Barnstonworth Old Boys report 11/08 - by Sheero

BOB - 3 NY Dinamo - 2

The Old Boys put in a brilliant battling performance Sunday to hand top of the table Dinamo just their second loss of the season. The result was all the more remarkable given the diabolical showing from the Barnstonworth goalkeeper, doing his best to deny us victory.

Our only previous meeting with Dinamo was in last season's State Cup, when they handed out a fairly comprehensive 4-0 defeat. So despite encouragement that we could get a result this time around, there was undoubtedly some uncertainty within BOB's ranks as we took to the field.

Any fears were soon dispelled though, as we immediately took control of the game and were ahead before I'd even touched the ball. We were awarded a penalty decision which could be described as "generous" at best, a bobbling ball bouncing up to hit a Dinamo defender's arm. After the obligatory 5-minute bitching session, Bryan stepped up and calmly sent the keeper the wrong way (probably BOB's first penalty conversion in 5 or 6 attempts!). Soon after, we were 2-0 up. Colin's persistence in front of goal after hitting the bar paid off when he nodded down to Jeff who arrowed a right-foot volley into the far corner with the keeper stranded. Dinamo threatened to self-destruct at this point, but did well to gather themselves and play themselves back in to the game, albeit with some help from BOB becoming increasingly disorganized with a flurry of substitutions. Jason had a good chance to increase the lead from close range, but the Dinamo keeper smothered the ball well.

Dinamo pulled a goal back before half-time on a breakaway on the one occasion we were caught flat-footed at the back playing a high line. Encouraged by halving the deficit, Dinamo upped their game and has some sustained pressure, but BOB’s defense marshaled by Rocco & Greg remained strong and we went into the half 2-1 up.

As with the first half, BOB started the 2^nd half stronger and had several chances to re-establish a 2 goal lead – the Dinamo defense always looking likely to concede. As the game went on, friction between the two teams increased and fuses got shorter with plenty of late tackles flying in and lots of back-chat. The referee did a decent job of keeping it just about under control. About half-way through the second half, we conceded a free kick about 25 yards out, which was hit directly at the keeper (guilty as charged) but handled poorly, the Dinamo striker was first to react and with his back to the goal managed to loop a shot over his head and under the bar. Over the last few years, I’ve learned that I rarely come out on top during a goalpost kicking frenzy, so I resisted the temptation, great though it was.

But I must give credit to the whole squad – no one even gave the slightest impression of letting their head drop. Instead, the intensity and effort increased in the very warm conditions, and we busily went in pursuit of a winner. And just as it looked as though the points would be shared, the turning point came. Bazza, on the sidelines suffering with a thigh strain had been mostly a bit-part player to this point, but when we needed to make a late substitution, he insisted on coming back on. Straight from the restart, Jason found Bazza in space on the right, who looked up and saw the keeper well off his line and sent a perfect lob into the empty net from 30-odd yards out. He likes doing this does Bazza – it’s the 3^rd time in a year. Apparently the Dinamo keeper’s positioning was a topic of some conversation on the bench prior to Bazza’s introduction - Dom predictably claimed it as a tactical masterstroke.

The last few minutes were comfortably played out, although not before Dinamo let their frustrations get the better of them and picked up 2 red cards – one for some spicy language directed at the referee and the other for a shocking two-footed tackle on Josh, who seems to have a target on his back when it comes to leg-breaking tackles this season. Dinamo further disgraced themselves after the game with some disgusting racist language directed at some of our players, almost causing a riot. Fortunately, the referee witnessed the whole thing and promised to include everything in his report.

So a very satisfying day’s work, good to see us bounce back from a couple of disappointing league performances in recent weeks. Superb effort from every member of the squad – goalkeeper excepted, he was about as much use as a chocolate teapot.

Many thanks to MJ for supporting the Old Boys, even though her husband Aldo was playing for the opposition – he was also gracious enough to join us in the bar afterwards! Back to State Cup action next week and an interesting tie against Manhattan Kickers after a previous game and a disputed result. It’s never boring…

BOB: The (disabled) Cat, Rocco, Greg, Dominator, Macca, Billy, Scooby, Colin, Luxury, Bryan, Matt, Jeff, Josh, Bazza, Jason, Maggie.

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