Despite the M56 being closed on Sunday and having to detour through Liverpool, MCYA with only 10 men and David Ng their manager having to don his kit, the game eventually got started.
Opting to play 3-5-2 with the sun in our eyes the game kicked off on a glorious October afternoon and Barnstoneworth got stuck in right from the start. Although we seemed to dominate the midfield, play seemed to break down before reaching our strikers with MCYA quickly nipping in and stealing the ball. Despite MCYA having 10 men, BUFC failed to take the advantage and MCYA managed to break through against the run of play and slot in an early goal to take the lead 1-0. Late back from the casino, and on came MCYA’s 11th man to even up the sides who had no impact on the game whatsoever. Despite the early set back, Barnstoneworth, not down hearted got straight back into the game which resulted in some great strikes from Robbo and Jono on the edge of the box, a close range shot from Pricey which the keeper pushed wide for a corner and an abundance of corners and crosses which Barnstoneworth failed to convert - the ball seemingly to drop at the feet of MCYA to clear their line.
A few changes in the 2nd half saw Ivor, James and Fitzy come on. Pricey dropped to right mid and Fitzy went up front, and it wasn’t long before cracks started to appear in MCYA’s defence. A great ball into the box from Dave (MCYA’s MOM) saw Echo right foot one past the keeper to level the game 1-1, however MCYA responded with a quick goal to take the lead once again. Barnstoneworth got straight back in again and started to put even more pressure on MCYA’s defence, and soon enough a great touch from Echo saw Fitzy lash one in to level the game once again. Then on came Barnstoneworth’s super sub, Pete the Toe, who some how found himself in front of goal with an easy toe in opportunity, but in nipped MCYA once again to deny Barnstoneworth their third goal. And it wasn’t too long before it came - Once again Pete the Toe finding himself upfront toed the ball to Fitzy who belted the ball in the back of the net from just outside the 5 yard box for the winner! With literally 10 secs to go Barnstoneworth victory celebrations we’re underway, then the Ninja’s struck – A throwing star straight into Barnstoneworth hearts – The undeserved equaliser with 2 seconds to go on the clock… Gutted! The game finished MCYA 3 v Barnstoneworth 3
Despite the game feeling like a loss there were two great performances to mention and one of those was from Dave Ng, MCYA’s manager who at one point slowly lowered himself to the ground after being ankle tapped and claimed a foul, and the ref gave it! (And how long does that man take to have a shower!) The other was from MCYA’s left back who’d had enough of the narrow pitch and decided to play his football on the adjacent pitch. Apart from that one poor decision the ref by the way was excellent, full of whit and character and with no teeth.
Beers, chilli, chips, rice and nan bread were consumed after the game in the Legh Arms whilst watching Everton win the derby 2-0. Not a bad day after all then!!!
