The slim mathematical chance that Barnstoneworth Athletic had before Saturday has now been erased as they went down to top-of-the-table Cudal at Bloomfield.

Another day of missed opportunities which saw Barnies competing well but coming up short.

Manager Ewan Powell was livid that his game plan was not followed. "My father had a theory in golf that 90% of putts that are short don't go in. Using this as a basis I formulated the supposedly simple plan that if we score more goals than the other team then there's an 80-90% chance of a win. I want to get the stats guys to look at it but I'd say its at least mid 80's. A simple game plan that continually goes out the window."

Barnies were perhaps unlucky to concede two goals early on but then appeared to have the better of the play for the rest of the first half. Missed opportunities abounded as shots with only the keeper to beat were sent wide. Dan Kennedy had a chance to use his considerable bulk to shuffle the ball over the line but missed.

2-0 at halftime and it remained that way for a while until one Barnies push forward saw Chris Jacobs head the ball into the woodwork. A Cudal defender obliged 'CJ' with an impromptu lesson in how it should be done. Spectators nearby claimed they heard someone say "Here's how its done mate".

This put some tension into the game and it could have been a thriller if Jacobs had not succumbed to age and weariness and missing a relatively easy chance to beat the Cudal 'keeper.

Moments later it became 3-1 as Barnies were caught out at the back by the fast counterattack and fine finish by Cudal. The final few minutes were played out with Barnies again pressing forward with no result.

It should also be noted that Greg Vinall, having cleared two balls of the line already, thought the job would be easier if he could use his hands as well. He did this by substituting as a 'keeper which he found to his liking.

With the season over, thoughts turn to the end of season do which will be on Saturday 8^th September with a Barnstoneworth gala day to be followed by a barbeque. More details to follow.