SUPPORTERS IN SIX GOAL THRILLER
Posted on: Mon 14 Apr 2008
Saturday Superstore
FCBFCSA hit the April Sales to overcome injury crisis
FCBFCSA 4 FOREVER BURY B 2
Saturday April 12th 2008, Barnet Playing Fields.
After hitting their lowest ebb with defeat against a scratch international xi a fortnight earlier, FCBFCSA bounced back to winning ways with a win against Forever Bury.
Hit by injuries, and unavailabilities manager John Hunt was forced into action in the preceding week to scramble together a side to fulfil the fixture. The final signing was made at 11:30pm on Friday evening, after Karl Bates fell victim to inconsiderate rail engineering works coming in from Cambridge.
That was the 6ft 7 inch, size 14 boots wearing Simon Brown. Brown had responded to an SOS call on the clubs messageboard. It was FCBFCSA's unique Search for a Superstar.
Initally Hunt, believed the text he received to be a late April fools gag perpetrated by users of the Barnet Message board in sympathy withformer Barnet programme editor Jonathan Sugar, whose picture Hunt had previously posted.
Brown, joined Demos Demetriou -the godson of Barnet Chairman Tony Kleanthous - who joined FCBFCSA from the International Barnet supporters team, and new goalkeeper Matt Cusak. There was also a welcome return to the team for Darren Chillingworth, and Neil Blackerby remarkably playing their first matches of the campaign.
The team gelled in good humour before the game. Demetriou, and Tom Salinger took some good natured banter about the relationship between their family in good spirit. It was pointed out that Silvio Gradoni was the real godfather of the team. Niall Ward stopped calling Simon Crouchie, when Goldman, and Gradoni started calling him Kenzie. Point taken.
Brown , even volunteered to play left back when Ross Clark became unavailable, responding to a 10:45am call with "eeer what time is it gaffer". Niall Ward selflessly switched to right back.
At that point the referee hadn't turned up, and with Robin Goldman preparing to step in as the man in black , in his specially re-enforced refereeing goggles.
It was also feared that Hunt would have to start, with Salinger the lone member on the bench, until referee Josh Mattocks appeared in his nuclear yellow attire. One was left to wonder where former local Member of Parliament Maggie Thatcher would be if nuclear war broke out.
Alongside Mattocks, Neil Blackerby ventured onto the pitch, his friend on the touchline informing us of his relaxed preparation to the game the night before.
Contrast this preparation with that of Bury's. The team arrived before any of the Barnet players had arrived. They were all smartly attired in their initialled pristine Bury tracksuits. All the kit looking pristine and new. We looked like Raggy Arsed Rovers. Our short, socks, and boots combinations are like something out of a packet of licorish allsorts. The junior members of the squad had spent the night at a local travel lodge.
The squad management had spent the night before discussing tactics into the early hours with Phil Parkinson the assistant manager of Charlton, in their Holiday Inn hideout. He had actually advised the Bury supporters to look out for Albert Adomah. Unfortunately FCBFCSA could not call on the services of Adomah, but we were happy to have Blackerby, and Moruzzi on the flanks.
And then there was the Bury right back Paddy, who looked decidely unwell.
Before the game started FCBFCSA decided to employ the rule that only the captain could speak to the referee. This was purposefully so as to not make life difficult for the young referee, and to adhere to the respect initiative of the club. Barnet only broke this once in the game, and the person responsible apologised straight afterwards.
Anyway the game got underway on schedule at 11am with Barnet kicking away from the changing rooms, and they raced to an early lead. Blackerby played a lovely through ball to Demetrious who slotted the ball away with precision. 1-0.
Barnet dominated a young Bury side, putting together their best performance of the season.
Cusak was assured in goal, a calming influence on the defence. Niall Ward was composed in an unfamilar right sided role. Simon Brown was solid on the left, in a position he does not favour. Oliver Minton, and Gerry Currell resumed their strong partnership at the back. Currell, not giving a moments thought to his painful rib injury deserves special praise. Both coped superbly with the uneven playing surface, with more divots than Aintree after the Grand National had just been run.
In midfield Neil Blackerby put in his best display in a Barnet shirt, working hard, and lasting much longer than i expected. Across the middle Gradoni was the steadying influence in the team. Indeed a spectator looking very much like Carlo Ancelotti, was asking after his availability, remarking that Gennaro Gattuso could learn a thing or two from the old master.
