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Bay vs Hall Green

Supersub Freddie Mcgillivary came on to score the crucial goal that secures the championship. With Hall green playing for a draw Bay had to wait till the 80th minute for the goal. Good chances in the 1st half came to nothing on a hot evening and dry and bumpy pitch. Mcgillivary hit the post on 70 mins with a back post header, then Kitson Gayle struck the post with a 25yd effort , but a floated in freekick from Tom Brown was flicked on by Lincoln Adams and Freddie just got his toe (bunion) to it to flick it past the advancing keeper. Hall Green then decided to change thier plan (wow amazing), and Bay felt some pressure to keep them out of attacking, but it all came to nothing and BAY are now CHAMPIONS for the 2nd time in 3yrs after coming 2nd last year. Well done lads. WE did it..............

Alien sensation - reporter Eddie Gray (hair)

UFO spotters from all over Western Europe have descended on the Barr Strret area of Huddersfield, after numerous reports of what could be an inter- galactic visitation. A crowd of between thirty and forty people were at a pitch on Barr Street, to watch the Hoyle Cup Semi Final being played between Bay Athletic and Uppermill Reserves. At around 2-25pm witnesses tell of a figure carved from pure ebony with the features of Bob Marley, eyes wild like Hannibal Lecter and three legs !!!!!! The witnesses all report that the creature levitated some three feet off the ground and held that position for what seemed an age. The crowd screamed as one of his outside legs did swivel a full three hundred and sixty degrees and hurl a round white missile at the Uppermill goalkeeper, who luckily had his light saber with him to deflect the death star.

We await further developments

Bay Vs Wibsey away Lost 3-1

Poor defending and poor finishing cost Bay the game against a hard working Wibsey side, who look more of a top 8 side than a bottom 3 side. Wibsey attacked Bay straight away and were unlucky when a shot hit the underside of the bar and bounced on the line after 5 mins. A cross was not dealt with 5 mins later and the Wibsey striker pounce and finished well. Next a calamity on the line between Lincoln Adams and Joe Sagars saw the ball roll kindly for the striker to smash in from 2 yds on 25 mins. Up front Gayle , Mcgilliivary ,Mugadza, Buckley and Smith should all have done better with their chances but it was poor. A free kick 2 mins into the second half 20 yds out, Buckley lais it to Gayle who smashed home to give us hope. More chances came and went and unbelieveably we could not score and a 25 yd effort from a Wibsey midfielder flew past Sagars on 65 mins. Bay pushed and pushed but could not find a goal as Wibsey's defence stayed strong. It will now be a tough run-in to the title as Storthes are 3pts behind on the same games.

Martin Byrne - The Chairman

At the heart of any successful football club is a passionate Chairman who supports the club first and foremost; having their best interests at heart. We have seen how sometimes owners at certain clubs are only in the position for personal benefit, and not that of the club. It remains to be seen whether the likes of Roman Abramovich and Randy Lerner will get fed up of their Premier League 'toys' and abandon ship once they have had enough. Chairman at lower league level must remain loyal as they, along with the treasurer, are the figures that keep a small club like Bay running .Martin Byrne, who has held the position as club chairman for eight years, certainly fits into these guidelines. He explained to me how he watches the Bay Athletic first team every week, as well as injecting £3-5000 of his own money into the club to keep it running in an era where financing at lower league level is being placed under the spotlight. I then asked Martin about the nature of his duties as Chairman, to which he replied: 'I arrange sponsorship for the first team and liaise with the committee to discuss the club in general; we have committee meetings every month. I am always available to talk to the managers if they need help, and I'll often help out with travel expenses and things like that." Byrne, who is the Managing Director of his own company, disclosed reasons for his appointment as Chairman and how it helped save the club. He said: 'I was a player for Bay since I was 16. My appointment as Chairman came about after I helped save the club ten years ago, just as it was about to go out of business. We certainly did turn things around at the club.' Many people at the club have said that although the squad could probably compete in the Northern Counties East League, which represents the tenth level of English football, the financial issues surrounding a promotion would hinder its realistic possibility. With the obvious increase in publicity that a promotion to the competition would bring, I asked Martin whether his duties as a Chairman would be altered if the club did decide to take the step up and enter a higher echelon of English football. He replied: 'A promotion would require more effort. To start with we would need to appoint a board; the Northern Counties League is a lot more professional. It would cost us £700 a year to join the league, plus we would need to pay our players and accommodate for their travel expenses.' I ended the interview with some questions of a lighter tone. On the topic of hobbies away from football, Martin explained that he enjoys Golf and going on holidays. I also asked him about Euro 2008, and who he thought would win (just to be completely random and off topic) and was provided with an answer that the majority of the English population would probably offer on response to the same question: 'I've lost interest since England went out. I've not really thought about who I think will win it!'

