15^th September 2007  

Barton Stacey U13     3      Upper Clatford  U13    5

The two teams who contested last years cup final met for the first time this season.  No need for any introductions, all the boys are long standing friends/aquaintances so on with the game. 

Barton Stacey kicked off and after five minutes fell a goal behind; the corporate set – Messrs Coetzee and Bearpark distracted by sandwiches, arrived late to their seats and missed the goal.  With the problem of playing in front of a half empty ground eliminated, Barton Stacey raised their game; Michael Taplin driving into the box on the right hand side, to set up Charles Sherwood to score from close range. Parity restored, both teams continued to create chances.  Nick Bearpark, Michael Taplin and James Brooke shooting wide for Barton, while Alex Coetzee and Dan Pomroy had there hands full with last year’s top scorer in division one James Mcarthur. Michael Taplin picked up an injury late in the first half, Danny Tuson moving from the left of midfield to attack, new signing Sam Burrows taking Tuson’s position.  As the first half drew to a close, Clatford’s midfielder Sam Woodward grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck creating two quick goals, one a penalty; his level of performance proved to be the difference between the two sides in the last period of the half. With the sun out and the temperature creeping up towards twenty degrees, Barton’s boys took on a lot of water at half time.  Graham White stated the need for a little more self belief, and to nullify the wandering Woodward.

In the second half Barton Stacey raised their game, playing some lengthy passages of the high tempo passing football.  Harry Lawton, James Brooke and Charles Sherwood combined well on the left to force a Clatford own goal.  William de Cani found a bit of last season’s form as he began to get the better of the Clatford left back. A watching William Jackman falling out of his vantage point in a nearby tree lent inspiration to a new plan of attack (well it worked for Isaac Newton!)  Connor Jones was sent on to play left midfield, Sam Burrows moving to centre back; Dan Pomroy departing for a shower, pomade and an afternoon as Dapper Dan at a family wedding. Conner Jones’ impact was almost immediate, his shot from the left hand side of the box flying wide. As Barton Stacey gambled, space was created at the back, Clatford taking full advantage to score two well taken goals despite the heroic efforts of stand in keeper Luke Bacon.  Barton Stacey’s heads did not drop, their fortitude rewarded when Sam Hadlington scored from 25 yards, a surefire winner of goal of the month if only we could ring in and vote – Its just a bit of fun!