Last Sunday saw Barnestoneworth's first league game of the season against their bogie team MCYA. The crowd had gathered to see a thrilling display of football, but unfortunately quality just wasn't on the menu. After a great starter to warm up, Barnstoneworth were ready for action, but moral seemed a little on the low side. Play finally kicked off at 11.15 with Barnstoneworth kicking towards the Copse End and the visitors starting with only 10 men which they made up as play progressed.
The first half started with a few choice tackles from MCYA which were very kindly reciprocated by Rod. With the visitors a man down, this was a great opportunity for Barnstoneworth to take advantage, but it just didn't happen. Despite Rod's work rate in the middle of the park, MCYA had the edge and played some reasonable pass and move football whilst Barnstoneworth stood and watched. The Chinese were pretty nippy indeed and seemed more organised than last year. Throughout the first half both sides created very few chances and never looked like scoring. Then came the killer which sank Barnstoneworth hearts. With Wok's on full burn the Chinese broke through just before half time and put one in the back of Barnstoneworth's net which Mike was powerless to stop. The first half finished Barnstoneworth 0-1 MCYA.
The display of football in the second half wasn't much better, but there were some good individual performances from Rod, Dave B (MOM), Fitzy, Frank, Dave C, Bono and Sir Cuthbert. Despite Barnstoneworth always being second to the ball, and the bounce not going their way, the first opportunity arrived. A free kick outside the box which Sir Cuthbert unduly stepped up and struck a pearler straight into MCYA's net - The game was on! Barnstoneworth increased the pressure slightly, but the Chinese were just to damned quick. Luckily enough for Barnstoneworth a second opportunity arrived - another free kick 10 mins before time. Once again up stepped Sir Cuthbert who this time drove the ball low into box which bounced back off the keeper. Davey B was quick to pounce and leathered the ball back into MCYA's net - 2-1 Barnstoneworth! And that's how the game ended. A poor Chinese Takeaway, but 3 points in the carry bag.
Beers were consumed in the Pen after the game and one BUFC injury to report - Ian Smith (again) with a knock to the ankle. Stan won the scratch card bagging himself a cool £38 on the day. And what greedy twat robbed all the chicken from our curry, leaving the rest of us with soup and chips? Could it have been our little yellow friends by any chance?