Staff Profile - Richard Spychalski

Masterminding Bay's superb season has been first team manager Richard Spychalski. Spychalski, who has been in control of first team affairs for four years, is another manager, similar to second team manager Curtis Israel who has played for the Bay before going on to manage the club, as Richard explained. 'This is actually my second stint at the club. I played for Bay before eventually managing the second team where we managed to win the treble. I then moved on to managing the first team where we won division one not long after my appointment.' When speaking to Curtis Israel, it seemed apparent that most managers seem to have aspects of their job that they particular enjoy, or on the flip-side completely dislike. Curtis revealed to me that telling a player he will not be playing in the forthcoming game is one of the more difficult aspects of the role, but Richard seemed to disagree with the notion that there are parts of management that are easier - or more enjoyable - than others. He said: 'Telling a player he won't be playing this week is part of being a manager. Managing does not have many bad bits; it's a challenge. The majority of the time I succeed'. It is without a shadow of a doubt that Bay are having an excellent season. Sitting in top spot, and having played considerably less games than their nearest challengers for the Premier Division title, full credit has to go to Spychalski and his squad of players for producing excellent football and obtaining the results they deserve for it. On reflection of the season so far, Richard said: 'We had success two seasons ago when we won the County Cup; we also came runners up last season. We looked like genuine challengers for the title last season until March when we began to fall short. On top of league results, we lost two semi-finals and just managed to scrape through the Challenge Cup. We were very inconsistent last season and it cost us. Our expectation this season was to still be competing and we're doing that; despite other teams poaching our players.' After Richard revealed to me his enthusiasm for the tactical side of the game, including how he often studies teams before big games, I asked him whether he believed the Bay Athletic first team could embrace the step up to the Northern Counties East Division, provoking a positive response. He said: 'Personally, I feel we could challenge for the top four'. Moving away from Bay Athletic slightly, I quizzed Richard on his hobbies away from football. Many football managers and players alike often list football as their only real hobby because it takes up so much of their time, however, Richard clearly enjoys other things apart from football. He stated: 'Golf is one of my main interests; I enjoy a round of Golf. I recently went to Malaga with some friends - we managed to win a tournament whilst we were over there! I enjoy cooking and wine drinking, especially going out for meals. Socialising, especially with my kids, is also important to me.'

2nd Team Manager - Curtis Israel

With the first team doing so well in the Premier Division, and looking a good bet to secure the league title, many people not associated with the club are unaware of the second and third team that Bay have in place. Currently occupying fifth place in the West Riding County Reserve Division 1 is the Bay Athletic AFC second team, managed by Curtis Israel. Curtis, 21, has been with the club for nine years and took over the helm as second team manager at the young age of 19. Despite an obvious lack of experience in the managerial department, Israel informed me that he had no hesitations in fulfilling the role - especially as he was able to draught a few players in with him. Curtis explained how the side had hope for promotion at the start of the season, but have been let down by the temper mental English weather. He said: 'Our aim at the start of the season was to win promotion. We were top of the division but after having a game called off four weeks in a row against East End Park (in the West Riding County F.A Challenge Cup) our season came to a bit of a halt. We didn't have any training sessions during December either, and as a young side I think you lose a bit of cohesion' For any manager, sometimes the worst part of the job is telling one of your players that he won't be playing that week; especially if the player is so enthusiastic about the game. Curtis explained to me that this was probably the biggest negative of managing a club, but I got the impression that the positives substantially outweigh the negatives for Curtis. 'The best part of being a manager is the pride that the players and I take from winning a game. We are all good friends which is extremely important. When we won the West Riding Cup last season, we had a night out to celebrate which was excellent!' When discussing the development of players and their progression into the Bay first team, Curtis revealed that a selected few have stepped up to the first team where they had become better players because of it. He said: 'We've had a few (players represent the first team). Tom Brown and Ben Burnett are two names that have made the grade. McKinley Taylor also played for the first team then came back to help us win the cup after he'd improved whilst playing at a higher level.' I asked Curtis on his thoughts concerning the West Riding County Amateur League, and whether he rated the standard of football it produces. He gave a positive response, also indicating that a former Tottenham, Southampton and Wolves defender recently participated in the competition. He said: 'It is a good standard of football and has some good players. One of our players was offered £100 to play at a higher level, but he turned it down because he enjoys playing for Bay so much. An ex Carlisle United player has played for a team within the competition - I can't remember which one - and I know that Dean Richards played for Campion last season.' After Curtis revealed to me that he is struggling for players this weekend because of an impending trip to Dublin, I quizzed him on his hobbies away from football. He informed me of his love for football and going on a night out.

