British Airways Midweek finished 2009 in style with a fantastic win against old foes Hanworth Villa at a snowy Concorde Club on wednesday afternoon.
Fashioning their new black and yellow kit, BA lined up confident of getting a positive result against one of our fiercest rivals in the Midweek League. As heavy snow fell the game kicked off with neither team gaining control from the opening exchanges. The Reddings brothers in the centre of the park working doggily with Hogan and Scotchford providing the width. Pig and Andy doing the running up front, while Rusher, McDonald, Gates and 'Snaps' given the task of preventing Villa any opportuniies in front of Knox in goal. It was clear from the start that BA had a belief this day would be theirs, Steve Redding fizzing one just over the bar. Villa created the first real opening on 25 minutes. A whipped corner finding Peake unmarked but his connection was minimal and the ball fell tamely wide. A wake up call for BA though nonetheless. BA's first real chance came as Steve Reddings superbly found Scotch at the far post, who despite impeccable control, could only place his shot into the keepers chest. It was evident the Villa defence were struggling though and BA soon took advantage. Once again a delightful Reddings cross found the umarked Scotch, this time making no mistake, placing his header into the far corner. BA were on a high and should of had the opportunity to double the lead from the spot after Hogan was felled by Russell, but BA's appeals fell on deaf ears. The half-time whistle a welcome relief for Villa.
The second half continued in a similar fashion, Villa pushing for an equaliser with BA restricting them to half chances and long shots, thanks to militant defending from Gates and Rusher. BA looked dangerous on the break but still desperate for that second goal. It came just before the hour mark. Hogan finding Pig in space down the left who's strong run and low cross was turned in by the hapless Villa defender. 2 nil. Villa applied more pressure but BA remained solid. Twitchen replaced Scott Reddings and Snaps moved into the centre of the park. BA almost made it three when another quick counter attack found Andy up front, he rounded the keeper and from an impossible angle, saw his shot come back of the upright. Villa did pull one back with 10 minutes to go. A dubious freekick 20 yards out was cleverly taken quickly and slotted past Knox as he lined up his wall. This wa to be the last real chance of the game, Brady replacing Andy with 5 minutes left to sure up the midfield ensuring BA held on for an excellent deserved victory.
It seems this new look BA squad are finding some regularity and are now bonding. With three games remaining before the league splits, BA should be confident of finishing in the top half and being able to push on. The winter break could be argued to have a come at a bad time for BA with them on a high, but they will deservedly start 2010, and a tough game against Phoenix, full of belief. Well done BA, Happy Christmas!!
