others cannot access, he stormed to the byline for the umpteenth time and crossed - where Gareth was waiting to head the ball into the net! 3-3, and no time for either time to claim a late victory, honours ended even - which felt fair considering what had gone before.

So the curtains fall on a season that will go down in the annals as a great one - after a very shaky start, Barely's last 8 games have been the epitome of 'solid'. Batts signings of Graham and Dave have played a big part, as has Kevin, and the long-anticipated return of Scott. Goals have come from everywhere, but in the main Barely have looked like a team who put in a real collective effort.

Man of the Match was Richie - a goal, an assist, a huge contribution from midfield. But with Barely unbeaten in 2017, Man of the Season is surely Batts, who has coaxed new life into this old dog, when all seemed lost.

Barely bring the Cup Home

Nailsea Old Boys 1- 1 Barely Athletic

Barely win 3-4 on penalties

Alan

Colin Mike Danny Batts

Paul L

Sam Chris Jim Darren

Gareth

Subs:

Adam

Kevin

Scott

John T

Laurie

Richie

Paul Tovey

Barely's sterling season gilded its own lily yesterday when their unbeaten run stretched to seven games, as they held Nobs to a draw and took home the cup via the elation and heartbreak of penalties.

As cup finals go it was a cracker, with both teams committed to winning the game outright. Batts went with a 4-1-4-1 formation throughout, with Gareth, Adam and Jim sharing striking duties and a number of willing Barelyites working hard behind them. The sun was out to watch them, as were several keen, and some less keen, supporters. Ian and Nick were there, as was Jim Banton. Graham - injured only the day before, in what was a blow to Barely, managed to hobble to the touchline. The other absentee of note from the starting line-up was Dave, who managed to contribute from afar via Yoko Ono wishing tree.

The day was such a whirlwind of drama and dehydration it's hard to recall every detail, but it did seem as though after a searching opening, Barely began to gather momentum and only a hesitancy in pulling the trigger was preventing an opener. Nailsea were robust - there seems to be a height and weight requirement to make the team - as they always are, but Barely were beginning to find small openings in the back line. As Batts and Laurie began rotating the numerous subs, though, Nailsea showed they were by no means rolling over, coming back at Batts' men with a series of swinging attacks as Barely's defence started to look slightly amoebic. Both Sam and Batts himself were required to clear off the line, and Allan was kept busy. Fortunately, the break arrived along with a chance to regroup.

More rotation took place along with a pep talk that was half carrot, half stick. The midfield was now Kevin, Richie, Paul Tovey, Paul Loftus and Darren: speed on the wings and industry in the middle. Chris was pushed back into defence where he started mopping up attacks and springing forward. Adam took a shift up front. And Barely were back on top; pushing and probing again; but without ever finding that crucial goal, despite some rather dubious challenges on Adam in and around the penalty area. When the goal came though, it was unexpected: Paul Loftus was 25 yards from goal and looked to be running out of time and options, so he hit it before, as he put it later "I fell over" and the ball hurtled unstoppably into the top corner of the net with the keeper a spectator.

1-0 Barely and now their tails were up. But again, they found Nailsea responding, and the Old Boys had an excedingly purple patch of a minute or two when it seemed the goal was destined, but somehow Barely kept it out. Batts and Laurie made some changes, and Sam came on to pick up his first yellow card in twenty years of football after someone he was running next to fell over.

The free kick came to naught, but Nailsea's equaliser arrived ten minutes later, when the defence found themselves outnumbered as Nailsea broke though the midfield. Allan saved the initial shot, and he Chris and Sam all converged on the loose ball. Somehow the attacker got their first and prodded it through Allan's legs. Nailsea were level.

The final ten minutes saw both teams go for it. More saves from Allan. Barely hitting the post. Gareth presented with an open goal, but getting the ball stuck under his feet and prodding it wide. At this point Barely were back off the ropes and swinging hard. But when the final whistle blew neither team had found the winner, so penalties it was.

Nailsea won the toss and elected to go first, but their psychological advantage blew up in their faces like an exploding cake when the first effort was planted over the bar.

