A Tale of Two Athletics

Barely Athletic 3  Russell Athletic 2

                                                Al

            Dave H            Danny              Paul L              Colin

            Darren             Chris                Scott                Kevin

                                    Gareth             Adam

Subs:

Batts

Mike

Laurie

Bob

Kieran

So, it is generally the received opinion amongst top flight managers that the best way to wash out the downer of a defeat is to return to winning ways. A simple mantra that translates itself all the way down to the very base of the football pyramid. However, Barely endeavoured to make hard work of this, nearly snatching defeat from the jaws of victory and even contributing a player to assist in their near downfall. More about that later.

So bulging is Barely’s current player roster these days that they arrived at Coombe Dingle with 5 subs and boasting two goalies (Three if you include Gareth. But we don’t. Not anymore.). Batts in charge for the game selected a positive attacking starting line up hoping to force the issue “Early doors”. Quickly the Barely forward line set about putting this into action. Following a series of probing attacks Chris found himself on the edge of the box collecting a pass from Scott. Driving into the box his weak cutback was poorly fielded by the Russell defence and Darren latched on to it and drove the ball into the far post from tight angle.  

The game then entered into a more even affair with both sides gaining possession and giving it away again in typical Sunday league style. The game was fairly open and end to end with the slightly heavy pitch sapping energy from ancient legs. Being generous we could supply this excuse as Barely contrived to supply a few comedy moments in defence and attack. One passage of play saw Danny and Paul managing to tackle each other presenting the ball to the forward for a chance that he lumped into Al’s arms. The other end saw Kevin precisely slotting the ball over the bar from 6 yards following a well worked Barley free kick.

Before half time came Barely doubled the lead when Kevin, making up for his easier missed chance, Slalomed in to box, riding a challenge or two and neatly planted his shot past the keeper.

At half time Batts cautioned keeping the game tight for 15 minutes and rotated a few players to conserve energy, with Batts now on in defence with Chris, Paul moving up to midfield and Mike replacing Darren on the wing.

Russell similarly sought to bring on fresh legs, but it was a surprise to all when Kieran stepped into their forward line brandishing his fluorescent pink socks, should anybody dare to not know where he was at any given moment. Although his introduction to Russell was to prove key, his influence could do nothing about the first move of the half. Clearly with Batt’s halftime words ringing in their ears the Barely forwards launched up the field with Adam latching on to a long ball and scampering into the box from the right. His lofted cross skimmed off Kevin’s bonce and crept into the net off the post.

With Barely three nothing to the good they collectively may have thought that the day was theirs. But as we all know, especially at our ages, starting to party too early often sees us tucked up in bed with a nice mug of cocoa by 9. Anyway, there was a whole half to go and Barely began to recede into their shell. Pegged back by crisp Russell midfield play and forwards holding the line, there was also the additional challenge of Kieran’s long throws. These bombs were being hurled into the box aimed at their tall defender to flick on and were almost impossible to stop.

The pressure told midway through the half with Dave coming off better in an aerial contest which flattened the Russell forward. Penalty. Possibly soft was the black and oranges view but they would’ve shouted for it themselves. Kieran stepped up due to an absence of volunteers and planted the kick bottom left leaving Al no chance. Russell’s second, again swept in by Kieran, was a result of nice wing play and a cut back.

The following twenty minutes became more and more frantic for the pressed Barely backline with the whole team refusing to help themselves by not retaining possession. Sporadic attempts up field were fizzling out and another Russell attack was mounted. Fortunately, the team held firm for long enough and as the final whistle blew there was a palpable sense of relief.    

It was good to get back to winning ways but the performance, although better than the last game, still could do with some refinement. Although, at least Barely won’t be playing against their own frustrated goalie each week!! Man of the match this week was Kevin for his all round display and two goals.

report by Chris