The winning ticket worth £69.50 was claimed for the excellent win against Needham Market – the winning prizes this year are listed on the 50/50 tab.

BARDS PUT 4 PAST THE LEAGUE’S MEANEST DEFENCE

After 2 crushing defeats and no league wins in 4, I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who travelled to The Arden Garages Stadium to face a side winning their last 3 games and with the meanest defence in slight trepidation! After a fairly even first 25 minutes against a team who have won through to The FA Cup first round, 2 quick goals eased the fears with Jack Storer and Andre Wright opening their league accounts. 2-0 at half time but The Bards are still conceding sloppy goals and after we lost the ball in possession near the halfway line, Needham Market reduced the arrears. The Bards, however, hit back straight away to regain their 2-goal advantage – Jack finishing in the box again from a cross, one of many fine moves throughout the game. Once again, a sloppy goal was conceded but another fine individual effort from Andre won the game 4-2. Special mention to Will’s magnificent volley from outside the box which would have made the Goal of the Season shortlist had it not been for the offside flag! Many Bards fans were impressed with the slick passing moves throughout the game and there were a number of Man of the Match candidates – Dan Lafferty (tannoy), Andre (club award) and Jack Storer (Non-League paper). Sam Wilding also had a fine debut providing much needed defensive midfield duties. The front 2 benefitted from much improved service (compared to sometimes the striker(s) being isolated in previous games) – Andre combining well with Jack, linking up play and providing much needed presence – as the club’s match report by Kevin sums up, “This was a much-improved performance from the Bards playing in a way that ensured transition from front to back and that gave the forward players the service they both deserve and need.”

We’ll see you on Tuesday 25th v Hitchin Town under the new floodlights which I’m informed are far brighter and more energy efficient. Hitchin lost at leaders Tamworth 2- 1 on Saturday, are the 2nd lowest scorers in the league, without a win in 6. It’s our 7th home game v Hitchin at this level and it’s pretty even W2 D2 L2 including a 1-0 win for Hitchin in the last game. We’ll be in our usual spot by the Tuck Shop selling our 50 / 50 tickets, the excellent new programme, hats and scarves. Come on The Bards.

DW – any views are those of the author