Sam converted Barely's first, low to the right. 0-1

Nailsea drew level: 1-1

Jim kept Barely ahead, high to the right: 2-1

Nailsea scored again: 2-2

Paul Tovey sends the ball over the bar! 2-2

The forlorn big man was consoled by several team-mates, who admired his pluck, if not his aim. Paul however sat on the floor, looking miserable at the possibility of season-long ribbing once the scars had healed. As it turned out though, that wasn't necessary...

Nailsea score again, going ahead for the firt time: 3-2

Adam puts one to the goalie's right: 3-3

Nailsea miss again! A third effort over the bar. 3-3

...and the final of the tenth penalties falls to Paul Loftus, now sporting a battle scar over his eye that had been bleeding heavily. The rambunctious rascal stepped up and banged in the winner, and Barely went nuts.

The official photographer presented the cup with the immortal line "Who wants this then?" and Batts broke out the biscuits - including Belgian waffles and champagne. Grown men leapt up and down and hugged each other. Long-set faces cracked into smiles. Someone may have cried, it was hard to tell in the melee.

Paul Loftus picked up Man of the Match, with Batts runner-up. Chris was just behind them, with a vote apiece to Alan, Adam, Colin and Sam. The votes reflected a proper team effort with all the subs bar Laurie - who was organising them - playing a part. They retired with the season, despite at least one match remaining, a resounding success.

And the cup came home - specifically, Batts's home. 

Sofa So Good

Recliners 1 - 3 Barely Athletic

Alan

Dave            Colin           Danny          Graham

           Sam             Jim S           Richie                Paul Taverna

  Adam         Gareth

subs:
Batts
Neil
Chris
Laurie
Paul L
Paul Tovey
Darren
Mike

Tonight's headline comes courtesy of Batts, whose incentivised pay package of budget confectionary continues to prove a hit. Barely didn't produce a sublime performance tonight, but they dug in and made off with the three points anyway.

What with the fixture being contested on a Wednesday night, several of the training ground crew were available for selection. In fact the subs bench was so populous, in the second half all they had to do to keep warm was huddle together, like weirdly-dressed penguins. Richie made a long-awaited return, and he was joined by the lesser spotted Taverna and the (?) debutant Neil. Batts started with two of the three - stationing the energetic Richie in midfield and the almost-as-energetic Paul Taverna on the wing. Several regulars watched on from the sidelines as the game began, with Barely on top.

Recliners had a robust back line, and it looked to be a fairly physical game from the off. But Barely made early hay when Sam sent Gareth scampering - for a big man, he does scamper well - down the right, and his whipped ball in was sent between the keeper's legs by Adam. 1-0 Barely.

But then things began to go oddly wrong, as after an imposing first 20 minutes, Barely started to look a bit out of sorts. Recliners didn't need a second invitation to attack, but they got one anyway, and the away team were all over the shop when a cross was flung in from the right - with Alan out of his box, it was the simplest of headers to level the scores.

Barely needed something to change, and Batts decided the obvious choice was personnel, sending on Chris and Darren to pep things up. Dazza's willingness to, and capacity for, running really fast unnerved the Recliners back line, but Chris' impact was immediate - he surged through about three challenges into the box and let rip a shot that the 'keeper did well to parry. This seemed to lift Barely, and after a moribund ten minutes they finally got back in the game - and ended the half back on top in terms of the scoreline after Paul Taverna's delicate shot/cross (delete as appropriate) sailed into the far corner of the net. 1-2 Barely.

Batts gave a little half-time speech but kept the team as they were. At this point your correspondent was despatched to recover a ball in the trees nearby, but he had the bright idea of recording the audio events to clue him in as to what was happening. We have transcribed the recording faithfully here:

"HUrgghhhhaaaahhhhhhhNohhOoooorrraaaaahhavNowGerrrrittaaauuuuuooooogghaaaauuuuberisitaaaayeahyeahyyeasssOOOOORRRRGHAHHHHHHaaONNNIISSSSEEEEEAAAAAADDDaaaaahhhthatttsUGHOOOOFOhhhhhArrrrraaaahhhuuummhhhhhhfffffUCKOFFFFFF"

It's not exactly Match of the Day but we feel it does give a flavour often missing from match reports.

