Offerton in the Offering - Green with Envy?!
After yet another diversion, Pricey giving ¾’s of the team a tour of Liverpool and a 2nd diversion in Stockport, the Barnstoneworth super red and white army marched onto St. Georgians to play the mighty Offerton Green, the league leaders and still yet undefeated. And what a glorious October morning, blue skies, sunshine, but more importantly not a drop of rain in sight.
The last time Barnstoneworth visited St. Georgians the pitch although water logged was like a bowling green and we were all itching to playing on it, so it came as somewhat of a disappointment to discover that it had been churned up, and in some places quite badly when we arrived. Offerton on the other hand, all under the age of 40 looked good, extremely fit and very serious about retaining their unbeaten record! But were they green enough to think that they‘d totally annihilate their visitors?
Playing in their lucky yellow away kit, BUFC won the toss and kicked off the game. Straight away it was clear Offerton were very serious opposition, the majority of who still play for Stockport St. Georgians (2008-2009 League Champions) in the Manchester Saturday leagues - serious football! The opening minutes saw a few exchanges of play as both teams tried to settle, but Offerton piled on the pressure. However against the run of play, BUFC responded with a great bit of one touch football in the middle of the park and Dave put a superb ball through to Echo for a one on one with the keeper who slotted the ball calmly in the back of the net for Barnstoneworth to take the lead 1-0 - Offerton Green with envy or what?!!! Then the arguments set in and Offerton’s mood changed. There was unrest in the camp. Searching for the equaliser before half time Offerton pushed hard with some good pass and move football, but the finishing was lacking, often ballooned over the top, hit wide or easily saved by John (MOM). Despite Offerton having a lot of possession Barnstoneworth did play some decent football, but the through balls to Echo were just that bit too strong and the first half finished BUFC 1 v Offerton 0... Could this be the biggest upset in the league so far?
On came Paul and John and the second half kicked off pretty much the same as the 1st with Offerton dominating most of the play, but it wasn’t all going their way and frustration started to set in - We’re Offerton in the Offering? Barnstoneworth seemed to think so and started to believe in themselves and looked more relaxed on the ball and played some half decent football despite the bombardment the back four were receiving, but like Phil said, “he had their No.11 in his arse pocket”! With 10 minutes to go Barnstoneworth had their sights set on victory, but after another wave of crosses and corners the equaliser came, a lucky header which their striker didn’t really know much about. But Barnstoneworth’s heads didn’t drop and neither did their hearts sink, they’d set out to complete a task, to return home from battle with dignity and pride. And soon enough in the dying minutes of the game the opportunity presented itself. A ball down the right wing to Paul which all he had to do was square it to Echo to side foot into the net, but unfortunately it was missed delivered. Then another ball to Pricey down the same wing who crossed the ball straight to Echo who’s foot didn’t make the right connection and the ball was scrappily cleared away. With time ticking away, unfortunately those were the last chances of the game and the final score was Offerton 1 v Barnstoneworth United 1.
Beer, sausages, mash and onion gravy were consumed after the game following which Barnstoneworth marched home like soldiers from the trenches, victorious in their close win over Offerton straight into the out stretched arms of wives and loved ones. The war was over, the boys were home, and a point in the bag!
And to make Offerton even more green with envy Paul won £20 on Offerton’s scratch card! No injuries to report, only aching legs, but fuck me that was a big pitch!
