AA4 Match Report v Redfern Raiders (03/04/2011)

Match report V Redfern Raiders, 3rd April

Having extended their unbeaten run to 10 games in the pre-season,
Barnstoneworth AA4 were excited to finally start the season proper.

The excitement seemed well founded when, after just 5 minutes, Niall
slotted the first goal of the season passed the Raiders’ keeper.

Redfern looked stunned as Barnstoneworth piled on the pressure,
playing nice flowing football and keeping the ball in the opposition
half.

It wasn’t long before Niall once again had the ball at his feet with
just the keeper to beat. What looked from the sideline like a scuffed
shot actually turned out to be a delicately placed, near side goal.
Two-nil to the reds after just 15 minutes. A perfect start to the
season…or so everyone thought.

With two goals in the bag and all traffic heading one way, the team
took their feet off the gas. Confidence was riding high, concentration
was not. Numerous missed opportunities to increase the goal tally were
followed by some overly casual play in midfield, handing Redfern the
break they were looking for and their first goal. 2-1. The tide was
turning.

Five minutes later and a miscommunication in defence handed the
Raiders their second goal. 2-2 at half time.

The team emerged for the second half confident they were the better
side, and more than capable of scoring the next goal. But it wasn’t to
be. Encouraged by their comeback, Redfern capitalised on yet another
defensive error, then created their own scoring opportunity shortly
after (their first). 4-2 to Redfern after 60 minutes.

In previous years, this would be where the third team imploded. Heads
go down…all is lost. But this is the new third team. Willing each
other on, the team refocussed, reapplied themselves and took back
control of the match.

A barrage of free kicks, corners and attacks from open play resulted
in two goals to Barnstoneworth in the last 15 minutes, both from Ross
Mooney, and it was only an early final whistle that saved a point for
Redfern. Final score, 4-all.

A rollercoaster ride from start to finish and (hopefully) a lesson
learnt for the new third team.

Highlight of the match:
Watching big Joe Adams attempt an overhead kick from a corner…poetry
in motion.