Supporter Profile - Graham Buckley

Committee member and Bay Athletic enthusiast, Graham Buckley, is clearly very passionate about the football club. His role as committee member involves the crucial role of attracting sponsors and raising funds which in turn keep the club afloat. Graham revealed the history behind his association with the Leeds Road side, which all began in the early 1980's: 'In the 1981/82 season a group of us, between 20 and 30 roughly, joined the club on mass. I had played for Heywood Sports for a couple of season before joining Bay, so it wasn't the first club that I'd represented. We had originally wanted to start our own team prior to joining Bay, but we were refused entry into the league after a protest by the Bay Athletic side at that moment in time!' Graham explained how at the time Bay were languishing in the fourth division of the Huddersfield District League, before later winning back to back promotions and thus settling in division two for about six years. As Graham explained, that was certainly not the end of Bay's success during that successful period: 'We went on to win the league 3 times in the early 90's, before joining the WRCAL in the 1996/1997 season. We managed to win division 2 in our first season, before eventually turning down promotion from division 1 a few seasons later because we thought the club was going to fold!' On the topic of finance in lower league football, Graham stated his belief that the club do not receive enough support from the F.A, which could hinder their ambitions for future years: He stated: 'Ability wise, we would be able to hold our own in a higher division than the one we are currently in. Financially, it would be a big step. There is very little money in the game at this level and we feel that we get no support at all from the F.A. Luckily we do have one or two irons in the fire, but financially we rely heavily on a small group of sponsors, such as Beaumont Insurance Brokers, and chairman Martin Byrne, who provide all the kits etc'. I asked Graham whether he felt the club received a justified amount of local media coverage, to which he replied positively. However, he does not think highly of the ethos that national tabloids adopt. On the topic, he said: 'They (the tabloids) tend to build teams or people up, put them on a plateau, and then proceed to destroy them. Some of the character assassinations are appalling.' After I discovered the history of the club house, which was built approximately forty five to fifty years ago, Graham revealed his hobbies. On top of visiting numerous different countries, Graham disclosed his love of fine dining and adventure sports: 'I love travelling abroad. I've visited the USA approximately 8 times. I got married in New York in 1999 in the gardens of the World Trade Centre! I am always up for any social event, and in my time have flown gliders, been ballooning and driven tanks and quad bikes!

Financing the Bay

We understand a lot about the role and importance on finance in football at the highest level. Within the last five years or so, or arguably within the last eight years after the collapse of ITV digital, the way in which football clubs at the higher levels of the English game are financed has been thrown into the media spotlight. With Premiership players' wages now exceeding astronomical amounts, the need for well-managed finances in mandatory. Some argue that as the rich get richer; the poor get poorer, and perhaps this is the case at clubs like Bay who play their football in the West Riding County Premier Division - eleventh in the pyramid of English football. The F.A (Football Association) has come under criticism for the lack of money they are apparently failing to invest into lower league football. The F.A responded during March this year by announcing their intent to invest £200 million into grassroots football over the next five years, with the long term aim of developing better English players that can improve the standard of the English leagues and consequently the underachieving national side. So how do the finances sort themselves out at Bay? Is it enjoyable and what sort of tasks are involved with financing a club who would appear to have minimal overheads; given the status of the club and the fact that the players do not receive a fee for playing. Treasurer of two years, John Buckley, was able to provide me with some interesting points concerning financing at the club. The first question I posed to him concerned his duties as treasurer and the nature of them. He said: 'In a nutshell, I send out the invoices and pay our bills. At the same time, I have to keep a concise note of the money that we have or have not got'. John, who admitted that he only intends to conduct his role as treasurer for another season after the current one has ended in May, explained that there is not one aspect of his role that he particularly enjoys. He explained: 'There is no part of my role that I enjoy. It is quite difficult, especially collecting money off the players as some don't want to pay!' It would seem that the role of treasurer at a smaller outfit like Bay Athletic is perhaps as un-enjoyable as it is at a club in the higher echelons of English football, like the Premier League or Coca Cola Championship. However, controlling the finances at a club like Bay cannot be even remotely compared to the stress of the same job at a club like Chelsea or Manchester United. Both may be un-enjoyable, but the pressure of financing a club in the top divisions is much more risk related and the ramifications of errors much more cost-worthy. We only have to look at the amount of football clubs entering administration as a result of poor financial management; Leeds United F.C acting as undoubtedly the most high-profile case. After discussing the finance of the excellent club house; as well as the importance of local companies and figures that provide sponsorship for the club, like Beaumont's Insurance Brokers, I quizzed John on the subject of financial support from the F.A. He stated: 'I don't think the F.A can justify the amount of money that they input into football at a lower level. They need to help out more clubs at this level for the good of the game as a whole, not just lower league football like the West Riding County league'.

