A midday kick off for BAGS on Sunday in the winter sunshine for a first match against F.C. Elmstead Roosters. For a recreation park the pitch looked in great condition….with added bonus of a play park to keep the non-footballing brothers/sisters amused.

It was BAGS to kick-off who as usual try to settle in to a passing game straight away, didn’t quite go to plan this time though with the ball ending up going out for an Elmstead throw on our left hand side within 3 passes. After that the boys were looking pretty composed and comfortable and appeared to be the stronger team, they were threatening Elmstead regularly and were not being troubled at the back. After 5 minutes BAGS pressure paid off when Brayden latched on to a pass in the Elmstead box, first touch was a little heavy and it looked as though the angle may end up too tight but he dispatched the shot accurately across the keeper. Just 4 minutes later Joe made it 2-0 striking the ball home through a crowd of players from inside the Elmstead area (unusual for Joe as most of his goals this season have been from outside the box). BAGS looked in control of this game and the only surprise was that they didn’t add any more before half-time, although they came pretty close with the Elmstead keeper pulling off a great double save from 2 close range efforts from Joe. Elmsteads best chance of the half came from a free-kick which was heading in to Woodys right hand corner but he managed to get across and push it round for a corner. It was a satisfying half for the boys and although 2 goals is easily pulled back the boys were playing good football and were well positioned to increase the lead in the second half.

Any thoughts Elmstead may have had of a fight-back were all but over within 5 minutes of the re-start. 2 minutes in to the second half Joe pounced on a goalkeeper fumble to bag his second and then a few minutes later turned provider sending in a free-kick that was confidently volleyed home by George, it also looked like it took a small deflection off of Brayden on its way over so George done well to concentrate on the ball. BAGS were keeping it pretty tight at the back and harassing the opposition well in the middle of the park. It was from a break up in play in the middle that James found himself clear of the Elmstead defence and bearing down on goal. James' pace meant there was little chance of being caught so it just came down to composure in front of goal. Well James was composed and struck a fine shot but the Elmstead keeper pulled off a terrific save which probably got the biggest cheer of the day. With seconds remaining BAGS managed a 5th with Jacob getting in between 2 Elmstead defenders to stab the ball over the keeper. After 6 without a win it was nice for the boys to get a positive result and keep a clean sheet as well.

Man of the Match: George
Scorers: Brayden, Joe (2), George, Jacob