This was the first fixture at the new home of Barham on the Andrew Marvell 3G pitch. IT was a warm day, so playing on a large pitch for 90 mins would be a test. It was however the size of the pitch that allowed Barham to dominate from the off and with some slick passing and possession the chances came early numerous.
Owen Millar hit the first from a ball played by McKenzie, a fine strike from 20yards left the Sporting keeper stranded. Further neat play lead to a series of corners with Skelton and Coulman coming close to adding a second. It wasn’t long before Coulman found himself with time and space to slot Barham into a 2-0 early lead.
The possession football kept going, Thomson, McKenzie and Marrow dominating the midfield, Millar causing problem after problem down the right supported by an attacking Clark. Morrill and Varney providing positive link up play down the left. What attacking Hedon did was dealt with competently by Skelton and Mitchell, with Winsor never really being troubled.
Further attacking spells saw an unmarked Morrill cleverly push in a third and the first half rout was over. The tempo of the game dropped a little at this stage as Barham seemed to relax a little with the cushion of a three goal lead, Hedon came into the game more and forced a series of corners. The half time score stayed 3-0.
Hedon came out fighting in the second half and Barham lost a little bit of momentum. The only threat they carried was the long ball and it was from said long ball that they broke to bring themselves back into the game.
At 3-1 Barham had to raise the pace again and goals from Robson aided by Thomson and Thomson himself laid on by Inglis the game was wrapped up. A second consolation goal didn’t dent the Barham confidence as although showing signs of tiredness some clever possession football frustrated Hedon who to be fair to them played really well in the last 15 minutes, but only in vainn as Barham extended their league and cup unbeaten run to eleven games.
Three competitive games into the new season, Barham are looking the part, They play an impressive possession based patient style of football with a determined slick approach in the final third. Goals are coming from a range of attacking styles and throughout the team. Everything a successful team needs to achieve its potential.