Bay 4 - 2 Hemsworth

A good win against a hardworking Hemsworth keeps us in the title challenge on a heavy sodden pitch. The game started well and chances were being created by Bay, and after some neat play Brighton Mugadza managed to get a shot in 12 yds out which deflected off a defenders leg and looped over the goalie on 25 mins. 10 mins later and Hemsworth were back in when thier attempt on goal looped over Sagars and thomas Tartaglia could do nothing but smash the ball into the top corner from 1/2 yard out. At half time the heavens opened and the pitch was soaked as well as the players. On 70 mins a good move between Buckley, Adams and Mugadza ended with Adams firing in low into the net. 5 mins later Buckley beat 2 men and shot from 20 yds, his effort rebounded off the crossbar into Mugadza's path for him to side foot into the unguarded side of the goal. Hemsworth pulled one back on 80 mins but the game was over when Bay broke down the right and Adam Mcglachlan's low cross across goal found Mugadza to sidefoot in from 3 yds to complete his hatrick.

Match Reports (previous reports in Archives)

Player Interview - Barry Howe At the heart of many Bay victories this season has been centre midfield player Barry Howe. The ever present Howe, currently in his fourth season with the club, is a big influence in the middle of the park both vocally and physically. His ability to tackle whilst linking up play between the defence and the forwards has proved to be just one of the many catalysts behind Bay's excellent season. Howe, who started playing football when he was just seven years old, revealed how he'd won too many honours to remember when questioned about his career in the game; also claiming to have grown frustrated with the lack of time and beer! The issue of finance at clubs like Bay Athletic, who currently occupy first place in the West Riding County Amateur League, is one which has come under criticism from affected parties recently. With Fabio Capello rumoured to be earning six million pound a year, angry managers and officials at lower league clubs have stated that more money should be ploughed into non league football. On the issue of finance in league such as one Bay compete in, and whether the amount provided is sufficient, Howe stated: 'I'd say no because it's a good league. There's no linesman this season; we need the linesman. They could make the league so much better than it is, but they need more cash'. Reflecting on a good season on the pitch, Bay, who look odds on for the championship despite their recent defeat to third place Meltham Athletic, will certainly feel they can challenge their status in a higher division. I asked Barry whether he thought Bay could sustain their position within a higher division, which provoked a positive response from the midfield dynamo: 'Yeah, I think we'd be fine in a higher division. We need more players though; young players. All players have personal aims that they hope to achieve as the season draws towards a close. The personal aims of a midfielder are usually more based towards the club then to personal, unique targets. For example, a striker may state that he wishes to score twenty five goals in all competitions, in comparison to a defender who may have a target of scoring five goals all season and keeping a certain amount of clean sheets. On the subject of personal aims, Howe revealed how his personal aims at the start of the season were geared around winning every competition that the club compete in; a vindication of how much confidence he has in the team. To end the interview on a lighter note, I quizzed Barry on his hobbies other than football. He responded by confessing his love for cars and women! As the season draws to close (not taking into account the numerous amount of games postponed because of abysmal weather), it looks like Howe may well achieve one of his goals, as the team have an excellent chance of winning the West Riding County Amateur League.

Bay Athletic 2- 4 Meltham Athletic

A hugely disappointing second half from the hosts contributed heavily towards this defeat against championship hopefuls Meltham Athletic. The game, which could have been over at half time had Bay had taken the majority of chances that fell their way, took a while to get going; however, by the end of ninety minutes, the encounter conjured up great goals, a penalty and yellow cards which on another day could have been red. Both teams made a positive start to the affair; producing neat, flowing football that was pretty, but not producing much of a final output. Barry Howe in centre midfield was unlucky not to release the talented Kitson Gayle on the fifteen minute mark, after great build up play by the hosts. Both teams did well to cancel out the other, evidently frustrating the home team and their supporters as they failed to create many clear cut chances. The visitors rarely threatened throughout the opening forty five minutes, mainly down to a superb defensive display from left back JC Higgins. A free kick which sailed harmlessly over the bar on seventeen minutes, from the visitors' number 11, was the closest Meltham came to breaking the deadlock. As the first half moved towards the thirty minute mark; it didn't look like either side would find that crucial goal the game was crying out for. However, the deadlock did eventually brake on the forty minute mark. Bay, who at this point were dominating proceedings, took the lead through a somewhat fortuitous goal from Kitson Gayle. Bay number 10 Brighton Mugazda, who was uncharacteristically quiet down the right hand side for much of the opening half, had a pot shot which looked to be heading way off target. Luckily for Bay, the effort landed right at the feet of the prolific Kitson Gayle, who instinctively placed a shot past the keeper from close range. It was no more than Bay deserved as the first half drew to a close. The main talking points of the game were witnessed during the second half. On 53 minutes, Bay Athletics' number 7, Paul Pyke, received the games first yellow card as a result of dissent. The game was slowly becoming a very heated affair, with plenty of challenges flying in from both teams as they aimed to up the tempo. On 57 minutes, Meltham should have equalised. A good cross from the far right hand side evaded everyone in the box, including the visitors' number 9, much to the evident frustration of the visiting management and supporters. The talented Mugadza, Bay's right winger, became increasingly involved in their forward play as the second half progressed. On the 60 minute mark, after fantastic build up play; he cut into the visitors' area, skinned the Meltham number 3 at left back before drilling a cross across the goal which just missed the late surges into the box from the Bay forwards. The visitors were gaining a foothold in the game, and on the 65th minute grabbed an equaliser that their second half display had deserved. The strong winds, which had picked up in the second half, worked in favour of the away team as an in swinging corner from the right found his way into the net, most likely via a faint touch from somebody in the packed area. Within two minutes of the re-start, the hosts were 2-1 down. After Meltham were awarded a penalty for a foul which some argued took place outside the box, the visitors' number 11 stepped up to smash his penalty down the middle and score his second of the game. By this point the game had turned into a real heated affair. Things turned even worse for Bay on the 73 minute mark. A ball from the left hand touchline found its way through to the Meltham number eight who, unmarked, had the simple task of directing the ball into the net. Bay made two substitutions on the 75 minute mark in an attempt to claw their way back into the game. The decision paid off, when on the 78 minute mark, Brighton Mugadza weaved his way past two players before having a shot which the keeper could only fumble into his own net. The lifeline, however, did not last long. With seven minutes to go, the visitors number six unleashed a fine effort which landed in the bottom keeper, leaving Joe Sagan in the Bay goal with no chance. Overall, a disappointing result for Bay, who will not be happy at losing to one of their main rivals for top spot in the division.

