1st Team: Character shows through

The 1st team finally showed some character and team spirit by beating local rivals Fencibles 2-1 in a typical derby match.

It was an awkward start to the match, as before the ball had been kicked the referee told both teams quite sternly that the linesman had been told "do not flag for offsides, it is my decision!".

Then to the bemusement of Head Coach Pete Jones, the Ref told Pete that we would be using our training balls as the match balls as this is what the referee had checked and signed off, even though Tim Bateman (reserve team Coach) had kindly returned them to us just before kickoff, which they had borrowed them for their match at 1pm.

The lads looking a little confused shook their heads in disbelief and started the match with real purpose, they dominated possession but just lacked that final pass or finishing touch in the final 3rd, then against the run of play and a blatant offside (which – of course – linesman Murray wasn't allowed to flag).

Fencibles perfectly placed a slow motion to poke past goal keeper Adam Mathews, the Ref's call had the super sweeper Phil Cook and Old boy Brian Preston looking rather shocked at how the Ref had missed it. This didn't deter the boys for to long as they continued to press for an equalizer, this didn't eventuate in the first half as keeping possession in the final third was eluding the lads.

The call at half time reverted to the trusted 4-4-2 formation with James Gibbs coming on at right midfield after being disappointed at not starting, while captain Ant Schomaker shifted out to the left (much to his disgust). The move, however, seemed to pay dividends almost immediately as Ants tormented their right midfielder with all his trickery and pace. And James did the same with his blistering speed down our right-hand side.

Pete Jones' call for the change was rewarded as James was able to switch the play from right to left with clinical cross field passes, finding Ants hugging the left flank. Fencibles struggled to contain this pace and skill and not long after Ants was rewarded with a goal as he cut in a smashed one into the bottom right corner.

BMAFC sensed victory was in there for the taking and not long after it was almost action-replay as Ants grabbed his second of the match.

Sam Scurrah had another strong game in a role he has been itching to play. Sam gave us some much needed muscle in the middle of the park.

It was a great game to be involved in and it was pleasing to see the lads not crumble when things were working against them. They showed great character by never giving up and believing in each other.

By Brian Preston