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