Sat 23 Feb 2008 Vs Overthorpe W 7-2

A haky first half saw bay go 1-0 down. On 20 mins after Thomas Tartaglia upended the overthorpe striker. Keeper Joe Sagars was on top form ans saved well to his left. Then 5 mins later a scrappy thru ball fell at the feet of the forward who toe poked it passed the advancing Sagars. Bay drew level with Barry Howe striking the ball fron 25yds which deflected over the defence into the back of the net on 35 mins. Next Mugadza struck into the bottom left corner after a counter attack. The sides were level when a close range header from an unmarked striker flew past Sagars. On 60 mins a quick free-kick found John Buckley who struck it from 18 yds across goal into the top corner . Another counter saw Kitson Gayle score and thier defence tiring. Next Freddie Mcgillivary scored on another counter attack, and 5 mins later Steve Smith was fouled in the box and Gayle fired in the penalty. Smith then scored after dribbling round 2 men and the keeper yo give a comfortable victory.

SATURDAY MARCH 1st

The Bay's very own Mr Graham Israel is celebrating his wedding to the lovely Maggie. All players past and present are welcome to attend the 'do' at the Irish Centre on Fitzwilliam Street fro 7-30pm onwards.

Hemsworth MW V Bay Athletic PDCup 26/01/08 5-1

One our keeper Frankie will want to forget immediately !

Overthorpe Sc V Bay Athletic 12/01/08 1-1

A shocker !

Bay Athletic V Halifax Irish 5/01/08 1-2

Bay missed a host of chances to finish the game off in the first half. Inevitably this proved to be their undoing. A fairly even, but average game sprung to life when Bay were awarded a soft penalty. Kitson Gayle controlled the ball six yards out, but slipped. As he tried to stand up and regain the ball, he was tripped, and the penalty was given. Adam McLachlan stepped up to hit a low shot too close to the keeper, who made a fair save. Bay scored from the best move of the game. Barry Howe sent a fine ball down the left wing to Ryan Buckley, who's excellent cross found Pike at the back post to head home. Halifax visibly sagged, and in the next fifteen minutes, Bay missed at least three guilt edged chances through poor finishing or over ellaboration. This was to prove costly. Credit to Halifax in the second half as they picked their game back up, although neither side really threatened. Then a succession of needless free kicks eventually lead to the equaliser. The ball was floated in from just outside the area on the left hand side, and a Halifax player rose unchallenged to head home. Poor defense ! Inexplicably, the defence began to panic. Keeper Sagar's kicking went to pot, and marking was abandoned. From a corner, another unchallenged header resulted in Halifax taking the lead. We really needed to defend better. McGillivary and Mugadza came on for Ryan Buckley and Mitchell ( who was injured), but neither made much impact. Bay had most of the play for the final fifteen minutes without creating any clear cut chances. Referee Brian Hamilton had a superb game, handling with authority and common sense ( despite the incessant and blinkered bleatings of the Halifax coach). Several players need to take a long hard look at themselves after this performance. The passion, commitment, and dedication of coach Richard Spychalski, and captain Barry Howe needs to be matched by everyone if this blip is to be addressed. You never know, maybe some people are not as good as they think they are.