Back on the pitch all was going a little better than before. Barely were bossing the game again with Paul Loftus and Chris winning the midfield battle - and the whole team seemed to be more compact. Although Alan wasn't exactly a spectator, it was the Recliners goalkeeper who was pulling out the stops, getting a hand to shots from Paul Tovey and Sam, foiling Paul Taverna several times, and eventually foiling him rather illegally, as he shepherded him off the pitch with the ball not really on his mind. Paul converted the penalty himself, before having to retire to rest his hamstring. Really, it should have been Barely's second penalty, after the Recliners defence followed up the tackle of the game on Darren with the most absurd foul directly afterwards - simply hurling his body sideways into the long-suffering Dazza.

At the other end there was time for some silly tantrums after Gareth made what looked like a fair - if rugged - tackle on one of the Recliners, who exploded into an impromptu lecture at Gareth that involved critiquing his hair. Really! Tempers will flair, but lets keep the criticism to either football or questionable parentage.

There were no more goals to be had, and Barely's unbeaten run will continue right up until Sunday - the cup final. Can they extend it then? Man of the Match canvassing took a few diverse directions, but was ultimately shared between Richie and Chris, with three votes apiece.

Barely's Run Unchecked

Russell Athletic 1 - 4 Barely Athletic

Alan

Dave        Colin          Batts         Graham

Sam          Mike         Chris            Kev Andrews

    Gareth        Alastair

Subs:
Mark
John T
Kevin Dobbs
Laurie

Barely's unbeaten run now stretches to five games, four of them victories, as they avoided the visual impairment commonly called having one eye on the cup. With the final looming, one might have forgiven them a duff result in the league, but Batts was having none of it.

The pitch was rock hard with cracks wide enough to lose your car keys in, but fortunately Barely stuck with tradition and took to the field without them. A strong bench augmented the team's 4-4-2 line-up, with Gareth and Alastair making trouble up front. With several absentees in the centre of midfield Mike and Chris stepped up and started bossing things as Barely began well. In fact they should have began even better, but when a cross from the left fell to Sam, he skewed the ball wide of the post with the goal at his mercy.

No matter - five minutes later, Kev charged into the box and his Loftus-like persistence took him past a couple of challenges before squaring the ball. This time Sam made no mistake, and Barely were deservedly in front.

They had several opportunities to increase their lead before half time, as pressure on the Russell box increased, but seemed to lose its focus at the final ball. Gareth did manage to increase the lead, though, powering in Sam's through-ball to put Barely 2-0 up. It looked like the jig might be up for the home team... but Russell responded with an excellent free-kick flying in under the crossbar, to end the half just a single goal behind.

Batts shifted personnel while keeping the same formation, but Barely started the second half looking slightly bewildered as a transformed Russell laid siege to the Barely goal. Alan was called upon several times to snaffle up the odd ball, and the back line were kept busy.

But the Russell storm was weathered, and Barely began to shade the game again. Once more the ball was often flying toward the opposition goal, and once more it seemed it was destined to not go in - at first. Then a delightful Barely move down the right wing ended with Chris dancing to the byline and chipping a cross into the box. John Trimble was in the right place to bundle it over the line, and Barely's two-goal advantage was restored.

Russell weren't out of it - another free-kick looked in danger of sailing in before Alan pawed it over the bar - and although they weren't the most mobile team Barely have played, they put together the odd bit of decent pressure. But again, most of the chances fell to Barely, with Kev kicking himself after he sliced a chance wide of the post, and unluckily glanced a header a foot over the bar. Mike gambled into the box, only to see his shot cannon off the post. But Barely wrapped up the points with ten minutes left - Gareth chased down a short back-pass and as he and the keeper challenged, the ball broke to Sam, who shimmied past the goalie and claimed his second left-footed goal of the day - Barely's fourth.

There was still time for the odd moment of drama either end, but the scoreline had settled into place. The man of the match vote was again spread wide, reflecting the great team performance, but Gareth claimed it for his overall contributon.

