This Sunday's game was a chance for Barnstoneworth to get their season off to a great start and leap into 2nd place with 3 straight wins. And what a perfect day for footy, perfect weather and a pitch in perfect condition. The first half kicked off with Barnstoneworth looking the stronger side who in the first 10 mins created a number of good chances, but from that point on things changed and Barnstoneworth lost grip of the game. A couple of balls chipped over the defence to Grappenhall's striker who was definitely offside on both occassions, mixed in with Barnstoneworth's first ever ridiculous yellow card shown to Dave Beard and a well struck free kick and Barnstoneworth United were 3-0 down in no time. Extremely poor decisions from a blind incontinent old fart of a ref who couldn't keep up with the game, and who was probably on some kind of bung, probably an anal bung, ensured Grappenhall's 3-0 lead until the first half whistle. For Barnstoneworth the second half couldn't have got off to a worse start. Within the first 10 mins Grappenhall were awarded a free kick just outside Barnstoneworth's box (what the fuck for no one knows?). The ball was curled beautifully over Barnstoneworth's 4 man wall and the defence just stood and watched as Grappenhall's striker, totally unchallenged headed the ball straight into the back of the net.... 4-0 Grappenhall. Despite the early second half set back Barnstoneworth pushed hard, but unfortunately midfield just weren't delivering, holding the ball up far too long. However as the game progressed Barnstoneworth's fitness and perseverance paid off and Stevie Ecco was eventually rewarded with close range goal after totally wiping out Grappenhall's keeper. Barnstoneworth had plenty of chances to take the game to a draw, if not a win, as chance after chance just went missing, or were saved by Grappenhall's keeper. It was a game that Barnstoneworth just couldn't quite get to grips with and time just ran out as the ref's final whistle blew... Barnstoneworth finally grappled 4-1. Of course winning is a lot easier when you can field players from your Premiership side! Beers were consumed after the game at Grappenhall and even more consumed back at The Pen. Some good individual performances from Martin up front and Bono and Robbo at the back., but more importantly no injuries to report. Next game - MCYA away.