Bay Athletic v Storthes Hall 22'12'07 0 - 2

A poor day at the office ! In a dour encounter with few chances, Bay were deservedly beaten by this seasons league nemesis....Storthes Hall. Too many players had off days, and the visitors were allowed to pass the ball around too easily. Hall took the lead on the half hour, when the centre forward was allowed to traverse the edge of the penalty area before releasing a screamer, which left keeper Sagar with no chance. A few minutes later Hall were awarded a somewhat dubious penalty when a player went down under a challenge from Mitchell. Slack struck the penalty low and hard to his right, but Sagar got down to make a superb save. The second half began controversially. Ryan Buckley was rounding the last defender and was clearly brought down. Penalty !! Not a chance. Referee Ramsden said he thought it was a clash of legs !! Unfortunately, a clash of legs in the penalty area, not involving the ball ,is a penalty Mr Ramsden ! Bay tried to press for the equaliser without really creating much. And the game was made safe when Sagar raced from his line and collided with Tom Brown, leaving an open goal for the grateful forward. Pike and McGillivary came on for the two Buckleys, but nothing changed. Pike made a completely innocuous challenge on the keeper for a 50-50 and was booked ! The incident did not even merit a word, never mind a booking. Incensed, Pike muttered a few choice words, ans was dismissed. This incident merely emphasised what a poor game the referee had. Keeper Sagar had a good game apart from the one blip, and Higgins and Brown performed well. Star man on a poor day was Barry Howe. We need to bounce back against an improving Golcar side on Satyrday.

Bay Athletic v South Bradford 1/12/07 4-1

Bay made an outstanding start to the game, scoring inside the first minute via the first of four Gayle Kitson goals. Kitson latched onto a fine through ball from Marcus Mitchell before finishing well. After twenty minutes of both sides creating chances, Kitson put Bay two nil ahead after coolly rounding the keeper to slot into an empty net. It was a blow for Bradford, but Bay probably deserved their half time lead after creating the games clear cut chances, which included Barry Howe thumping a shot off the bar after a fine take down from a cross field pass. The opening minutes of the first half could have been replicated in the second had Ryan Buckley not missed a great opportunity when one on one with the Bradford goalkeeper. Bay did increase their winning margin after fifty minutes and once again it was Kitson Gayle who delivered the goods. John Buckley's quick thinking released John Higgins, his cut back finished emphatically by Gayle. Bradford clawed their way back into the game on sixty six minutes when a pin point cross was powerfully headed home by the visitors number five. They could well have scored a second shortly had the Bradford number nine played in his team mate who had made a strong run through the middle. Bay saved the best till last when after seventy two minutes Freddie McGillivray turned his marker well to provide a lovely ball for Gayle whose header went in off the post. Bay scorers: Kitson Gayle (4)

Bay Athletic V Wibsey 24/11/07 5-2

After last weeks Challenge Cup victory at a freezing Salendine Nook, it was back to the Sygenta Sports Club for a home game against struggling Wibsey. With Bay flying high at the top of the division and Wibsey languishing in fifteenth place, it was a game that Bay needed to win to maintain their threat at the top of the league. Early pressure from Bay paid dividends with only five minutes on the clock. Ryan Buckley, so effective against Collegians last week, put the home team in front after finishing powerfully across the goalkeeper from a slide rule pass. It was a great start by Bay and a nightmare for Wibsey who will be disappointed with conceding so early. The bright start to the game continued as the minutes went by, Bay slight edging the affair but by no means dominating the game. However, Bay soon went two nil up just after the ten minute mark through Brighton Mugadza. Adam 'Peewee' McLachlan found Mugadza well who in turn struck a lovely long range shot into the right hand corner after showing great flair to turn his marker on the edge of the area. It was an emphatic opening fifteen minutes by Bay who made the most of some early opportunities. As the first half approached its midway stage, the half began to take shape. Both sides had good spells of possession and with thirty minutes on the clock chances were at a premium. Moments after the Wibsey number ten had a good chance that never troubled Joe Sagan in goal, the away team pulled a goal back. The Wibsey number nine was given too much time to slot home a finish that slid underneath Sagan in goal. It was a deserved goal that their foothold in the game merited. With Wibsey confident they could equalise, they eventually did so just before the forty minute mark. The goal, which looked offside but was not given, will have frustrated Bay. Joe Sagan saved the original effort from the visitors number nine, but the number ten who missed a good chance earlier in the half calmly slotted home with the keeper stranded. Any hopes Wibsey had of edging in front before half time were vanished when on fourty three minutes Bay were awarded a penalty. It was not an easy decision for the referee but he deemed the contact in the area to be significant. McLachlan placed the ball to the right and out of the goalkeepers reach to ensure Bay went in 3-2 ahead at the interval. The second half began as the first ended, with much more goal mouth action than was witnessed in the earlier stages of the first. The first telling moment of the game was a crucial block by the impressive Marcus Mitchell who importantly blocked an attempted pass across the goal. Had he not done, the Wibsey number ten would surely have made the score 3-3. What followed four minutes later was a complete text book goal from Bay that would have pleased their manager. John Higgins received the ball on the left wing and after making an excellent dart forward, placed a pinpoint cross onto the head of John Buckley whose glancing header went in off the post. It was a great team goal that could have graced any football match. Bay's fifth and final goal of the game came on the sixty minute mark and once again it was Mugadza who scored it. Much like his first goal, the midfielder got the ball from under his feet and hit a low drive into the bottom corner from a similar position to where he scored his first goal at the other end. By now the game was effectively won, but to the credit of Wibsey they kept getting the ball down and playing some tidy football to match what Bay had to offer in many departments. Higgins, who made plenty of effective runs down the left hand side, put in another pin point cross after sixty six minutes and Ryan Buckley was unlucky after his firm header was saved. It was Buckley's last chance on goal after he and fellow goalscorer Brighton Mugadza were replaced by Freddie McGilvary and McKenley Taylor. The next major opening of the game fell to the visitors. Had their number nine anticipated a smart take down and back heel from his teammate, the opportunity to have pulled a goal back and produced a tense end to the game was a realistic target. Barry Howe, who's excellent work rate paid dividends after a solid midfield display, was replaced by Niko McMahon. Both players came on and used their fresh legs to link up play well between the Bay midfield and the forward line, McGilvary especially unlucky not to have profited in the shape of a goal after plenty of attacking runs. The game slowly lost its fizz as it entered the final ten minutes or so with clear cut chances drying up, the exception being a shot on the eighty fifth minute mark from Wibsey that dragged harmlessly wide. All in all a comfortable victory by Bay who despite not being at their fluent best were able to secure three points.

