Bar FC fight hard to claim first victory of 2021 !

29/04/2021

A change of management, and timely trips to the barber, seem to have improved the fortunes of NSW Bar FC who recorded a well deserved 2-1 win over AMP in the Domain Soccer League competition today.

With regular gaffer Stanton unavailable, the manager’s baton was (reluctantly) passed to Philips who, together with Munro, arrived (by bicycle) newly shorn and direct from the barbers. The under strength squad was delighted to see last minute recruits Cook and Canceri arrive just before kick off, and welcome Allan back into the fold for his first game since 2006 (surely a record for temporal distance between appearances).

The fresh approach paid off in the first half with Bar playing some nice passing football in midfield and Larish ably marshalling the defence, and strikers Morrison and di Michiel enjoying good service from Canceri (x 2) and Cook. Harris in goals pulled off two remarkable point blank saves to keep the team alive. Soon after, di Michiel ran on to an exquisite through ball from Cook, hit a sweet early shot (which was well saved) and then calmly slotted home the rebound. Bar FC’s first goal for the season put them 1-0 up at half time.

What had been a gentle breeze in our favour at the start strengthened appreciably, meaning most of the second half action took place in Bar FC’s half. AMP threatened strongly, and eventually their pressure told with a well taken equalizer. We hit back with the winner soon afterwards, as di Michiel pounced to score from close range after Morrison had challenged strongly on a corner.

Solid defending in the last 10 minutes saw Bar FC hold on to record their first win (2-1) for the 2021 season.

Today’s line-up was as follows:

• John Harris (GK)
• David Larish
• Ivan Griscti
• Andy Munro
• Simon Philips (c)
• Adrian Canceri
• Joel Cook
• Nicholas Allan
• Anthony Canceri
• Hugh Morrison
• Richard di Michiel