It was to be a true test of character as FC BarcaBoneHer looked to continue their fantastic 100% record in the league. With Simon ‘Dave’ Waterworth already ruled out with a previous engagement, the Boners were dealt another blow as defender Peggs failed a late fitness test. This meant that for only the second time since its creation FC BarcaBoneHer were without a sub for a league encounter.
To make matters worse, a late change to the fixtures meant that the Boners were no longer scheduled to play Raul Madrid, who had been banished from the league only days previous, but were instead up against Maidstone Nepalese Communities’ alternate team, Kent Ghurkha FC. What the Ghurkhas lacked in skill, they made up for in energy, adding yet more woes on to the already depleted Boner team.
The game itself started in typical fashion, BarcaBoneHer pressuring early and creating the opening chances. With no sub available, it was vital for the Boners to get off to a good start and they got just that in the form of top scorer Darbinho. As the ball bobbled around just inside the Ghurkhas third of the pitch, Darbs steamed on to the ball and smashed a fine effort in to the top corner, the pace catching the keeper of guard.
Darbinho was involved again for the second goal. As the ball was played in down the right, the Ghurkha defenders swarmed in, however, Darbs persevered to battle through most of the Gurkha team but despite being felled just outside the area, managed to fight through and play the ball to an open Pete ‘Santi’ Clemons, who was left with the easy task of side footing the ball into the back of the net to keep up his prolific goal-scoring record.
From then on it seemed certain FC BarcaBoneHer were going to cruise to victory. However, aided by some sloppy passes at the back and an obvious energy draining encounter, the Ghurkhas somehow managed to find a way back in to the game, bringing the score back to 2-1.
Although the score was fixed at 2-1 the boners were lacklustre in front of goal and perhaps on another night would have carried the game with a greater lead. Santi saw both a shot and a half volley rasp the left post; Kev saunders saw a left footed strike pounce off the bar. From then on the game could’ve gone either way. The Boners clearly had the quality advantage over their Nepalese counterparts, but the longer the game went on, the more telling the lack of sub became.
It was time for the Boners to dig down deep and find another goal, which they did in the form on Kev Saunders. As the ball ricochet around the Ghurkhas area, Kev was able to take the ball on the swivel and find the bottom corner.
The final whistle was blown, 3-1 to the Boners; another fine victory. The Boners were exhausted, the mood however was one of jubilation: they had won the game. More importantly results on the other pitches dictated that they were now 5 points clear of Old Skool and 6 points clear of hated rivals Los Pollos who have defeated the Boners twice in their previous two meetings.
The Boners now face their formidable rivals Los Pollos next week and with the continued injury to Dave, Los Pollos go into Thursday’s fixture as firm favourites. However, The Boners know a win will create a 9 point lead over their opposition and see them get to the half way stage of the season with a 100% win record and having defeated everyone opponent that dare challenge them. If they lose, they declare themselves open for business with Old Skool breathing down their necks.
