Vini, Vidi, Vici a Latin phrase which translates to 'I came, I saw, I conquered;"reportedly written by Julius Caesar in 47 BC,it has had many different variations throughout the years, but the best one I like is the one used in the Ghostbuster movie, when Dr Venkman played by Bill Murray goes on to say "we came, we saw, we kicked its ass!"
My added twist to this is “They came, they played, and we kicked their ass” which best describes the match against Clifton Rangers.
The build up for this match began weeks ago, the most awaited fixture of the season was this home game against local rivals the Clifton Rangers. They not only have ex Battyeford players in their line up but they are now coached by John Brown, former Battyeford B coach for the previous last six seasons. There was more than just school playground bragging rights at stake here, it also meant a lot to the supporters as to the outcome of this game.
The pitch was very heavily soaked after many hours of constant rain from the previous night and there was also a very strong bitterly cold wind blowing across the pitch from left to right giving neither team an advantage.
Most of the Battyeford players ignored the conditions and started the game in a very confident mood taking the game to Clifton. Battyeford had the majority of the possession with the game being played in the middle two thirds, neither goalkeeper having much to do in the opening 15 minutes.
Battyeford were probing down both flanks and through the middle with some good interplay and passing. All the recent tactics practiced in the training sessions were in evidence and a real joy to see the plans come to fruition.
As Battyeford continued to probe Edward Kay picked up the ball and threaded an accurate pass through to Tyler Ward to score the opening goal, his 20th of the season. Battyeford were really on top with Ali Hassan getting in on the act and Daniel Parris showing his skills as he led the front line forward. But it was Edward Kay, who was having his best game so far this season that once again found the pass to Tyler Ward and as last time ended up in the Clifton goal. Battyeford led 2 goals to nil, with Tyler Ward going for his fifth hat trick of the season with only 23 minutes of the first half gone. One thing the Battyeford team have not done so far this season, is a clean sheet and again today failed as Clifton got a goal back just before half time.
The second half began with a few changes to the Battyeford line up. Off came Levi Ward who during the first half showed tremendous spirit and fought for every ball on the right hand side of midfield before getting an injury just before the half time whistle. Daniel Hampson came on for Luke Brown who had put in a shift for the team at centre half.
Battyeford continued to play some really good football and it was pure joy to watch, with some of the best passing, flicks and through balls we have witnessed. The off the ball movement was equally impressive and it was this movement that led to the goal of the game. From the left hand side the ball went out for a Battyeford throw in. Up came Nathaniel Denham - Bosah, who took a long throw straight to Danny Parris who’s movement took him clear of the Clifton defence and had a shot from about 20 yards out that nestled into the top right hand corner, 3-1 Battyeford lead.
Battyeford were in cruise control, they were running like a Rolls Royce. Clifton didn’t lie down, they were still a threat but the confidence oozing from the home side was there for all to see.
Jack Heywood held on to everything that came his way, apart from one effort that beat him but on the goal line was once again the ever dependable Oliver Atkinson, how he got to that ball I still haven’t figured out, but what a clearance. The whole back line were immense, Nathaniel Denham - Bosah, all 5ft 5in of him, with the last 5 inches just being hair, was winning tackles, clearing the ball taking throw ins, fantastic game. Sonny Blyth playing at right back was an absolute hero showing his speed and strength as he defended as if his life depended on it, and was then sensational when he got the chance to go forward. The midfield trio of Nathaniel Waterworth, Ali Hassan and Edward Kay destroyed the Clifton middle men and fought for everything and when they came on Sam Capell and Thomas Mitchell continued the charge.
As the game went on it became more open, with Battyeford getting chance after chance, eventually Tyler Ward dribbled his way through the Clifton back line and scored his third goal of the game, his fifth hat trick of the season, 22 goals in 10 games. Battyeford B 4 Clifton Rangers 1 Final score. This was the best match I have ever seen the boys play, fantastic. This one is dedicated to all the fans that were stood on the touchline freezing their toes off as the cold wind never let up as did the Battyeford spirit and enthusiasm never let up. Great game guys. Man of the Match could have gone to Nathaniel Denham – Bosah for his tireless contribution, it could have also gone to Edward Kay for his non stop running today even when he took a hefty knock that would have put many out of the match. Nathaniel Waterworth, Ali Hassan and Danny Parris could have all been suitable candidates for the award. With scoring his fifth hat trick of the season no one would have complained if Tyler Ward was given the award but today the Man of the Match Award as chosen by Simon Kay went deservedly to Sonny Blyth, what a performance.
To be honest they all deserved the award, I am proud to be their coach and as I shook hands with John Brown Clifton's Coach I just smiled. Thanks Guys.
CAN WE KICK IT? YES WE CAN!


Debi Atkinson Adds

Yes we can
Brilliant team performance from the lads. Some excellent individual perfromances too, think Natty needs a special mention he had a fantastic game and Eddie also shone, his best game yet for the club!!


Karen Capell adds

Yes oh yes we can!!

What a great game, I'm really proud of the team. Fantastic result

Spencer Family

Fantastic result. Well done today.

Simon Kay

Don't think my voice can cope with high presure games. Home side much the better side