BA Sunday arrived at Ealing Sports ground in a state of shock that they were not playing at home. It was their 1st away game since the 2nd November 2008!
BA made 2 changes from the team that beat Acton, with Robbie and Bish coming in for Whitey and Chris Paul. The game started fairly sloppy not helped by a bobbly pitch and a strong wind. If anything BA had the better of the exchanges with Mooney regularly getting past his marker and Kingy having a shot well saved. One good run from Mooney resulted in the PRA keeper pushing the ball out just behind Leow and King and the defender stepped in and cleared to safety.
Despite BA's early dominance it was Perivale who scored the 1st goal. A corner came over and Trig attempted to catch the ball, however the ball slipped from his grasped and as he attempted to recover the ref adjudged that the ball had crossed the line and awarded the goal. BA's lack of a protest suggested he was right, although you wouldn't be certain.
The rest of the half passed without any real incident. BA huffed and puffed, Perivale did the same, but no further goals.
As BA trudged off it was clear that all was not well in the camp. Heads were down and no-one could really see where it was going wrong. However a good chat at half time cleared the air and BA went back to the pitch with a renewed sense of optimism.
With the conditions proving difficult BA resorted to simplifying the game aiming to get the PRA defence turned and to use Dean's pace to get in behind them. Gav, Daz and Tim were linking up well and a couple of chances were created as a result. Unfortunately Kingy missed a good chance when through and Dean Leow hit the post after a good run.
BA were the better side without really dominating. After 70 minutes the management team decided to change the formation and go 3-5-2 aiming to get more players further forward. Spleeno, who had played well, made way for Garlick. The new formation improved the attacking but put extra pressure on the defence and after a couple of close scrapes and good saves from Trig, PRA got their second goal. A cross from the left found the PRA forward unmarked two yards out and he finished well. BA were 2-0 down.
Immediately from kick off Dean Leow went on a mazy run down the left and pulled the ball back for Kingy who immediately shot, the ball hit the defender and bounced back into his path and this time he made no mistake finishing well. 2-1 and all to play for.
All of a sudden BA looked lively, unfortunately there were 3 minutes to go, who knows what might have been if they had started this way. Shots and crosses were flying into the PRA box but to no avail, in the very last minute BA had a good shout for a penalty but the ref was having none of it and blew up. 2-1 defeat.
BA now have one game left to go and there can be no complaints that this has been a poor season from the boys, especially in 2009. However onwards and upwards and a very long summer break awaits the team.