It's not academic

Barely Athletic 2 - 1 Cardiff Accies

Alan

Dave         Batts         Danny         Graham

Sam          Paul L          Jim           Kevin

John T

Darren

Subs:
John R
Mike
Adam
Gareth
Paul T

Barely Athletic are in a cup final for the first time in many, many years, the last occurrence certainly being pre-blog; for how long precisely we would have to ask club historian Nick Ambler, who rather aptly showed up to watch the last half-hour of this game. It was a day of drama, with a lot riding on it. Not only was the match a semi-final, it was also doubling up as a league game, in the kind of fixture-economising the FA can only dream of. The result was far from incidental.

Batts started with a 4-4-1-1 formation with new signing Kevin on the left wing, and Jim Siemens taking a central berth alongside Paul Loftus, who had thankfully sufficiently recovered from a stomach bug to play. And Barely began the game well, breaking up Accie attacks and using the pace of Darren to counter-attack. In fact, they played so well in the first half they were kicking themselves to reach the interval only a goal up. Darren and Kevin both put good chances wide, and Darren and Sam both belted decent half-chances fractionally over the bar. But they were causing the back line all kinds of problems, and that man Dazza was responsible for the lead, running on to a lovely Jim through-ball and snaffling up the chance to put the home team ahead.

Batts had already started ringing the changes - it was a hot day, and the rare sight of a populous Barely subs bench was a welcome sign for all. Even Gareth - initially having gone to the wrong ground - had a run-out down the wing, which included another delicious through-ball, this time to the ever-willing Adam. Somehow Accies had kept it at a single goal deficit, though.

The second half was a more even affair, with Barely shading the first 20 minutes before Accies, to their credit, finished the game the stronger. By that time Barely were 2-0 up though, and happy - all things being equal - to defend. Darren - who was just getting started - was upended in the box, and despite the (surprising) protests, the penalty was despatched by Jim, who was first to the rebound after the keeper initially saved it. Lots of manic roaring ensued from both sides, and the Accies keeper - already grouchy - seemed to descend into a pit of rage. This wasn't helped by Darren, who embarked on a running debate with him over... pretty much everything, and also a series of tackles that involved him calmly apologising immediately afterwards, like Jekyll and Hyde on speed. As things hotted up all over the field, the keeper took his frustration out on the smallest man on the pitch - Adam, who was needlessly barged onto the floor after having the temerity to stand near him.

But the other end, by this time, was where most of the action was. Alan pulled off a couple of smart stops, and several punched clearances as Accies threatened. And when the away team finally did break though - annoyingly, off the back of a Barely goal-kick - to make the score 2-1, they took the box seat for the remainder of the game: corners were won, shots were fired. For Barely, it was backs to the wall: Sam cleared a goal-bound effort off the line. Adam won several free-kicks by dint of simply getting in people's way. Accies shots went narrowly wide, and headers marginally over. At this point, it would have taken a hard heart to begrudge Accies their equaliser, should they find it. But Barely held on! When the final whistle went, Barely had their share of bruises - Darren with a black eye for his trouble - but they were into the final.

And had three points for the win too.

Accies were gracious in defeat, wishing Barely good luck in the final. Man of the Match saw several votes across the board, with a smattering of names getting a nomination. Jim was runner-up with two, but the outright winner was Alan, who put in a busy and impressive shift on his debut. Kudos should also go to Batts for running the show, and supplying not only biscuits, but also a game-plan. The cup final is scheduled for May - clear your diaries!

When a run is an actual run

Axbridge 1-5 Barely Athletic

Mike

Dave H          Lewis         Danny           Colin

Sam          Jim S         Paul T          Darren        John T

Adam

Subs
John R
Batts
Dave Green

Barely's string of good results continued away to Axbridge on the 3G, courtesy of great attacking play from Adam and Dave Green and a good team effort all over the pitch.

The game wasn't without a little controversy though, as at half time Axbridge protested that Lewis shouldn't be playing outfield at all, and Barely learnt that the sons-can-play rule prevalent in the over-35's league apparently does not apply to the over-45's. The home team said that with 13 players present, Lewis should be on the subs bench or between the sticks, so the comparative youngster took to goal for the second half.

