St Albans 7th XI vs Potters Bar 3rd XI
Saturday 14th November 2009

In dismal weather conditions Bar lined up against a St Albans team sitting at the top of the table with a 100% win record this season. It quickly became apparent that the opposition were a well organised team, with a mix of junior and seasoned senior players, and that their league position was certainly no fluke.

However Bar, unbeaten in the league, with a similar mix of youth and experience (no fewer than 5 under 16's in the squad) were far from intimidated by the quality of their opposition and took the game to the hosts from the outset. Bar put their experimental 4-5-1 formation to good effect passing the ball round well in mid field with plenty of support being provided to the ever hard working Adam Pigden who was acting as the lone striker up front. In central midfield Andy Bye took on his normal solid play maker role with James Pearson taking to his new role in right mid well. On the left of Andy, Alex Seeney was frustrating the opposition with his dribbling skills.

In fact it was somewhat against the run of play that the Bar found themselves a goal down around 20 minutes in when a short-corner resulted in well hit shot into the bottom right corner which young keeper Jordan, playing his second ever competitive game, could do little to prevent.

Bar were unfazed and within 5 minutes the scores were equal again. Simeon's constant hard work on the left wing was rewarded, using his considerable pace to lose his marker in the D he calmly slotted a shot past the keeper from close range, a well taken debut goal for the talented junior.

Both sides pushed forward to get a second goal for the remainder of the half, but the Bar back four of John Hobbs, Peter Simmons, Dave Brandon and skipper Steve Walters managed to soak up the St. Albans pressure. Though it must be said sadly for Bar the experienced St Albans defence did likewise at the other end.

The break saw a welcome return of the oranges and vice captain Andy went through each player in turn highlighting their role for the second half.

Bar had the greater possession immediately after the break and this was rewarded with goal coming around 10 minutes in to the second half. A short corner resulted in Andy Bye skilfully flicking the ball at pace into the roof of the goal.

Bar pushed for a third which saw St Albans as a result having more possession and putting the bar defence under pressure. Centre back Dave Brandon and Peter Simmons were solid as ever with John Hobbs, who only declared himself clear of the dreaded man flu 3 hours prior to the game, excellent at left back. Jordan in goal made several excellent saves and is already showing great promise.

The other juniors in the squad also put in mature performances with Praveen and George, playing as rolling subs on the left wing, adding a valuable wide option and tracking back whenever needed, Praveen in particular put in a several excellent tackles in the final minutes of the game to break up dangerous runs from St Albans players.

Steve at right back had somewhat of a visual crisis in the last 20 minutes of the game with his contact lenses having now both fallen out was only able to see the ball from a couple of metres away! Fortunately Dave Brandon was able to provide more than sufficient cover to get the skipper out of any trouble. The last 5 minutes of the game saw no fewer than 5 St Albans short corners. This provided Bar with some great practice opportunities and having conceded a goal earlier in the game from a short, lessons had clearly been learnt with each short well defended with Alex Seeney in particular being fearless with his running down of the first man.

Bar held on to secure a well deserved win. A great team performance with both experienced players and the ever improving juniors all doing themselves proud. Now the only unbeaten team in the league and joint 3rd with a game in hand these are becoming exciting times amongst the 3's "massive".