BA met at Concorde for yet another home game against Old Greenfordians.
BA had a strong squad to select from and the Management team were confident of getting 3 points against a team in the bottom 2 of the table.
After Kingy failed a early fitness test BA lined up in a 4-5-1 formation with Robbie Blood and Whitey returning to the side that lost to Uxbridge last week.
The early exchanges were very scrappy with both teams struggling to settle and play any football. BA's passing in particular was very poor with the ball continually handed back to the opposition. After 10 minutes Old Greenfordians started to get the upper hand, partly through their quick forward up front and partly due to BA being unable to stop the ball being delivered long. Too many times the forward was allowed to bring the ball down and turn. 4 one-on-ones quickly followed with Trig making fantastic saves every time. BA were just not doing enough to stem the flow, every time the opposition had the ball they had time to try and pick out a pass, invariably even if the pass was poor BA were too pedestrian to intercept or clear the ball.
Fortunately the half time whistle went and incredibly the score was level. Harsh words were exchanged at half time with defence being blamed by many for the poor show; the defence were then blaming the midfield, and the midfield blaming the forwards. In truth it was very poor all-round the pitch. In a bid to get more physical presence up front Kingy decided to change things around by moving Robbie into the left, Bish into the middle and Chrissy Paul moved up top with Whitey. BA hoped it would help them keep the ball.
Unfortunately it wasn't to be the case. Immediately from kick off the ball was given away and one pass later another one-on-one occurred, again Trig was able to deal with it. As the half progressed the wind picked up and BA again struggled to get the ball out of there half. Greenfordians missed chance after chance as BA continually gave the ball away.
Incredibly the scores remained level, despite a goal each being disallowed, until late on. Greenfordians were awarded a free kick about 35 yards out and their full back looped an effort towards goal, the wind decided to get involved and the ball ballooned over Trig's head into the net. 1-0 and never had a scoreline been more deserved.
The BA fans hoped that this setback might spur BA on and improve their performance but it wasn't to be. The ref blew for full-time and BA were put out of their misery.
It really was a poor performance from the BA boys, quite possibly the poorest ever, maybe it's down to having many games cancelled and people have forgotten how to play, you can search for excuses everywhere, in reality we have not been good enough in 2009. FACT
Every player has to take a long look at themselves and decide what they want out of Sunday football. Why are you there and if that means calling it a day, then so be it. I want 15 players there that want to play, win and enjoy it. We have not become a bad side overnight but they general look from the side is 15 blokes who just turn up for the sake of it. No energy, no fight and not interested. It is not good enough; nobody enjoys that sort of performance. Starting from Thursday we need a fresh start. I want everyone to turn up wanting to win, and prepared to focus on the game and nothing but the game for 90 minutes. Sort out the passing, concentration and work hard for yourself and your teammates. I guarantee it will then start being fun again. We are all in this together. Season starts SUNDAY. COME ON!!!!!!
