The Bees had only one match today against League Leaders Barnes Macs who only needed one point to clinch the title. On the day the manager had no selection problems with only 7 players at the venue for the Kick Off. Goal keeper Jason O'Donnell, defenders Anthony Barnes and Ross Vincent(deputising for Dany Austin Wilson at the back) Liam Lay played as centre and James Talbot and Ryan Hodgson in midfield.Lone striker Matty Ayre mad up the 7. The Bees, having never beaten the Macs in a competative league game (although holding 2 draws out of the last 3 meetings) knew they had their work cut out. An exciting game ensued with both sets of players giving their all in a highly competative and free flowing football match.The Macs had their chances and were denied on 4 occasions by fingertip saves by Jason.A well struck freekick looked as though it was heading for the top corner but somehow ther keeper managed to tip it over the bar. Ross Vincent played a near perfect match at the back competing for every ball and working very hard.Anthony Barnes husseled and tackled well and with Liam Lay supporting the back 2 the defence held up well. Ryan Hodgson and James Talbot ran themselves into the ground covering a massive amount of ground. Matty Ayre up front looked hungary for a goal and chased and fought for everything. Half time saw the scoreline deadlocked at 0-0.The Bees had taken a lot of pressure but held their own as well as attacking the Macs goal. The second half got under way with substitute for the Macs Ben Thompson picking up a loose ball from a clearance and running in on goal. The Bees rode their luck and Ben shot over the bar.The Bees came back into the game and pressed forward looking to open the scoring.Midway through the second half a run by Ryan Hodgson and a shot at goal seemed to be saved and held by Macs goal keeper William Clark.However Bees striker Matty Ayre immediately reacted with speed ,agililty and with deadly accuracy when the ball escaped from the keeper and he steered the ball into the left hand corner of the Macs goal giving the Bees a 1-0 lead.
Frantic efforts by the Macs who poured forward in numbers were in vain as the Bees stood firm and held their lead.A great build up and run between James Talbot,Liam Lay and Ryan Hodgsdon saw Ryan have a late opportuity to make it 2-0 however the shot went just wide. The Bees overcame a strong Macs team and made the Macs wait to clinch the title and celebrate.
A BRILLIANT performance by the Bees was staged and it is a credit to every single player to have earned a victory over rivals Barnes Macs.The team had to wait a long time to manage to beat the Macs but it was worth waiting for and every single member of the Barnes Bees team can be jusifiably proud of themselves.
