15th Nov 2005 - BCI vs. Athletico Shenley

BCI 2 - 6 Athletico Shenley
 

BC1 suffered a huge blow to their title ambitions last night as they were torn apart by a lively Athletico team looking to maintain their unbeaten record over the old enemy. 

A first choice line up for Bunky’s should have meant no excuses, but their worst performance of the season (so far) saw them slump to a three goal deficit within the opening period, and so some need to be found … 

Athletico looked sharper, keener and worked hard to close down Bunky’s when they had the ball, allowing them very little opportunity to play their usual game and forcing the midfield back. 

The first goal game in the opening minutes, a well struck shot deflected off Russ and beyond the stranded Disco but the other two goals will have left Bunky’s feeling they could have done more.

 Both were as a result of uncertainty on the ball, of which Russ and Rich Moss were particularly guilty, the passing lacked conviction and with Athletico harassing and closing tirelessly, the BC defence was stretched and Shenley made it count. 

Although heads had dropped a bit, when Gaz pulled one back and then Rolfie struck moments later to make it 3-2 Bunky’s began to impose themselves and for the remainder of the half played the better football, looked comfortable and created chances.  

Athletico were again thankful that Chris was on top form in goal, despite his consistent breaching of the rules (ah, here it is) as he came steaming out of his area time and time again to pick the ball up or produce a save …cheating some might say. … ‘You cheat! … or … ‘You dirty cheat!’ … or … ‘You dirty cheating !%@*$*!’ they might cry … but not Bunky’s. Ever magnanimous in defeat …the consummate professionals, I am confident there will be no such suggestion. 

At the start of the second half, Bunky’s continued to dominate for the opening couple of minutes and it looked a certainty that they would equalise – but, caught on the break, Athletico stole in (cheating and stealing?) and converted their fourth.  

Despite this, BC1 still created opportunities with both Sean and Gaz going close, but when a shot came in from the near side and Disco scooped it into his own net, (with a volleyball effort that Biggsy would be proud of) it was game over. 

Athletico wrapped up the game with a ball across the area that escaped Disco and Gaz for a far post finish, giving them a victory that they probably deserved but by a margin that didn’t really reflect the game. 

 With Inter Minan dropping two points against MK Ed. and MK United thrashing Debenhams, Bunky’s cling to second spot on goal difference, although MK United have a game in hand …. and as they line up as the next opponents, it would appear that we have the first must win game looming.

 Thankfully, as the crowd dispersed, the boozed-up watching troublemakers in the Shenley camp didn’t kick off, but it could have been a very different story as we now know at least one potentially lethal/completely harmless (delete as necessary) unbroken empty pint glass was safely recovered and returned to the proper authorities. At the time of printing it is believed that an urgent enquiry into crowd control will be conducted.