Barnstoneworth sky high!
Following a disappointing result against Offerton two weeks ago at The Sewerage Works Ground, Barnstoneworth took on Premiership side High Lane in the 1st round of The Cheshire Veteran’s League Cup. Tickets for this game where like rocking horse shit and exchanging hands on the internet for fuck all. The Sewerage Works Ground was filled to capacity for this David v Goliath match and the crowd weren’t going to be disappointed, for what was about to unfold was a thrilling display of football right down to the wire!
Barnstoneworth ground staff, Stan and Charlie had announced The Sewerage Works fit for purpose and the game got under way with High Lane winning the toss and opting to play from the Gorse End. Unlike the match against Offerton, Barnstoneworth surprisingly looked wide awake, high on the effects of countless energy drinks, ProPlus and pain killers which had finally kicked in… Barnstoneworth were ready for action!
Playing their famous 4-5-1 RORO bombing formation Barnstoneworth took to the skies and went into battle and for some unusual reason Barnstoneworth didn’t conceded a stupid early goal! What was going on? But did it really matter, the crowded like what the saw – Barnstoneworth playing good football and looking comfortable on the ball. It wasn’t too long before a bit of Barnstoneworth pressure started to pay off. Wing Commander Sir Cuthbert picked up the ball deep in Barnstoneworth’s half, taxied down the runway and launched a 45 yard exocet missile straight into the roof of High Lane’s net to take the lead 1-0. High Lane restarted the game and quickly got to work and created a few chances, most of which went soaring over the top, and the ones that were on target were easily dealt with by John. However 10 mins later a cross into the box saw High Lane’s striker head one in to level the game. Barnstoneworth were not fazed at all and just got on with the game, and although the play was 60/40 in High Lanes favour, Barnstoneworth broke on the right and drove a low ball in across the face of goal for Mick Jono to belt in Barnstoneworth’s 2nd. The visitors started to look concerned and sensed that Barnstoneworth were certainly not going to be easy pickings. The first half continued with good football from both sides and with Barnstoneworth looking to start the 2nd half with a 2-1 advantage, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. High Lane were awarded a corner which took a wicked deflection, dropped at the feet of their No. 7 who slotted the ball home to snatch the equaliser. The half time score - Barnstonworth 2 v High Lane 2.
The second half got under way and the possession ratio was more or less the same as the first. And yet again there was still some great football being played from both teams, both desperately searching for the winner to avoid a penalty shoot out. It was nail biting end to end stuff, but the score line after 90 mins remained 2 - 2.
Prior to kick off both managers agreed to go straight to penalties to avoid extra time, however High Lane wanted to prove they could beat Barnstoneworth and insisted on extra time. Obligingly Barnstoneworth kicked off the 1st half and yet again more good football, but still no winner. And then in the dying secs of the 2nd half of extra time a great ball through gave Dave Croucher the opportunity to send High Lane down the road, but it wasn’t to be and the final whistle went… Penalties!
First up were High Lane and a first great save by John gave Barnstoneworth the advantage. Sir Cuthbert, Stevie Echo, Robbie (MOM) and Bonnet all stepped up and did the honours scoring from the spot. With the score at 4-3 to Barnstoneworth, High Lane had to score to stay in the cup. The atmosphere at The Sewerage Works was electric as High Lane stepped up. The ball struck low and to the right. John went the right way and…. what a save! David had beaten Goliath with a killer blow to the achillies, Barnstoneworth were on a High and High Lane were down road and out of the cup. The final score Barnstoneworth 2 v 2 High Lane, Barnstoneworth through on penalties 4 v 3.
A fantastic day of football and an all round great performance from Barnstoneworth and a great victory which was unduly celebrated with beer, hot dogs and chips in The Pen. No injuries to report and Screaming Mad Fitzy won the first £10 scratch card and Sue Roberts, a Management Wag won the 2nd. The hero of the day… John Whitehead!
