By David Fitzgerald

Still on a high from the emphatic win against the Irish; BUFC were in high spirits and this week were bolstered by the return to the line-up of Antonio 'Toro' Calderon, Jeegers, Castiglioni, Vong, Barbieri and Defrance.

However, the squad was soon to take a dint with new recruit Michael Brown having to help the 3rds and the opposition captain blocking the Chinda and Christophe from playing.

Despite this, Tavernor and Castiglioni stepped up to take unexpected starts - and what a start! Within minutes the aggression of the BUFC 2nds caused the opponents to mess their pants at the back and allow the raw pace of Jeegers to break through to score an early goal. One-nil.

We all knew that this team were good with one exceptional forward - the message before the game was to smother him and stop him getting into the game at all costs - and for the rest of the 1st half we gave them no time in midfield and controlled the midfield to the point where Antonio looked at the opposition winger, shouted 'boo' and he fell over. The ref then gave Meehan a yellow for his obvious part in the altercation. The relentless pressure allowed Bram to keep their best player in his pocket and the backline cleared everything that came their way giving Kelly an easier time than usually in between the sticks - at half time they were not a happy team - 'les savage' was the cry of the opposition support. 1-0 at half time

2nd half started much the same but with the opposition defence losing their legs - the tactical move was to switch the tall but skilful Tavernor onto the wing and Jeegers into attack to utilize his pace.

Such was the frustration of the opposition 'star' that he started dropping deeper and deeper in hope of getting some of the ball - Bram 'chopper harris' Brummer followed him relentlessly, in the end, to ill effect - committing a lunging tackle from behind with his studs showing - If Vinny Jones was watching; even he would have given a statement to the police. Bram was lucky to escape with only a red card.

This gave the opposition the impetus with Castiglioni dropping back into defence and Melis covering the danger man.

Daniele carried out his task with aplomb leaving them desperately searching for a goal by throwing numbers forward; a last ditch tackle followed by a verbal onslaught on the referee saw one of their defenders see the red card. It was now 10 Vs 10. Mercier Smelt blood, collected the ball, ran the length of the pitch, rounded the keeper and squared the ball to the ever lurking Tavernor for the 2nd.

Tavernor was exhausted from the celebration and subsequently had to be substituted - one minute later, the substitute was clear on goal with a chance that was easier to finish than a smoked fish supper - alas he was robbed by a challenge that would find a better home on crimewatch than match of the day. The referee - seemingly unconcerned by the laws of physics and the rules of football - gave a free kick outside the area for a challenge that was almost behind the goal line.

Daniele shaved the bar with the resulting free kick and the game finished 2-0.

A scrappy game, which we controlled throughout - fantastic win.

Player Ratings

Kieran 'cool hands' Kelly - coolly came off his line to stop any danger coming his way.
Julian Firkins - not a single defensive mistake: well deserved podium finish.
Sergio Barbieri - a fine example of how the Italians make defending into an art.
Daniele Melis - striker turned centre back - just like Dion Dublin!!
Bram 'chopper harris' Brummer - Best defender on the pitch for 45 minutes
Stefano Castiglioni - switched positions effortlessly - the silent assassin
Benjamin Mercier - Strong, assured and a great run for the 2nd goal
Simon Meehan - seemed to be everywhere - a one man crime wave
Toro - really was the performance of a bull - absolutely relentless
Ben Tavernor - calm and collected - added sophistication to the attack
Stephane Jeegers - superb goal, ran the defence ragged in the 2nd half - great performance
Jon Warne - god job when introduced and almost added a 3rd - the fake kick of the ball into the defenders face summarised the mood of the day