Driving rain, rain and more rain were the weather conditions at Abbeywood this week as we took on Jaspers. A local derby, with plenty of history between the two sides so who knew what would be in store.

With the team talk having taken place in doors, we braved the conditions and out we went to warm up. The conditions were awful, however both teams paid their respects to the fallen and a minute silence was held at the start of the match. (BAC proudly sporting their poppies for kits poppies)

BAC started well with early pressure. A free hit was given just outside the Jaspers D. A quick square pass from Sledger to Bish, who then fired the ball in to Tinny who finished the move with the ball in the back of the goal. A great start for BAC, 1-0.

Jaspers got frustrated by going a goal down with passes going astray. However they fought back and a Jaspers free hit caught us napping slightly and the ball was lobbed by one of their forwards, over Becky’s head, despite her best effort to get her glove to it. The play was end to end and at half time, the score line was one a piece.

In addition to the half time team talk, we spent the break drying sticks and gloves on Shadow’s towel and yes, it was still raining!

The second half got a tad heated. There were some feisty tackles, which were somewhat unsporting, and which unbelievably didn’t result in cards being handed out. Both teams were pushing for their 2^nd goal by creating chances, however great saves by Becky and the Jaspers keeper kept the score line at 1-1 for now.

The 3^rd goal of the match which eventually turned out to be the winner went unfortunately to Jaspers. A penalty corner was awarded and from the edge of the BAC D, the ball was deflected off Bish’s stick on to Becky and then lodged itself in the armpit of Cheryl who was standing on the goal line. An unfortunate incident, however a flick was given and the ball was put away to Becky’s left.

Towards the end BAC were pressing for the equaliser and put Jaspers under pressure with a few short corners. However we couldn’t quite convert the chances and the Jaspers defence stood firm.  Final score BAC 1 Jaspers 2.

It was obviously very disappointing not to get the 3 points however, we can take positives from the match and we need to keep our heads up going in to next week’s game. After this weekend’s fixtures, we are lying fourth in the North Division.

We had the best teas by the pub to date, with a feast of sausages, fish fingers, chicken nuggets, chips and wedges! By the amount of food on the table we thought, for a split second, that were eating the 2^nd team teas as well but what the hell we carried on eating anyway!!! N.B we did actually double check with the pub!!

Man of the match:

1^st place went to Becky, for her superb display in goal

2^nd place Deb (Sledger)

3^rd place Cheryl & Lisa

MOTM – The BULLET

THE NUGGETS