The sky darkened and the birds fell silent.  Across the plain from the land of the giants the juggernaut came.

 Alderbury U13s, to a man an inch or two taller and broader than their Barton Stacey counterparts. Unbeaten in the league this year, and at home for two seasons or more, they play their football on the edge. Coupling their size and strength with no shortage of skill and extensive reinforcements in a large squad.

 On every occasion that these two sides have met Barton Stacey have taken the lead, Alderbury raising their game and physicality to snatch the points on each occasion bar one.

Barton were almost back to full strength, Charles Sherwood the only absentee with Festive Flu. 

In a first half with few chances both teams struggled to gain an advantage.  Sam Hadlington and James Brooke relishing their “WWF cage match” with the Alderbury midfield.  Alex Coetzee superb at the back against the accomplished striker Finn Drury.  A dazed Dan Pomroy, after his festive flight to Aussie and back, finding his feet after convincing his inner clock that it was an evening kick off.  Full backs Harry Lawton and Danny Tuson had a great first half, Lawton in particular showing some nice touches on the left.  In a five-man midfield Luke Bacon, Nick Bearpark and William de Cani joined battle, and occasionally, when the circumstances allowed, managed some neat passing football.  Michael Taplin spearheaded the attack and was unlucky with the few chances that came his way.

All square at half time, the second half continued in much the same vein.  James Brooke was unlucky from distance, Michael Taplin denied from close range. Ollie Richards in goal pulled off a string of brave and skilful saves, improving with each game, he is fast gaining a reputation as one of the best keepers in the league and a real asset to the side.

With two minutes to go, and a battered and bruised Barton worn out from battling a bigger stronger side, Alderbury scored after a goal line scramble; cries of anguish from the Barton bench and understandable jubilation from the Alderbury contingent, who took all the points and sportingly acknowledged that Barton had given them one heck of a game.

Successive 1-0 defeats for Barton Stacey against the two teams at the top of the table; with any real hope of the league title gone, Barton can reflect on the fact that they are more than a match for the two title contenders, and turn their attentions to retaining the Cup.