Mens 1s vs Barford Tigers M1

The day started early as the boys in Black and White began their furthest away trip to date to Barford Tigers. After a long journey with a mandatory stop at Rugby services for a Burger King, an electric charge and some general banter, the team eventually arrived. The boys were in good spirits, feeling confident with causal chats and a good game of changing room cricket.

Magpies headed out onto the pitch to warm up and after realising that Nick U-P was indeed playing and not just a mascot for the day we got ready for the walk out.

The push back whistle goes and the away side start strongly, an aggressive high press tested out the Tigers defence. After a few short passes and losses of possession the boys found themselves settling into the game. Out of nowhere Mark Flatman who was clearly lost finds himself on the ball just outside the D beating several defenders with ease he decides that shooting would be unfair and choosing kindly to win a short corner instead.

The boys group in and few words are spoken. We planned for this. This is what we do.

We set up at the top, Myles King and Tom Dunnet on the castles ready to flick. Suddenly! Team sabotaged, Alex Weir-Simmons injects at a lighting fast pace to Richard Larkin’s strong side, unable to trap it for Myles, Richard turns and as cool as a cucumber smashes it across the goal for non other than Alex to score a neat deflection into the back of the net. 1-0 to Magpies which silenced the big home crowd.

Great feeling in the air and Magpies smelt blood. Harleston kept the pressure on stepping up again allowing Barford little time on the ball. Ali Haslam made a great tackle but called as a foul and then as he gently attempted to give the opposition the ball gets given a green card.

The Tigers took advantage of the extra man and countered hard scoring shortly after to equalise to make it 1-1.

The game continued with both Tom D and William Donsworth who kindly took some time away from his modelling contract with Dubarry to play some miracle balls through the lines to our eagerly awaiting forwards.

A chance appears and Tom D plays the ball across for a fast break with Ali sprinting down the wing and into the D, slots the ball under his shoulder for Myles to roll the keeper and score making the game 2-1.

Some time passes as the game gets more intense both teams wanting to score. Another fast break finds Alex on the ball 1 on 1 with the keeper and the keeper leaves his D and slides in making contact with the ball outside his area. Keeper off for a Yellow and a short corner given.

The boys meet again at the top. We know what to do, nice and simple, down the middle, hit the target. It comes out at an incredible speed and with accuracy that can only be described as pin point. Myles steps up to flick and narrowly misses the target.

Half time, the boys gather round and the instructions are clear. Keep the ball and no more cards. LETS PUT THIS GAME TO BED.

Quickly into the 3rd quarter we find our defensive master class from the boys in the back line playing balls people didn’t even think were possible. Captain Tom Ridley at the wheel pulling the strings around the opposition, drifting past players with little effort. A few goal efforts go by and then on a quick counter attack from the home team. Harleston were then reduced to 10 men with you guessed it Ali making another error of judgement, 2 minute sit down. Barford enjoyed a lot of possession but Lawry Williams who has recently confirmed his relationship status, pressed well not allowing any easy balls passed.

Shortly after getting back to 11 men we see muscle man himself, our very own Ben Emms who was trying to impress his girlfriend in the crowd was sent off for not retreating his 5 yards. After this the crowd increased the noise level sensing something was going to happen. But after several circle entries, the back 4 and Chris Leek in goal stood firm keeping the score at 2-1 to Harleston.

We’re into the 4th quarter of the game and it’s so tense you could cut it with a knife. Neither team giving in. After a break down of play Magpies find themselves attacking and after a scramble ball, it falls to Myles who like he has all season found the back of the net, 3-1. Barford pushed again trying to reduce the deficit with just under 5 minutes to go but Harleston again were stubborn. Final whistle 3-1.

The celebrations began and almost a tear was shed from our Manager Bob Skinner, but he kept it together to deliver a final congratulations message to the group. A hard fought effort from all 13 men of Harleston and a vital 3 points to boost them up the table into 5.

Next week, Harleston welcome Banbury to the Nest hoping to build from today’s performance. Would like to thank Barford Tigers for their hospitality throughout the day and as always excellent teas.