BLG 0 - 4 Ashursts
Although we were convincingly beaten on the night, by what was a top Ashursts side, the scoreline is a bit of a harsh reflection on a game where for long periods we competed well with a team having a good season in the first division.
Ultimately Ashurst's class told and they were clinical at taking their chances in the first half. Their big aussie striker (in the mould of Christian Vieri) caused havoc at the back flicking on numerous high balls and was supported well by his team mates who played off his flicks and one-twos. After a solid start by both teams a ball was played over the top and the striker ran into the area and cut the ball back well for his team mate to slot the ball into the net. 1-0. Five minutes later a Rory Delap throw in was flicked on well by that Vieri fella and fell kindly to their on rushing player who headed in unmarked at the back post. 2-0. Soon after Ashurst broke through again and the ball was cut back across our penalty box, an attempted clearance hit a Barlows player who was rushing back to defend the cross and we were unlucky to see the ball deflect back into the bottom corner of the net. 3-0 and effectively out of contention with just over 20 minutes on the clock!
Barlows then raised their game, with some neat passing in midfield which put a lot of pressure on the Ashursts defence forcing a number of saves from their excellent keeper, who pulled off a blinder from a point blank header by Hooksie from a well taken corner. Another penalty decision going against Barlows on the stroke of half time, this time no penalty awarded and Barlow's protests had barely faded when another throw-in from Ashursts was cleared to the edge of the box, which was picked up by and Ashursts player, who found their Vieri fella to the left of the goal and finished well, high into the net from a tight angle. 4-0 and game over at half-time.
We hoped things couldn't get any worse in the second half although we felt we hadn't played too badly and punished by some clinical finishing in the first half. For the next 45 mins we competed well with Ashursts and some decent chances were created at both ends which saw some fine saves by both keepers, but the game finished at 4-0 at the final whistle.
Overall it wasn't the worst display and we came up against a very good team on the night. We now have a 10 day rest before the final game before Christmas against Pegasus at the Beckham academy on Thurs 18 December. Christmas drinks permitting, hopefully we can field a strong team and get our league season back on track. A couple of wins and we will be back towards the top end of the table.
Team: Bushy; Dom, Tom G-S, Piers, Chris Lulic; James Seale, Tom S, Greeny, Colin; Hooksie, Jojo