Bay Ath v Old Collegians Chllg Cup 4-1 17/11/07

An entertaining second half performance from Bay provided their passage to the next round of the Challenge Cup at a cold and windy Salendine Nook. Three second half goals, including two within five minutes of the restart, ensured Bay progressed in the competition with a score line that reflected their second half dominance. The majority of the first half was a dull affair, the strong winds having an effect on both teams' attempts to play a passing game. Chances at either end were a rarity, especially in the opening fifteen minutes or so. However, it was Bay that broke the deadlock after twenty five minutes. Ryan Buckley, who had an outstanding game for Bay, finished neatly across the goal with his left foot after latching on to a fine cross field ball. It took until the thirty fifth minute for either side to create a further opening on goal, and once against it was Ryan Buckley who so nearly profited. A cross come shot from Barry Howe was nearly met by Buckley, but his attempts to slide the ball home were in vain as the ball went agonisingly passed him at the far post. The latter stages of the half produced little product from either side, but could well have done so had Kitson Gayle, the livewire centre forward, made more of two good chances to give Bay a bigger lead going into the interval. Despite Joe Sagan, the Bay goalkeeper, rarely being threatened in the first half it was his error that nearly gifted the Collegians a way back into the match. The pitch, which was bumpy in areas, resulted in Sagan miss-kicking a back pass. Fortunately for Bay and Sagan, the Collegians forward was not able to get the ball under control enabling the Bay defence, including young Sam Kenney, to get back and nullify the danger. The second half began with a bang and produced the goals that game was crying out for. Two minutes into the second half saw Bay go two nil ahead through Adam McLachlan. The goal, which originated from a great through ball from Sam Kenney, was obviously frustrating for the visitors especially after their goalkeeper pulled off a great save from a Ryan Buckley effort. The third goal just before the fifty minute mark effectively ensured the home side would progress to the next round. It was a classy effort from all of 25 yards by Ryan Buckley, whose left footed effort curled in the wind and ended up in the top corner, leaving the visiting goalkeeper with little he could do to prevent the goal. The visitors, despite being three nil down, kept plugging away at the home side making use of the strong wind to provide a threat from set pieces. With the game slowing down in tempo, Bay made two substitutions in an attempt to well and truly kill the game off. Four minutes after the changes, Bay went four nil ahead. McGilvary made his usual telling impact from the bench to provide a ball to Kitson Gayle who cut inside his marker to finish well. The final twenty minutes of the half witnessed Bay dominate proceedings. Had they not tried to walk the ball in the net, the final scoreline could have been emphatic. As it turns out, the final talking point of the game came as a result of a magnificent goal from the Collegians number seven. From thirty five yards out he hit an unstoppable effort that left Sagan in goal helpless. It needed a screamer of a goal to better Ryan Buckley's screamer earlier in the half but this goal did just that. Unfortunately for the visitors, it came with only two minutes remaining on the clock so it was purely a consolation.

