The game started tentatively, with both teams working each other out. After a slow first 10 mins, the pace improved and so did the physicality, with strong challenges from both teams coming in.
20 minutes in, some good defensive work led to a quick counter attack led by Yohan Kim. An intelligent run down the right from Redwane Gatarny, the Moroccan summer signing, opened up space to the left for Ibra Alsahybi to run into. A perfectly weighted pass from Yohan allowed Ibra to run through and beautifully strike the ball past the keeper into the far corner of the net putting Beyond FC 1 up.
Immediately after taking the lead, Beyond were pegged back by Barnstonworth. A quick attack down the left exposed Beyond and some poor marking left a man free on the edge of the box to strike and score with a good finish.
Not long after Beyond found themselves picking the ball out of the net once again. Some excellent work by the Barnstonworth striker forced a dispossession in the midfield, and a quick counter led to a second goal for Barnstonworth. Beyond found themselves down 2-1 and under serious pressure, with the sound of the half time whistle coming as a huge relief.
HT: Beyond F.C. 1-2 Barnstonworth
An inspirational half time team talk from Manager Ali Reza, Coach Gary Philpott and Captain Nick Platt gave Beyond FC the motivational boost and tactical guidance the team needed going in to the second half to salvage something from the game.
Barnstonworth started the second half the stronger side, pressing high and putting Beyond under pressure. A quick attack from Barnstonworth followed by a great ball across the box had Beyond in all sorts of trouble, however an incredible last minute sliding challenge by Gary saw the ball loop high over the bar into safety. Great defending.
Beyond then pushed forward looking to alter the momentum, with Ibra and Nick combining to great effect. Some nice passing between the midfield and Sam saw the ball played through for Mehdi Rifai after a great delayed run, but he snatched at the opportunity.
Beyond finally made a break through around the 70th minute. Some nice play allowed Beyond to break and a great through ball by Ibra to Oz allowed the young forward to run through and exquisitely finish to bring the sides back level. 2-2.
The game moved back and forward as both teams looked for a winner, but it was Beyond that found a goal. A quick throw from Yohan to Nick started the move. Nick lifted the ball neatly over one defenders head before driving a few steps and playing a ball over the top for the charging Oz. He drove forward before twisting and turning 2 players inside out and finishing beautifully with the outside of his boot into the far corner. Reminiscent of a young George Best and his memorable goal for the San Jose Earthquakes. Already a contender for goal of the season. A brace for Oz! 3-2 Beyond!
The last few minutes of the game were frantic as Barnstonworth pushed forward and Beyond defended strongly as a unit.
One last attack saw a long ball into the box, which Teddy Mabiala rose to head. The second ball was won by a Barnstonworth attacker, but an amazing challenge by Sam Gozlan prevented a certain goal, however the loose ball came out to another Barnstonworth player who shot straight at the keeper, Ali, who held on the shot well.
The whistle ended the game 3-2 to Beyond in an incredibly close game that could have gone either way.
Some strong performances all over the field today from the Beyond team.
