There was an element of deja-vu for BA Sunday this week another home game with big Frankie Sanchez refereeing. This week Barnhill were the opponents and BA were feeling confident having already beaten them 6-3 earlier in the season.
Tim, Phil and Yeast came into the starting eleven with Leow, Blood and 'worst man' Long not available at kick off.
BA were in good spirits during the pre-match team talk (mainly due to half of the side still being drunk from Cracker's wedding reception) and it was true that this new-look Barnhill side could be better, or worse, or the same as the team we'd beaten in September.
In the end they WERE better and BA were a lot, lot worse.
Anyway the game kicked off and BA stumbled into some sort of life. In an even opening 20 minutes both team jostled to try and get the advantage. BA's best chances fell to Whitey, who despite good efforts failed to find the net with Barnhill keeper saving well. Barnhill's rugby playing centre midfield started to ruffle a few feathers in the BA side and this led to Barnhill gaining the advantage. It also started to turn the game into a battle, which suited Barnhill better than BA. Shortly after the half hour mark the deadlock was broken. A good passing move down the right resulted in a decent cross into the box and the Barnhill forward tucked it away nicely from the grasp of BA's keeper. 1-0.
After the goal Barnhill raised their game and it wasn't long before the lead was doubled. This time a curling shot from 25 yards that nestled into the top corner. BA were looking ragged as they struggled to get back into the game, however they were handed a lifeline after Yeast's lifted cross was met with the deftest of touches from Mick's moustache and the ball thankfully dropped into the corner of the net 2-1.
BA pushed for an equaliser, corner after corner followed but the final touch was always missing. At least BA were in the game and showing some fight. The fight was quick to drain away after 40 minutes when an attacking throw was intercepted near the Barnhill penalty area, a ball down the line followed as Barnhill attacked. The cross was sent over and the unmarked Barnhill forward tapped the ball home to make the score 3-1.
Just as half time approached Whitey produced a moment of magic, first lifting the ball over the defender's head, then cutting inside another before driving a powerful shot into the net. Goal of the game without a doubt and BA were back in it. 3-2
BA were positive in the half time chat, they had not played well at all but at least they were still in the game.
The second half kicked off and the game immediately became very scrappy, neither team able to play any decent football. Chances did come for BA but none were taken, Kingy missed a header close in and Garlick mis-hit his shot when well placed.
Barnhill effectively killed the game off when the forward broke clear and finished well for 4-2. Unfortunately for BA Mick Howes then had to leave the field with an injury and BA had already used their 1 sub. Down to ten men there was no way back and it came as no surprise when Barnhill added a 5th. A cross from the left that was finished in style by BA's left back Pidoux for possibly the 'own' goal of the season.
In summary it was a poor performance by BA who will now have to improve massively to avoid a similar thrashing by Premier Sports next Sunday.
