For the third week running BIFC edged a cup game by a single goal, this time progressing to the second round of the divisional cup at the expense of Westlea Res.
This was our first trip to Newbold since we put a she-wolf in some curry and we needed all our cup spirit to get through this one. Nath was working so Joey went in goal with Whitey recalled to centre back in the only changes to last weeks side. Caz had dragged Aaron from his pit, so three subs with Aaron, Adam Trinder and Malc hugging the hedge for warmth.
Again, their was no referee assigned so the Westlea manager took charge of this one and did his best all things considered.
BIFC bossed the first ten minutes and looked a lot sharper and more comfortable than previous weeks. So it was very much against the run of play when a Westlea attack down the left led to a debatable penalty, Caz being judged to have handled the ball whilst grounded. Caz felt Joe Friend had stamped on him in the build up and his skin abbrasions seemed to back up his claim, to add insult to injury it was Friend that converted the penalty for 0-1! The Bishops heads never dropped and we went close when first Cooper and then Jordan put chances over the bar. Trinder and the slick pitch then got the better of the Samba-esque centre half and horse head was scythed down with just the keeper to beat, normal referee gives a pen and a sending off, this one gives a pen and wry smile! Never mind, Benno despatches it for 1-1! At the other end, only a couple of long range efforts are keeping Joe warm and it wasn't too long before went in front. Some good build up play saw Coops hit the post, Jordan picked up the loose ball and this time the net rippled as his low strike caught out the keeper at his near post, 2-1! and in control. A long ball out of defence then saw Giggles given the slip by a red headed striker and a cool finish made it 2-2! Another contentious goal saw Westlea take a lead into half time, a free kick was given on the edge of the box for what appeared a good tackle and Friend bent it round the wall and in off the post for his second and Westlea's third, 3-2 at HALF TIME!
The second half was played in the same vain with BIFC dominating the majority of the possession and Westlea having rare beaks forward. Parity was restored when Coops got to a through ball down the left and despite his inital shot being saved was first to the rebound for 3-3! Our tails were up and a visibly tiring Westlea were struggling to keep up with our strikers and only a fine stop from Beach's effort kept them level. Another break saw us overplay and with a rollicking just a heartbeat away, Beach was scythed down by Samba (again..) and Benno just beat the keeper for 4-3! and complete the comeback. Their was enough time left for Whitey and Bagga to engage in some handbags, because...well no-one knows and will never find out!
Must say thanks to their guy for reffing and having enough balls to give two pens against his own team.
To tie things up nicely we were treated to Caz explaining what women saw in him that we couldn't.." well, it's because you've never seen it erect!" Well, you learn something new every day!