By that time most of Barely's work had been done, with Adam scoring a hat-trick and Dave adding another. There was even time for Paul Tovey's penalty to be saved and Sam to perform his traditional missed-sitter as well. At the other end of the pitch Mike was less involved, but Axbridge did hit the post.

The second half was more even but Barely probably could have had more goals, as after a ten-minute purple patch for Axbridge, the away team sliced through the back line several times, only to be foiled by the goalkeeper, or their own finishing. Dave managed to add a fifth eventually, though.

Batts' strategy was to allow Adam off the leash for 20 minutes, then sub him off to get a breather before returning him to the fray. It seemed to work pretty well.

Unfortunately the business of Lewis' age seemed to make the second half a slightly gnarly affair though, as challenges grew a little feistier and several players had a running dialogue with the ref. It was a bit of a shame as although one can understand their position on youth, Lewis had played no part in the goals, which were all down to the work of the crumblies.

Adam picked up man of the match for his hat-trick (plus one assist) but the Barely Reporter would add that the central midfield - missing Scott, Chris, Richie and Paul Loftus (not to mention long-term absentees Jacko and Jim Fry) - really stepped up to the plate today as well.

Celebrations were taken with Batt's new tradition of Unexpected Confectionary, which he waved around pre-match as an incentive. As ever, the devil is in the detail...

Little victories

Reunion 2 - 3 Barely Athletic

Kieran

Dave          Batts          Lewis          Graham

Sam         Scott          Mike        Paul L        Paul T

Adam

Subs:
John R
John T
Colin
Laurie

If life is a succession of battles, then Barely have had their share of defeats, yet year after year they keep coming back for me. Today was one of those days that make the losses seem worthwhile - the away team tucked the blight of Reunion results firmly behind them with a win that seemed a manifestation of the new Barely: combative, determined, and numbering more than eleven.

Batts opted for a 4-5-1 line up in order to set about Reunion in the midfield, and that they duly did, with Scott in particular happy to trade tackles from every part of the catalogue. Reunion are a big side, but with the power trio of Scott, Mike and Paul Loftus in the middle of the park, Barely set about them.

They rode their luck at times, with goal-line clearances and a Reunion shot hitting the post. But they also went behind to what Kieran would be first to admit was a goalkeeper error, as he tried to smother the ball only to see it slip through his hands and into the net.

Seemingly determined to make amends, the debutant played a sweeper-keeper role in a manner that made Manuel Neuer look shy and retiring. He swept up a through ball and actually raced off down the wing and into the Reunion half. As most of Reunion watched in disbelief, Scott made the forward run and Kieran picked him out with a peach of a ball. Still with work to do, the fiery Highlander rounded the goalie and slotted in from an acute angle to level the scores.

With the luxury of four subs Barely were able to keep things fresh, but with Adam ploughing a lonely furrow up front halfway through the second half Batts changed the line up to 4-4-2, pushing Tovey up front and Adam into a number 10 role. But initially it looked like the change threw Barely out of kilter, as Reunion made use of the extra space in midfield to float a ball to the far post, where a deft headed finish put them back in front.

But Barely refused to wilt, and even though, as legs grew ever heavier, the classic Barely cry of "Time - Man on!" made it's appearance once or twice, they remained in the game. And in the maelstrom they started to find chinks on the Reunion armour, with Sam almost levelling with a left-footer that curled just wide of the top corner. Paul Tovey sent a header over, but he banished his disappointment by playing a key part in Barely's second equaliser, sliding a ball into Mike from the touchline. Mike took a touch or two, looked up, and clipped a delightful finish spinning over the keeper's head.

Game on, but with the seconds ticking away it was still hard to call who - if anyone - might grab a late goal to avoid the lottery of penalties. The Barely back line was busy, but Reunion were creaking. There was barely a minute or so to play when Scott sent a cross over from the right and Adam nabbed the winner, nodding down and into the far side of the goal.

Reunion had no time to reply. They kicked off and won a throw-in, but then the whistle went, with Barely through to the semi-final of the cup and Reunion out. Man of the Match went to Scott - who else - but moment of the game was supplied by Batts, who when asked who playing right midfield during the second half, replied "no-one". He also supplied celebratory chocolate brioche in the dressing rooms afterwards. Now that is forward planning.