Real Tuesday 6 - Bay FC 2

The Real enjoyed a fairly comfortable victory over Bay FC at Ainslie Park, 3-1 up at half time after playing into a strong wind.

With the wind at our backs and Phil in the middle of the park, we cut loose in the second half, scoring three more goals to one from visitors.

There was an unfamiliar look to the Real back 5 for this game, with Ross Henderson (Sheepy Mike's nephew) making his debut in goal. This allowed Dave to make his first outfield start for a while. With Graeme only just back from injury, he started on the bench, with Sheepy filling the other centre half berth. Jordan started at left back while Jim filled the corresponding role on the right side.

Bay FC made the most of the wind for the first 10 minutes, enjoying plenty of possession without really troubling Ross. Ross's communication skills were very much in evidence during this period of the game, as he marshalled his defence effectively (despite probably only knowing the name of Uncle Mike).

The Real then took the lead in one of their first meaningful attacks of the game, Jay running onto a through ball then finishing calmly past the stranded keeper.

Bay FC didn't let this setback rattle them, however, and managed to equalise within a couple of of minutes. A mix up in our backline (plus the absence of Graeme's Inspector Gadget legs) meant they could only watch as a slide rule pass found its way to a Bay FC striker; he had time to pick his spot, leaving Ross no chance (despite what he says!)

The Real edged back in front on the half hour mark, the Bay FC keeper making a hash of a long range shot from Calder. Jay then had a penalty claim turned down just a minute later.

Jay did claim his second goal shortly afterwards. Some composed play from Phil at the edge of the Bay box concluded with him slipping the ball to Jay in the inside left channel. Jay set himself then looped the ball high across the face of the goal and into the top right hand corner, leaving the keeper with no chance - though it pains me to say it, a cracker of a strike!

That was the end of the scoring for the first half. The Real made their usual 'tactical' changes during the break, with Graeme replacing Dave and Biggsy replacing Jordan.

The Real went 4-1 up not long after the restart, with Sheepy smacking a fine free kick from the left hand touchline deep into the Bay box; Calder collected the ball and finished beautifully.

Bay were the next to score, again from a free kick. This was looped high over our rather flatfooted defence, right into the path of Bay captain Matt. One on one with Ross, he finished well.

The Real made a number of other changes during the course of the half, Phil moving to the centre of midfield (having initially replaced Yasser on the wing) and Yasser going back on to partner him in the boiler room. Bill also replaced Jim at right back with 10 minutes to go.

Calder claimed his hat trick from the penalty spot shortly after Bill's appearance, despite having to retake his kick due to some ginger encroachment.

Yasser finished the scoring, running on to a lovely through ball from Phil then chipping the onrushing keeper.

Overall, an enjoyable game, played in excellent spirit (and excellent weather, for once!) There were a few dubious offside decisions from Mr Latto, who otherwise had a pretty solid afternoon. He must also have been delighted at the number of foul throws that arose for him to pick up on.

Brian also asked again about the possibility of the Real joining his Winter League - watch this space!

Bill

Team photos here

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