United line-up: Barrett, Matt Joseph, Granville, Thompson, Vowden, Marc Joseph, Raynor (Pack), Hyde, Brazil (Hayes), Barnwell, Beall.
Sub not used: Howes.

Terry Wilby's report:
What a wonderful day for the first game of the season. A sunny day, a beer or two in the club before a home win which sets us up for the rest of the season. Unfortunately I volunteered to sell Abbey Rabbits before the game (at the Cut Throat Lane entrance) so no beer for me. I sold all 50. If (note the IF!) I do it again I shall some drinks with me. I can't remember the last time I was so thirsty. I couldn't shout during the match - well not as much as normal.

A crowd of only 2800. What happened? Where were you all?

As in the pre-season games, when we kept the ball down we slaughtered Barnet, especially in the first 25 minutes. We got lots of corners, but didn't make the pressure count. We look lightweight up front, Jamie Barnwell and Gary Brazil are not really target men, they need to feed off someone. Barnet came into the game towards half time, they looked dangerous when attacking down their left side when Matt Joseph pushed into midfield leaving Thompson as the full-back. Devine always looked dangerous for Barnet, either with the ball, or by falling over to claim a free kick when he didn't have the ball.

The second half was more even, Barnet having more possesion. We scored when Billy Beall played the ball over the full back for Barnwell to run on to, he crossed from the bye-line to the unmarked Brazil in the middle who scored. He made it look easy.

Devine and Vowden had a minor tussle, Devine kicked Vowden but the ref. missed it and booked them both. Pack came on as substitute and got booked for not taking a throw-in within half a second! The ref. had a poor game. He insisted on the correct blade of grass when we had a free-kick, but let Barnet steal 10 yards and then booked Matt when he was pointing out where the kick should have been.

Overall a good performance. It would have been better if the Moose had been around, and if Coconuts (and not Three Lions) had been played at the end. If Preece does what we hope in midfield we could have a good season.

How does the League computer give us 3 away games then 3 home games?

Terry Wilby

Grateful thanks to Terry Wilby for the match report.

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