In what was the most eagerly anticipated return to English football since Jurgen Klinsmann returned for his second spell at Spurs , the BIFC Sunday team came out of retirement and returned to Sunday football. However, this time under the expert tutelage of BIFC legends Theo Parker and Tim Dellaloglu, in what could possibly be a stepping stone to dislodging the ageing Neil and Gary as managers of the Saturday First Team. After a busy summer of recruiting some of the finest talent BIFC were well equipped to hit the lofty heights once again.
Up first for the Ironsides was Merton Galaxy who had recently just been promoted from division 6, were they had won the league only dropping 2 points the entire season, averaging 6 goals per game. So we were under no illusions of what was in store for us and the importance of starting the game strongly. That being said Merton started the game the stronger and dominated the opening period, playing good football in the process and looking like a team that had played together for quite some time. Merton took a deserved lead mid way through the first half and could have added to their tally had it not been for summer recruit Daniel Walker in goal keeping them at bay with a string of fine saves. However, Battersea continued to show that never say die spirit, epitomised by Tony Harman, I mean Tony Eden and equalised just before half time. Battersea were awarded a freekick on the left side of the edge of the area which was curled low and hard around the Merton wall by Damion ‘Tyrone’ Pascall. This was then turned into the goal expertly from close by Ben Nyarko, who assured everyone he had performed the ‘Van Nistelrooy’ by standing in an offside position prior to the freekick being taken before getting onside as the kick was taken.
Going into half time Battersea were lucky to be level and knew we needed to show a lot of heart and determination in order to come away with something from the game against a good Merton side. The team talk seemed to work as the ironsides came out and frustrated Merton, limiting their chances on the ironsides goal with Daniel coming to the rescue on the couple of occasions they managed to create a chance. With the game almost over and Ironsides looking good for a point Merton broke away and after a scramble, which included a couple of saves, managed to grab a winner right at the death. In what was a cruel way to lose a football match, nobody could deny that Merton deserved the victory in the end. All in all it was a narrow defeat by a team that is expected to challenge for the league, one that had obviously benefitted from playing together on a regular basis. In summery the ironsides showed a lot of heart and glimpses of potential and with a few more games under our belt will be a force to reckon with.
