BA bounce back to form in impressive style against the current champions. Following their 5-1 mauling in the previous game, the BA team arrived at Perivale Park with more than a point to prove. There were a couple of changes to the side that lost to Premier Sports, Phil White replaced by Kingy, Stu Trigwell in for Bish and Richard Logan in for Deano. In a simple team talk Kingy asked the team to work hard to win the ball and once they had it work just as hard to keep it. The message seemed to have worked immediately from kick off as BA piled into their challenges. Northolt looked more and more shellshocked as the half developed with BA creating chance after chance. Mooney, Tyler, Stu Trig and Robbie all had excellent chances to score but failed to do so. At the other end, the back four, who were being well marshalled by debutant Rich Logan, were rarely troubled. The half time whistle came as welcome relief for Northolt, with the only negative for BA being that they had failed to score. Kingy and Dazza asked for more of the same in the 2nd half. The 2nd half kicked off and it was clear Northolt now meant business. Helped by the increased wind at their backs, attack followed attack but BA's rear-guard held strong. After 50 mins Mooney attacked down the Northolt right, a long mazy run followed by a decent pass across the six yard box found Tyler unmarked. Tyler's right foot did the rest and BA were in front. 2 in 2 for Tyler. Buoyed by the goal BA again started to gain control again. Paul ' Bryan Robson' King was leading the charge on his return to centre midfield with numerous challenges flying in. Northolt did however remain dangerous. For the last 30 minutes the game was poor. Northolt trying to attack with BA responding in no-nonsense fashion. The result was all that mattered. After 70 mins Northolt were given a lifeline, a decent run by their midfielder resulted in a tackle by Rich in the box, the midfielder went over a little easily but the ref was won over and a penalty was given. All of BA's hard work was at risk. Up stepped the Northolt forward and hammered the ball towards the far corner. Just as he turned to celebrate, Trig leapt salmon like to his left and pushed the ball away from the goal. What a save. Northolt were deflated, BA were ecstatic. After 75 mins that result was nearly sealed. A great burst and link up between Tim and Tyler left Robbie unmarked in the middle, Tyler supplying him with the simplest of tasks to bury the ball in the net, the game was nearly won. 2-0 BA. Northolt then piled forward, corner followed corner, but BA held strong. After 88 minutes the BA resistance was finally broken. A cross from the right was headed down and the Northolt forward slightly fortunately nodded in. 2-1. Game on. Northolt were now desperate for the equaliser, more corners followed but BA held strong for a famous victory. Great performance by the lads. HUGE improvement on the previous game and the season has now started. Bring on the next game.
