Thanks to Alex Quigley for this week’s match report from the Barbarians… Picture is from the more eventful Start of Season ‘London Underground’ Social. The Barbarians’ went as Cockfosters. Thanks Paul Foster for masks.
This week saw the Barbarians take on one of their furthest opponents Slough who are currently sitting top of the table with 2 wins from 2. Meanwhile the Baa Baas chasing their first win of the season with a disappointing draw and a loss currently on the records.
The team arrived mostly on time and bright with the stunning weather making it hard to believe its mid-October. After a quick warm up its straight to the toss and its victory already for the Baa Baas as Captain Iain Warwick puts his week of ‘heads or tales’ practise to good use and wins the toss.
Having never lost to Slough in the previous 2 seasons the team started confidently, controlling the midfield and pressuring Slough into their D. Some speedy runs down the wings from Rory and Ross created a few threatening chances as the ball whispered through the D but no clear-cut chances yet.
15 minutes in and Slough begin to grow in confidence beginning to pressure the Barbarian D although the defensive holds tough and see’s off the chances.
20 minutes gone in what was a very even game, chants around the stadium of ‘Fenton’ begin to grow loud as both teams look to break the stalemate. Shortly after it came, when the Barbarians 16 was taken in a rush as Charlie Macey attempted to switch the play, but a ball lacking pace landed right at the feet of their centre forward who swiftly slotted it away, 1-0.
Shortly after the second goal came, after the honest Baa Baas informed the umpire of a need to change decision due to a foul, there was a mist of confusion regarding defensive setup. In this confusion Slough pounced, quickly driving into the D, beating 2 players before sending it to an un-marked player on back post, 2-0.
Moments later it almost got worse as the Slough forward beats the keeper Rambo only to have his shot saved on the line by the reverse of Alex Quigley who swiftly put it out to the side-line. The final 10 minutes saw a lot of Baa Baas possession outside the Slough D but failure to capitalise saw the half end 2-0.
Heads were low into the team talk but a very tactical switch from Haribo to Jelly Babies by Captain Iain inspired the squad into a dominant second half performance. It was unfortunately a goalless second half but saw the Barbarians controlling the possession with only a few threats from counter attacks swiftly dealt with by Ravi in centre back.
Multiple dangerous chances could have seen the game level up but some unfortunate striking inaccuracy and excellent keeping saw Slough hang on through the 35-minute onslaught.
MoM: Ravi
TFC: Charlie