BA Sunday met Hayes Gate in the 1st round of the Premier division cup at Concorde Centre. Hayes Gate had matched BA's record in their 1st three games winning 2 and drawing one, so a close game was always going to be in store.
Russ Mundy and Trig returned to the starting eleven at the expense of Paul Pidoux and Andy Garlick who were both a bit unfortunate to make way.
On the lush surface of pitch one, Hayes made the better start knocking the ball around with ease without causing too many problems for the BA defence. BA are notoriously slow starters and often need a moment of magic or a decent tackle to go in before they start playing. Fortunately for BA it was the former that kick started them this week. Jezzer picking the ball up and running at the Gate back four before slamming home a 20 yarder that flew into the far corner of the net. Buoyed by that success BA began to assert themselves onto the game and Jezzer again had a good shot that was fumbled but eventually saved by the Hayes keeper.
However it was Gate who drew level after 30 minutes after the right back ballooned a harmless looking cross up in the air which somehow found the left winger on the touchline, his touch was poor but rebounded off of Dazza back into his path. This time he shot weakly but the ball deflected to the feet of his team-mate who tapped in from a yard out. Hayes were level and BA were left scratching their heads as to how the goal went in.
As BA kicked off disaster struck. The ball was played back to Yeast who looked up and went to pass only to be caught by a hard but fair challenge. Yeast hit the deck and it was clear he was seriously hurt. An ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital with a sporting round of applause from both sides ringing in his ears. All are thoughts are with him and wish him a speedy recovery.
The game kicked off 45 mins later and the 1st half quickly came to a close. The game was very even with both sides realising the next goal was vitally important. BA knew that they had plenty more to give and felt confident as they kicked off the 2nd half.
Almost immediately you could see BA had raised their performance levels. Every player looked up for the game and were passing and moving well. The centre midfield pairing of Bish and Garlick were switching the play extremely well bringing Tim and Josh into the game. Up front Jezzer and Stu were looking sharp and the back four looked very solid. BA were now well on top and the only thing missing was a goal to show for all their efforts. They did not have long to wait. Bish curling a lovely pass through for Jez to run onto one on one. The confident BA striker dispatched the ball with ease and BA were in control. BA went for the jugular.
Jez went close with a good header, as did Andy Garlick, it was only a matter of time before BA would score again. This time goal hero Jez turned provider setting up Josh with a nice touch, Josh used his hammer of a left foot to smash the ball home on the volley. 3-1 and BA could be forgiven for thinking they had gone into the hat for the next round.
Hayes Gate had other ideas though. With only 3 minutes left on the clock BA switched off and allowed the Gate defender a free header from a corner. The ball nestled in the back of the net. 3-2. Hayes Gate sensed an opening as they ran back to their own half ball in hand. BA kicked off and the plan was to keep the ball in the opposition half. The ball went to Mick who duly attempted to clear, however the ball hit Garlick and spooned over the top of them both into the path of the on rushing Hayes forward who ran in on goal. Trig closed the angle and made a good stop but as last week the momentum carried the ball over the line and BA had been pegged back by an outrageous piece of bad luck. 3-3 and extra time beckoned.
There is not much that can be said about extra time, primarily as I was getting ready for work during most of it, but from what I understand both teams cancelled each other out and penalty kicks were the final option.
5 players were chosen/volunteered and Trig made the perfect start saving Gate's first spotkick. BA then went on to score their first 3 and victory loomed. However Stu Trigwell missed and sudden death was called for. Trig pulled of wonders again it was down to Spleeno to be the hero of the hour. Unfortunately Gate's keeper saved and we were back to square one. Trig then saved yet again and the pressure was on Mick Howes to win the game. Up stepped Mick and placed the ball to the keeper right into the top of the net. BA were deservedly through to the next round.
3 wins and a draw from the first 4 games is a great return from the BA boys. There has been great committment shown by many so far. It is only early days but the signs are there for a really, really good season. The football played in the 2nd half was magnificant but we have to start games like that, if we do then who know's how we will end up. It is up to us boys. Bring on next week!!