Darren Chillingworth, and Fabio Moruzzi added the creative sparkle in midfield. Chillingworth bursting through the midfield at one stage like Michael Owen against Argentina, before falling victim to the bobbly pitch. It would have been the best goal ever scored by an FCBFCSA player. Still its all about the finishing.
Indeed the partnership between Gradoni, and Chillingworth was one of the most pleasurable aspects of the game, and perhaps the difference between the two sides. They bossed the game, and with Currell encouraged the team to put the ball on the deck, and knock it around.
Up front Demos Demetriou, and Craig Clayton gelled instantly. Clayton was holding the ball up well, and passing it off more often than usual. It was his most mature performance in an FCBFCSA shirt, and it won plaudits from the opposition management, who asked had he played at a more senior level. Demetriou was a breath of fresh air to the team. He is always positive, the perfect team player and a welcome addition to the squad.
Gradoni slotted the ball in the back of the net at one point, but was correctly adjudged offside.
Chillingworth put Barnet 2-0 up before half time. It was a fine performance, and had Barnet converted their chances, the scoreline could have been more.
Bury, did not play badly. Particular praise goes to the father figure of their team John, who played right back at 50 years young. Their centre back number five, was a no nonsense type of player, who wearing orange boots, could have employed 'ave it' as his maxim.
Bury's ickle number 16 - Christian also came close in the first half.
The Bury goalkeeper also made a number of fine saves. There was a particular passage of play when Barnet fired off five shots in about three minutes. None of them finding the back of the net.
Barnet need to be more clinical in front of goal, and maybe take on opportunites too much themselves when passing would be a better option.
Bury had few chances to test Cusak, but it was Paddy who came closest until Cusak scampered the ball away.
Barnet World is now the official radio station of FCBFCSA !
Barnet were happy at half time, and expected to score more, but it didn't materialise.Perhaps a little complacency crept in.
In fact the most entertaining part of the first half hour of the second half came when the FCBFCSA manager John Hunt went for a dip in the brook. The ball had dropped into the stream some five minutes earlier and we were waiting for it to float to a suitable spot to pick it out.
Gingerly, stepping onto a patch of grass to collect the ball, the grass gave way, and the water was shin pad. It was at that point, the realisation that football boots are by no means waterproof or watertights. He actually cramped up in the cold water and struggled to get out.
On 65mins Karl Bates arrived, having completed his own marathon journey from Cambridge. This was great for team morale having somebody coming to cheer us on, having made a big effort to get along. We look forward to Karl getting some game time in the future.
He also took up linesman duties when Robin Goldman started to warm up.
Barnet had to wait until 75mins, to get a third. Clayton slotted the ball in from an acute angle.
Time to launch the Tank. When Goldman replaced Blackerby, and Demetriou switched to right wing, working the flank with Ward we had "Two Left Feet", working the right side so to speak.
On 76 minutes Tank steamrollered his way chasing the fall. He decided not to make a sliding tackle after his mistimed challenge a fortnight earlier.
On 78 minutes the Tank bamboozled the Bury right back with what can only be described as a double Cruyff turn. He confessed afterwards, "I'm alright when i'm on the ball, its getting there that hurts. "
On 80mins the manager decided to have a run out to ease the pain from his hernia, that will be operated on over the summer. Demetriou was sacrificed.
On 82mins Bury pulled a goal back 3 -1.
This was gutting. We were hoping to christen Matt 'Bianco' Cusak, with a debut clean sheet.
On 85 mins 3 -2. Inspired substitutions ?
To be fair , the defence had lost a bit of focus, and it was not the fault of those further upfield.
A hard decision was taken with the game in the balance not to give Tom Salinger some game time. Sorry Tom, we appreciate you in the squad but it wasn't the right moment.
With Hunt, creating space in the middle, Goldman sent Clayton through in the 89th minute. Clayton raced through and calmly slotted the ball through
There was little controversy in the game. Bury felt they maybe should have had a penalty in the first half when a player was impeded just outside the area, Barnet had the same feeling when a player was alleged to have handled inside the area.
Potential flashpoints were dealt with maturely by the referee, who was praised by the Bury management after the game. He went into the Bury dressing room to apologise for any mistakes he may have made. The Bury management expressed appreciation for the honest way he had handled the game.
Anyway today was a green day for FCBFCSA.
