30^th March 2008 

Barton Stacey  2   CK Redbridge   2

After the previous week’s convincing win against bottom of the table Tidworth, GWA sponsored Barton Stacey were keen to consolidate their position in fourth place in division 1. 

On a skidpan of a pitch following heavy rain throughout the week, Barry Purdue had a “quality” thirteen to choose from.  Scott Tarrant returned in goal behind a defensive line of Ally Walker, Lee Maspero, Rhys Betteridge and Mark Horsell.  Alex Iddles, Wayne Turpin, Dan Knott and Luke Tiller made up the midfield, while the prolific striking partnership of Simon Schulze and Dan de Heaume completed the eleven.  Chris Oliver and Sean Marshall awaited the call on the bench. 

Barton Stacey started the game well and took the lead in the fifth minute, Dan de Heaume put through on the right hand side of the box to lash his right foot strike home.  Ck Redbridge remained a threat on the break, Titch - the CK striker, making a bid to challenge Tom Daley the UK’s 13 yr old new European champion for his place from the 10 metre board in Bejing, with a superb triple twist with grunt, following a tackle in the box, as he attempted to get his side back in the game.CK Redbridge equalising shortly before the break, causing manager Purdue to hastily rewrite his half time discourse.

With the crowd swelling after Church chucking out time, the company grew ever more distinguished. Club Chairmen and players from yesteryear, sponsors past and present, all keen to see the team in green win the day.

Barton started the second half well, but were forced into changes after Alex Iddles retired with a wonky knee. Replacement, Sean Marshall’s impact immediate after Lee Maspero stepped out of defence, waltzed through midfield, to feed Marshall in the box, who side footed into an empty net.  Barton’s lead was short lived, unfortunately conceding a penalty a minute after taking the lead, keeper Scott Tarrant unable to keep out the well-struck shot from the spot.

Chris Oliver replaced Mark Horsell as both sides slugged it out in their efforts to take three points.  The ref eventually calling time on a game neither side deserved to lose and a point apiece as Barton Stacey remain in fourth place in division 1.