MField

GK

MCook

RCH

RDjemal

CH

KCummines

LCH

RHutchings

LWB

SBenbow

MF

CPayne

MF

PDobson

MF

DHemmings

RWB

APayne

F

RConvey

F

GDownes

GK

TKeates

CM

SRadia

F

SSummers

F

-

.

On a hot, sunny afternoon, Saracens FC took a squad of fifteen players to play Buntingford Town FC at their Barkway Playing Fields pitch.
It was a stronger looking Buntingford side than last season, which was confirmed by one of their management team, who told us that they had signed up some more experienced players this season.
The match started very lively for both teams, and end to end football followed. With Mike Field in goal, and a back line of Mark Cook, Kieran Cummines and Captain Rob Djemal who handled everything that Buntingford could throw at them in the opening twenty minutes. The midfield of Ross Hutchings, Si Benbow, Chris Payne, Paul Dobson and Dan Hemmings were able to mount attacks in strength to supply Rob Convey and Andy Payne up front with chances.
A dubious free kick decision by the Ref allowed Buntingford to float a dangerous cross into a crowded penalty area, and Si sandwiched between two Buntingford forwards managed to out jump both of them but only managed to float the ball into the far corner of Saracens net to give Buntingford the lead.
Then it was all Saracens, attack after attack failed to produce a goal, but then Dan picked up the ball in his own half skipped a couple of challenges and outpaced the last two defenders and drew the keeper out and calmly side footed the ball into the far corner of the net to equalise just before half time.
The second half saw a number of changes by both teams which upset the flow of both teams, but again they both produced good football. As the half wore on Steve Summers had two good chances but was denied first by the post and then by the cross bar. But then his persistence paid off, a good move and cross allowed him to slot the ball in for Saracens second goal. This seemed to deflate Buntingford a bit and Saracens then missed another couple of chances to score before the Ref blew for full time.
Saracens Manager Ken Benbow was quick to praise both teams for playing a sporting and committed game, and considering he was missing 5 players, he was pleased that every player gave 100% in the blazing sun. 'We were perhaps a shade lucky today to win, but both sides can look forward to an enjoyable and productive season'.