The important thing was (1) to get a team out (2) to put on a decent show (3) to not get involved in any silliness, and (4) to get back to winning ways. All of the above was achieved. There were no negatives to report, and I have been beaming all weekend as a consequence.
Barnet lined up Cusak - Ward, Currell (c), Minton, Brown - Blackerby (Goldman), Gradoni, Chillingworth 1, Moruzzi - Demetriou 1, Clayton 2
man of the match Darren Chillingworth
We have also made firm friends with Bury, who promise us butties if we go up to play them next season. Over lunch, with myself and Robin Goldman they explained to us how they are run. They even manage to get two sides to play in Worldnet each season.
I would dearly love to do this. Bury are a credit to themselves and their club. They play with a love of football, and in a good natured way. It really is what the IFA is all about.
They have good relations with Bury FC, and Sturridge the kit manufacturers who provided them with tracksuits at cost. Their squad have even been able to blag free cab rides, masquerading as first teamers !
After the game Karl Bates took to the radio mike. Reading out the FCBFCSA result, he praised what he had seen. Barry Swain added " And without Mr Doe (Keith) check. AWin ? On recent form, i never thought that would happen." It is what the manager had been craving.
They even play annually at Gigg Lane. Next week they face a Soccer AM all stars XI, and featuring will be John, alongside his son. Soccer AM will field Brucie Grobbelaar, Peter Beagrie, and Bury legends such as Craig Madden and Jimmy McIlwraith.
Can you imagine Howard Minton , playing alongside Ollie Minton. versus Guiliano Grazioli, and Nicky Evans ? That's the equivalent at Gigg Lane next week. Every fathers dream.
Barnet complete their 2007-2008 campaign with a home match against Fulham prior to the Stockport County came on April 26th. It will be an interesting task selecting a team when all players are available. This is likely to be at Bushey Sports Club, as Barnet council are taking down the football pitches next week.
And if you have been confused by all the Saturday Superstore references, are too young to have heard of it or even noticed the relevance of Matt Bianco, Keith Chegwin, Sarah Greene , John Craven, Maggie Thatcher, David Ick(l)e, Vicky Licorish and Search for a Superstar, look out for the next edition of the Gaffer Meets ........ Mike Read.
Sorry, and thanks
John Hunt
FCBFCSA hit the April Sales to overcome injury crisis
FCBFCSA 4 FOREVER BURY B 2
Saturday April 12th 2008, Barnet Playing Fields.
After hitting their lowest ebb with defeat against a scratch international xi a fortnight earlier, FCBFCSA bounced back to winning ways with a win against Forever Bury.
Hit by injuries, and unavailabilities manager John Hunt was forced into action in the preceding week to scramble together a side to fulfil the fixture. The final signing was made at 11:30pm on Friday evening, after Karl Bates fell victim to inconsiderate rail engineering works coming in from Cambridge.
That was the 6ft 7 inch, size 14 boots wearing Simon Brown. Brown had responded to an SOS call on the clubs messageboard. It was FCBFCSA's unique Search for a Superstar.
Initally Hunt, believed the text he received to be a late April fools gag perpetrated by users of the Barnet Message board in sympathy withformer Barnet programme editor Jonathan Sugar, whose picture Hunt had previously posted.
Brown, joined Demos Demetriou -the godson of Barnet Chairman Tony Kleanthous - who joined FCBFCSA from the International Barnet supporters team, and new goalkeeper Matt Cusak. There was also a welcome return to the team for Darren Chillingworth, and Neil Blackerby remarkably playing their first matches of the campaign.
The team gelled in good humour before the game. Demetriou, and Tom Salinger took some good natured banter about the relationship between their family in good spirit. It was pointed out that Silvio Gradoni was the real godfather of the team. Niall Ward stopped calling Simon Crouchie, when Goldman, and Gradoni started calling him Kenzie. Point taken.
Brown , even volunteered to play left back when Ross Clark became unavailable, responding to a 10:45am call with "eeer what time is it gaffer". Niall Ward selflessly switched to right back.
At that point the referee hadn't turned up, and with Robin Goldman preparing to step in as the man in black , in his specially re-enforced refereeing goggles.
It was also feared that Hunt would have to start, with Salinger the lone member on the bench, until referee Josh Mattocks appeared in his nuclear yellow attire. One was left to wonder where former local Member of Parliament Maggie Thatcher would be if nuclear war broke out.
