barkers-bodgers 3 - 2 Eleven (390051514)

A scorching day at Barkers grand bodging Arena, where 58211 spectators were in place for today's match. Alfredo Romero was the appointed referee with assistance provided by Andreas Lindner and René Raubuch. barkers-bodgers had chosen a strategic 3-5-2 formation. Lineup: Alemán - Tavolieri, Alcázar Yunta, Hidegkuti - Frey, Schaesberg, Emborg, Rieffer, Sharbanov - Sponsel, Mikholap.

Eleven decided to use a 2-5-3 set up. They fielded: Turner - Bains, Eades - Johnson, Shugars, Iredell, Fletcher, Shewan - Gardner, Oswald, Andrews.

barkers-bodgers took the lead 16 minutes in, as K. Sponsel broke through on the left and put the 1 - 0 shot just beyond the reach of the outstretched keeper. Coming through the middle M. Andrews almost scored the equaliser for Eleven after 20 minutes, but F. Alemán made an excellent save, tipping the awkwardly curled shot past the post. barkers-bodgers's V. Frey got himself booked for a foul. In a fantastic display of determination, Eleven's H. Shugars forced himself to his feet, after an opponent viciously knocked him down. barkers-bodgers solidified their lead at the 37 minute mark, as K. Sponsel dribbled the ball through the opposing central defence and scored to make it 2 - 0. Halftime score was 2 - 0. Eleven had most of the ball, with 52 percent of possession.

Things were going to get worse for the visitors. R. Emborg squirmed through their central defence after 48 minutes, increasing the lead to 3 - 0. By now, the players in barkers-bodgers felt that victory was guaranteed and began to play it safe, focusing on defence and not risking too much going forward. Eleven managed to reduce the score to 3 - 1 as S. Oswald finished off a well-played combination from the left, easily carving through the defence. barkers-bodgers's R. Mikholap swung in a good chance from the left, but the visitors' defence were able to clear the ball. After 79 minutes, F. Eades chose the right corner while taking his penalty, humiliating the home keeper, who dived in the wrong direction. The goal reduced the home lead to 3 - 2. Eleven enjoyed most of the ball, as they maintained 51 percent of possession.

barkers-bodgers's top performer was clearly K. Sponsel. R. Emborg turned in a dismal performance, however. S. Oswald performed admirably for Eleven. R. Johnson was a disappointment, however. The match ends 3 - 2.