A confident BA Sunday met at Concorde Centre for their second league match of the season. Gav Long, Mick Howes, Tim Mooney, Andy Garlick and Lee Bishop returned to the squad at the expense of Ian Crane and Jez. Following last week's fine performance the team picked itself, the only changes, enforced by the absentees, were Tim in for Jez and Garlick replacing Yeast.
Barnhill won the toss on a glorious sunny morning and elected to kick off. BA started well and looked lively in the opening exchanges with possession being kept easily. However it was Barnhill who made the opening breakthrough after 10 minutes following a corner that BA failed to deal with and the Barnhill midfielder tucked the ball away from 2 yards.
Last season probably would have seen BA capitulate after conceding the early goal, but with the newly found resilience BA were straight back on the offensive. There was a genuine belief throughout the team that BA would still win the game. Unfortunately for BA, Phil White, matchwinner on his day pulled up with a hamstring injury and had to be replaced. Lee Bishop came on for his first appearance of the season.
As the game progressed it became very tight with chances at a premium leaving both keepers little to do. That was until BA won a corner in the 27 minute. As Robbie Blood crossed from the right there was a mix up in the Barnhill area, the ball bobbled around and fortunately for BA bounced towards King who smashed the ball home on the volley from 8 yards for his second of the season. 1-1 and the relief on the BA players was noticeable.
The confidence now flowed through the BA team as they began to get on top. King again went close with a long range effort as did Robbie Blood. However the score was one all when the half time whistle went.
The second half started as the first had finished, with BA in the ascendancy but not really looking threatening. Barnhill came more into the game especially with their tricky wide men but BA's back four and Trigger remained strong. It was clear that the next goal was likely to win the game and the question was where was it going to come from. After 80 minutes the BA fans were to find out. A cross from the right hand side was expertly headed over the Barnhill keeper by King. A rare headed effort but a satisfying one at that. As BA celebrated it was clear that the stuffing had been knocked out of Barnhill.
As BA coasted to victory there was still time for Russ Mundy to smash home a 30 yard free kick into the top corner for 3-1. A great goal made all the sweeter as BA were now certain of victory and maintaining their 100% start to the season.