2nd Team

Littletown 4 Bay Athletic 5 10/11/07 ( Guest reporter)

Due to family committments (washing up) and heavy traffic (getting lost) Bay were already enjoying a 2-0 lead when the Grey One got to Beck Lane 10 mins late - (Curt & Luke the scorers) but the next 80mins were a visual treat for any neutrals in the crowd. Non stop attacks plus a 3rd for the Bay meant this should have been plain sailing even when Potty laid one on for Littletown with an assist off his 2 front teeth. At 3-1 Bay were awarded a penalty which Filla converted into a goal kick - this started an amazing display of poor football by the Bay defence as they let Littletown score 3 poor goals interspersed with a neat goal by MOM Ben and suddenly the scoreline read 4-4. With the clock ticking away a free kick was pumped into the penalty area and Chaddy rose like a young salmon to beat the keeper and claim the 3points for the Bay

The second team have had a fantastic start to the season and after 3 wins from 3 matches currently lie top of the league.

Bay Athletic vs Keighley Shamrocks 8/9/07 4-0

Bay had a full strength side to select from in a match which involves two teams gunning for the title after coming 3rd and 4th last year. It started positvley for Bay going in 1-0 up at half time after Eddie scored his 1st of the season. The second half was a carbon copy of what we have seen all season with Bay looking very solid and 3 second half goals from Chaddy, Marcus and Brad wrapping up a dominant victory. Potty kept his 2nd clean sheet of the season and had very little to do with the defence playing so well.

Next up rivals Ardsley....... surprisingly at home

Bay Athletic vs Littletown 1/9/07 3-2

The scoreline may make this seem a close contest but it was far from that. Bay picked up from were they left off last week and played some very nice football to limit Littletown's chances to create anything. Two very well worked goals with nice finishes from the gaffer and Jonsey and Al's 3rd of the season put Bay comfortably 3-0 up going into the last 10 minutes but 2 errors from reserve keeper Mushy saw littletown get 2 late goals but as earlier said this was another dominant performance despite the close scoreline.

3rd Team

Bay 0 Uppermill 0 - 06/05/08 Hoyle Cup Final

As promised by our Special Grey One, Cup Final day turned out to be hot and sunny though we had a list of people carrying injuries as long as Mr A's third leg. We met at 5-30 outside the mecca of Yorkshire football - The Galpharm. First prize for smartest appearance goes to Nathan and obviously last place goes to Shaggy Ants who didn't let himself down in the wardrobe department. The newly elected Cup final management team of Barry Howe, Mr A and Troy were joined by Curtis from the 2nds. Nancy and me mum turned up at 6.15 to watch us warm up as we pondered on the starting line up, which was as follows : Back five comprised Chris, PD, Mick, Deano and Tom; midfield comprised Stocks, Ants, Frankie and Christian; with Lee and Courtenay up front. Nathan, Bob, Cass and Jugal subbed. Niggling little injuries ruled out Mr Adams, Troy, Clarkey and Smudge though we expect them to be okay for the divisional play off on Saturday against Moldgreen. So to the game : Frankie led us out in front of a crowd approaching 300 which was slightly disappointing considering how popular I am.

I think it was always going to be a difficult match this - not because we were up against a better team, but trying to get us to play how we have all season is not easy when you have a big stadium, a big crowd and in some cases family watching for the first time, this meant some of our players didn't play the Bay 3rd team way which is on the deck, pass and move, and create more than enough chances that we will convert at least one or two to gain an advantage. Best chance of the half came as the mill keeper punched out a corner, which Frankie nodded back only for a defender to clear off the line. Uppermill had the odd break but nothing clear cut as we dominated territorially.

Half time : Bay 0 Uppermill 0

Christian was suffering stomach cramps and was replaced after 60 minutes by Nathan, we still looked the most likely to score first as Courtenay and Lee chased everything up front ably supported by our midfield. The defence never looked like conceding so it was a strange decision to take the Special One off after 70 minutes when we all know he has more staying power ( but none of the pace) than most of the kids. Cass came on and Jugal replaced Stocker but still we couldn't find that one clear cut chance that would give us the edge. I'm sure we would have got more if we got one but late on one of the mill defenders upended the Cockle picker from behind for a clear cut penalty which only the referee didn't see. That doesn't really surprise me as every decision seemed to go against us all night.

Full time : Bay 0 Uppermill 0

Extra time seemed to go so quick but there was an air of 0-0 all over this game. The closest we came was when Ants flashed a diving header wide. but Uppermill came even closer as one of their subs crashed a dipping volley against the bar.

Penalties :

We were England, they were Germany - we lost 4 - 2 - Mick and Nathan scored - Lee and Coutenay didn't. Well done Uppermill

We were the better team - we are the better team - we just have to check why the goals are drying up and rectify the problem for Saturday against Moldgreen.

Bay 2 Uppermill Res 0 - 19/04/08 Hoyle Cup Semi-Final

The eagerly awaited semi final against our comrades from across the border was here at last. There was a buzz around the ground as the all ticket crowd awaited their heroes. Team was Chris ( Please don't take the piss cos the wee wifeys here to watch me) in goal. The Fox at no2, Tom was leftie, big Mick centre half with Cass alongside. Deano was devastated to be dropped after injury but it was for the best. