Barton Stacey U13   0    Andover New St  U13   5

Third placed Barton Stacey against third from bottom Andover New St, This current crop of Bartonites had never failed to take all three points from their encounters with the boys from New St.

For the third time this season Barton Stacey fell behind to an early goal, new keeper Ollie given no chance when Dalton Compton burst through Barton Stacey’s defence to score.  With New Street beating Barton Stacey to the loose ball, and comprehensively winning all 50/50 ball it was not long before their high-octane game produced another two goals.  3-0 down at high time Barton were being out Bartonated.

 After a quick check of the Jelly baby bag to confirm that they were not the sugar free variety, Barton Stacey set out to get some reward from the game.

In the second half Barton battled on, and did manage to produce chances, the ball inevitably flying high or wide.  Andover New St’s Dalton Crompton continued to cause problems to Barton’s defence, his movement and ability to shoot from anywhere a superb example of the striker’s role; New St scoring a further two goals before the close.

While it is good for the mind and soul to try new experiences, this is one not to be repeated. A bad day at the office, you don’t become a bad team overnight, every dog has its day, you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs (or ruining a very good frying pan if you are William de Cani) Pick a cliché, most of them were written for days like this.

Barton Stacey U13s are a small squad who regularly punch above their weight (Not another cliché - Ed) with half of the boys on the pitch playing in a position that would not normally be their first choice, Barton Stacey’s strength has always been a good team game with each player accepting and understanding his role within the side.  Every successful side has its “Hollywood” players; they don’t, however, pick up the “gongs” without the efforts of the unsung heroes. For every Eric Cantona you need a Dennis Irwin, for every Orville you need a Keith Harris. Barton Stacey must rely on their strong team ethic, built up over the past five seasons to bounce back from a shock result such as todays. 

Barton Stacey third in division 1  -  just!