Bristol Barcelona (Saturda 2 vs 0 Hanham Athletic Reserves

Bristol Barcelona 2-0 Hanham Res

When the weather got bad last season so did our results, so a soaking wet day at the BAWA gave us a chance to truly show our cards for the season.

Despite a few noticeable cards missing from the deck and our first ressies game we were flush with options. Coley and Wilks came into the forward line alongside last weeks ace in the pack Dan Lamb, and Dec checked in at right back for a deserved start in an otherwise unchanged starting XI.

We started the game well and built pressure with a straight run of corners and attacking set pieces. Kafara and Birthday boy Ollie’s set piece delivery was on the money every time. In Contrast Elliott Evans won’t take another free kick this season.

After around 30 mins and 15 fouls from Coley, we raised the stakes and deservedly took the lead. Dec started the move with an excellent long pass to find the run of Alex Miners, who knocked it past the defender and made it to the byline. He then hit an excellent cross which was handballed by the Hanham defender, penalty!

Diamond Dan Lamb steppes and with the choice of going top, middle or bottom buried the penalty in the bottom corner, despite Maccer being certain he would fold under pressure. 1-0.

The game then became incredibly tight, A series of checks and folds, strong wind and rain made it hard to get many moves going. Our midfield are 3 of a kind and always up for the battle but we were struggling to show our hand and play. British midfielder Sam Davies came on at HT and made a great impact, his control and vision brought our wide players further into the game and he seemed to find spades of space to slow things down and support our build up play.

15 mins to go, Hanham started to apply pressure for an equaliser, and we defended outstandingly well, Ports and Ells make a lovely pair, defending with strong hearts and club feet. Dragon ?? as always was solid to anything that Hanham through at him.

A magic moment won us the points, Ells went all in on their striker, tackled, skinned him and then played a delightful ball down the right channel. Lamb, who had bought himself back in on the right wing, latched onto the through ball and kept his poker face as he lobbed a class finish over the keeper from 20 yards. 2-0 and game over.

4 wins in a row! Man of the match went to GB athlete Sam Davies, who was royally flushed to win some clothes pegs.

Training weds at Lockleaze 9pm, then next Saturday away to Bradley Stoke for another big one ??

Viscabarca