Alongside Mattocks, Neil Blackerby ventured onto the pitch, his friend on the touchline informing us of his relaxed preparation to the game the night before.
Contrast this preparation with that of Bury's. The team arrived before any of the Barnet players had arrived. They were all smartly attired in their initialled pristine Bury tracksuits. All the kit looking pristine and new. We looked like Raggy Arsed Rovers. Our short, socks, and boots combinations are like something out of a packet of licorish allsorts. The junior members of the squad had spent the night at a local travel lodge.
The squad management had spent the night before discussing tactics into the early hours with Phil Parkinson the assistant manager of Charlton, in their Holiday Inn hideout. He had actually advised the Bury supporters to look out for Albert Adomah. Unfortunately FCBFCSA could not call on the services of Adomah, but we were happy to have Blackerby, and Moruzzi on the flanks.
And then there was the Bury right back Paddy, who looked decidely unwell.
Before the game started FCBFCSA decided to employ the rule that only the captain could speak to the referee. This was purposefully so as to not make life difficult for the young referee, and to adhere to the respect initiative of the club. Barnet only broke this once in the game, and the person responsible apologised straight afterwards.
Anyway the game got underway on schedule at 11am with Barnet kicking away from the changing rooms, and they raced to an early lead. Blackerby played a lovely through ball to Demetrious who slotted the ball away with precision. 1-0.
Barnet dominated a young Bury side, putting together their best performance of the season.
Cusak was assured in goal, a calming influence on the defence. Niall Ward was composed in an unfamilar right sided role. Simon Brown was solid on the left, in a position he does not favour. Oliver Minton, and Gerry Currell resumed their strong partnership at the back. Currell, not giving a moments thought to his painful rib injury deserves special praise. Both coped superbly with the uneven playing surface, with more divots than Aintree after the Grand National had just been run.
In midfield Neil Blackerby put in his best display in a Barnet shirt, working hard, and lasting much longer than i expected. Across the middle Gradoni was the steadying influence in the team. Indeed a spectator looking very much like Carlo Ancelotti, was asking after his availability, remarking that Gennaro Gattuso could learn a thing or two from the old master.
Darren Chillingworth, and Fabio Moruzzi added the creative sparkle in midfield. Chillingworth bursting through the midfield at one stage like Michael Owen against Argentina, before falling victim to the bobbly pitch. It would have been the best goal ever scored by an FCBFCSA player. Still its all about the finishing.
Indeed the partnership between Gradoni, and Chillingworth was one of the most pleasurable aspects of the game, and perhaps the difference between the two sides. They bossed the game, and with Currell encouraged the team to put the ball on the deck, and knock it around.
Up front Demos Demetriou, and Craig Clayton gelled instantly. Clayton was holding the ball up well, and passing it off more often than usual. It was his most mature performance in an FCBFCSA shirt, and it won plaudits from the opposition management, who asked had he played at a more senior level. Demetriou was a breath of fresh air to the team. He is always positive, the perfect team player and a welcome addition to the squad.
Gradoni slotted the ball in the back of the net at one point, but was correctly adjudged offside.
Chillingworth put Barnet 2-0 up before half time. It was a fine performance, and had Barnet converted their chances, the scoreline could have been more.
Bury, did not play badly. Particular praise goes to the father figure of their team John, who played right back at 50 years young. Their centre back number five, was a no nonsense type of player, who wearing orange boots, could have employed 'ave it' as his maxim.
Bury's ickle number 16 - Christian also came close in the first half.
The Bury goalkeeper also made a number of fine saves. There was a particular passage of play when Barnet fired off five shots in about three minutes. None of them finding the back of the net.
Barnet need to be more clinical in front of goal, and maybe take on opportunites too much themselves when passing would be a better option.
Bury had few chances to test Cusak, but it was Paddy who came closest until Cusak scampered the ball away.
Barnet World is now the official radio station of FCBFCSA !
Barnet were happy at half time, and expected to score more, but it didn't materialise.Perhaps a little complacency crept in.
In fact the most entertaining part of the first half hour of the second half came when the FCBFCSA manager John Hunt went for a dip in the brook. The ball had dropped into the stream some five minutes earlier and we were waiting for it to float to a suitable spot to pick it out.
Gingerly, stepping onto a patch of grass to collect the ball, the grass gave way, and the water was shin pad. It was at that point, the realisation that football boots are by no means waterproof or watertights. He actually cramped up in the cold water and struggled to get out.
