Unlike the World Cup the match had end to end attacking football from start to finish, and no vuvuzelas. It did have a generous English referee who kept all the players on the pitch until the final whistle. HBFC started playing downhill and into a blinding sunshine and scored early when Ally broke away, and rounded the keeper. Dexter also came close. However, it being Bastille Day (July 14th) it was appropriate that most of the rest of the half was spent manning the barricades as Cowfold pressed ever harder. Steve was assured in goal, Dermod cleared off the line when needed, and the cross-bar also played its part. Owen and Paul owned the air-space around the penalty area, and just before half time it was almost 2-0 as Ally volleyed Tony's throw straight at the keeper. 1-0 was already an injustice, 2-0 would have been a crime!
 
In the second half Cowfold poured down the hill and continued to batter the crossbar. The absence of video technology was again called into question, as was the ref's generosity when Ally stayed on the pitch after his Suarez hand-ball impression. Sadly for HBFC the Cowfold penalty taker was no Ghanian, 1-1. Soon thereafter it became 2-1 and a rout looked possible. However the cross bar held firm and gradually the tide began to turn. Ian had a chance to equalise, and Chris had a shot well saved before Cowfold scored again, heading home the second phase ball from a corner. Game over? Surprisingly not...Dexter headed home when Chris chipped to the far post, and the last few minutes saw old HBFC legs charging up the hill. Chris missed having done the hard part of getting through, and the final stages of the game saw a revolutionary 2-5-3 formation very nearly do the trick.
 
So, 90 minutes of commitment, what vets football ought to be. No major injuries, and thanks to younger Chris for refereeing with good humour. Plenty of good performances, but in the end there was only one man of the match....the Baptist's cross-bar made 5 great saves and stood firm under immmense pressure. It deserves a shot in the first team next season.