Brooksy 3-2 Gaerwen

Play began late in Saturday’s home match at home to Gaerwen following the late arrival of the away teams bus. Manager Iolo Owen was without midfielder Carwyn Jones that was away, but otherwise had a full complement of players to pick from. In his starting lineup he decided to play Jamie Jones in goal, Jamie has been on the sidelines since 19 year old David Jones (no relation) arrived at the club, Manager Iolo Owen has praised David for his attitude and dedication, and said the change was just a rotation to give Jamie Jones some much needed game time. Also returning to the starting lineup was young gun Ben Fisher, who has been used as a substitute in the last few games. Osian Owen was given the captaincy for this game.

The first half was not much to remember, both teams battling with the strong wind that blew across the Wern Mynach pitch, at times appearing to change direction as the ball was in the air. From the start referee Gareth Hughes was clear with both teams that he was not going to stand for any sign of decent, which is a breath of fresh air in the modern game. Both teams tried to create opportunities in front of goal but neither was able to make a move count. In what was the Magpies best chance, mid way through the first half young Ben Fisher was battling with the Gaerwen defender deep down the right, when he won the ball back and looked to be through on goal was brought down cynically, and the free kick was given. Late in the half, Iolo Owen was forced into his first substitution when Bobby Griffith pulled up with a hamstring problem, Ieuan Brooks game on in his place. The half ended with both teams keen to get into the dressing room to get out of the cold.

The second half began under the floodlights as the winters night descended, and both teams looked like they meant business in stark contrast to the first half. Barmouth would held the visitors in their own half the first 5 minutes and on 50’ opened the scoring, a corner in from the right was not dealt with by the Gaerwen defence, and as the ball ricocheted around the box, midfielder Rob Murfet got hold of the ball and fired at goal, Ieuan Brooks was there to push the ball past the keeper and Into the empty net. Brooks would get his second on 69’ as he slotted the ball past the keeper from a pass from midfield. The striker completed his hat trick in style on 78’ a great solo goal, Brooks breaking the offside trap on the right fired home from just inside the box. But if the Magpies thought they had put the game to bed they were in for a shock, following 3 substitutes the visitors made changes to their formation and in the last 10 minutes they had the Magpies fighting to keep them out of their half. And on 89’ they were gifted a life line as the referee rewarded the visitors a penalty following a push on their striker by goalkeeper Jamie Jones. Captain Chris Bennett stepped to to take and calmly placed the ball to Jamie’s left as the goalkeeper went to the right. Deep into injury time the visitors would get another goal back, this time midfielder Sean Pritchard fired home following a failed clearance. In the end the visitors failed to get a third to tie the match and Barmouth were able to walk off the pitch with all 3 points.

The win sends the Magpies into the top 6 with 20 points, credit has to go to all involved with the club in persevering, we began the season with only 12 players signed, and after the first 5 games found ourselves second from bottom having conceded 12 goal. With the introduction of some new faces all the lads have worked together to build a great team both on and off the pitch.

Ieuan Brooks was awarded Man of the Match following his second half hat trick, leading the team from the front, Ieuan is a shining example to younger players of how hard work pays off, well done Brooksy.

Next up for the Magpies is the visit of CPD Llannefydd to the Wern Mynach. Away at Llannefydd was the first league game of this campaign for Barmouth, a 6-0 defeat that saw the Magpies struggle to get enough players signed to begin the league season.

Keep updated on all the action on Twitter by following @BDFCmagpies