On 65mins Karl Bates arrived, having completed his own marathon journey from Cambridge. This was great for team morale having somebody coming to cheer us on, having made a big effort to get along. We look forward to Karl getting some game time in the future.
He also took up linesman duties when Robin Goldman started to warm up.
Barnet had to wait until 75mins, to get a third. Clayton slotted the ball in from an acute angle.
Time to launch the Tank. When Goldman replaced Blackerby, and Demetriou switched to right wing, working the flank with Ward we had "Two Left Feet", working the right side so to speak.
On 76 minutes Tank steamrollered his way chasing the fall. He decided not to make a sliding tackle after his mistimed challenge a fortnight earlier.
On 78 minutes the Tank bamboozled the Bury right back with what can only be described as a double Cruyff turn. He confessed afterwards, "I'm alright when i'm on the ball, its getting there that hurts. "
On 80mins the manager decided to have a run out to ease the pain from his hernia, that will be operated on over the summer. Demetriou was sacrificed.
On 82mins Bury pulled a goal back 3 -1.
This was gutting. We were hoping to christen Matt 'Bianco' Cusak, with a debut clean sheet.
On 85 mins 3 -2. Inspired substitutions ?
To be fair , the defence had lost a bit of focus, and it was not the fault of those further upfield.
A hard decision was taken with the game in the balance not to give Tom Salinger some game time. Sorry Tom, we appreciate you in the squad but it wasn't the right moment.
With Hunt, creating space in the middle, Goldman sent Clayton through in the 89th minute. Clayton raced through and calmly slotted the ball through
There was little controversy in the game. Bury felt they maybe should have had a penalty in the first half when a player was impeded just outside the area, Barnet had the same feeling when a player was alleged to have handled inside the area.
Potential flashpoints were dealt with maturely by the referee, who was praised by the Bury management after the game. He went into the Bury dressing room to apologise for any mistakes he may have made. The Bury management expressed appreciation for the honest way he had handled the game.
Anyway today was a green day for FCBFCSA.
The important thing was (1) to get a team out (2) to put on a decent show (3) to not get involved in any silliness, and (4) to get back to winning ways. All of the above was achieved. There were no negatives to report, and I have been beaming all weekend as a consequence.
Barnet lined up Cusak - Ward, Currell (c), Minton, Brown - Blackerby (Goldman), Gradoni, Chillingworth 1, Moruzzi - Demetriou 1, Clayton 2
man of the match Darren Chillingworth
We have also made firm friends with Bury, who promise us butties if we go up to play them next season. Over lunch, with myself and Robin Goldman they explained to us how they are run. They even manage to get two sides to play in Worldnet each season.
I would dearly love to do this. Bury are a credit to themselves and their club. They play with a love of football, and in a good natured way. It really is what the IFA is all about.
They have good relations with Bury FC, and Sturridge the kit manufacturers who provided them with tracksuits at cost. Their squad have even been able to blag free cab rides, masquerading as first teamers !
After the game Karl Bates took to the radio mike. Reading out the FCBFCSA result, he praised what he had seen. Barry Swain added " And without Mr Doe (Keith) check. AWin ? On recent form, i never thought that would happen." It is what the manager had been craving.
They even play annually at Gigg Lane. Next week they face a Soccer AM all stars XI, and featuring will be John, alongside his son. Soccer AM will field Brucie Grobbelaar, Peter Beagrie, and Bury legends such as Craig Madden and Jimmy McIlwraith.
Can you imagine Howard Minton , playing alongside Ollie Minton. versus Guiliano Grazioli, and Nicky Evans ? That's the equivalent at Gigg Lane next week. Every fathers dream.
Barnet complete their 2007-2008 campaign with a home match against Fulham prior to the Stockport County came on April 26th. It will be an interesting task selecting a team when all players are available. This is likely to be at Bushey Sports Club, as Barnet council are taking down the football pitches next week.
And if you have been confused by all the Saturday Superstore references, are too young to have heard of it or even noticed the relevance of Matt Bianco, Keith Chegwin, Sarah Greene , John Craven, Maggie Thatcher, David Ick(l)e, Vicky Licorish and Search for a Superstar, look out for the next edition of the Gaffer Meets ........ Mike Read.
Sorry, and thanks
John Hunt
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