BLG 5 v 3 Macfarlanes
Rich Craig (2)
Hooksy (2)
Jo Jo
After some management miscommunications and train timetable confusion the Barlows team arrived at the ground 10 minutes after kick-off and wearing the same colour kit as the opposition. The omens were not particularly good. With no goalkeeper in the squad the warm up consisted of trying to work out who was least bad between the sticks which was a rather depressing sight. Add to that the fact that we had been told by the ref to wear our own tops and one may say that this was not our finest hour.....
Nevertheless, things could only get better and, with seconds to go before kick off, Si Lenagan arrived and manfully nominated himself to play between the sticks. Despite our Oxfam style get-up we began brightly, knocking the ball confidently around the midfield and cutting through the Macfarlanes back line at will. Rich Craig and Robbie Chapman quickly asserted themselves in the centre and dominated throughout. With Jo Jo and Seale controlling the flanks and an impressive front line of Hooksy and Greeny it was only time before the first goal was going to come.
And what a goal it was! Rich Craig jinxing through a couple of players towards the edge of the box and blasting into the top corner. After the restart, Barlows continued to dominate and Macfarlanes could hardly get out of their own half. A corner finely despatched by Robbie Chapman was drilled into the net by Jo Jo's impressive forehead and we were looking very comfortable. A sweeping passing move down the left allowed Greeny to pass across goal, beating the keeper, and leaving Hooksy with a simple tap in. One more from Rich Craig put us into a commanding lead at half-time. 4-0.
Wanting to ensure that the game was not too predictable, Barlows started the second half by giving away the simplest of penalties from the kick off. Soon after, a misunderstanding at the back led to a second and suddenly things started to look a little more edgy. The goals were giving Macfarlanes a confidence that they didn't have in the first half and Barlows had to work hard to stem the attacks. The Barlows chances were still coming thick and fast however and the lead could have been dramatically extended. Hooksy managed to convert one of the chances taking us to 5-2.
There was still time for Barlows to give away another soft goal, which was well taken by the Macfarlanes striker but we had done enough in the first half to escape with the 3 points. Well done to everyone on what was a very important night in the Barlows season. With 22 points and 2 games remaining there is still a chance to finish fourth which would be an excellent conclusion to the season.
Squad: Si Lenagan, Dom (Grant), Spinksy, Piers, Monty, Jo Jo, Rich Craig, Robbie Chapman, Seale, Hooksy, Greeny
Matthew Montgomery
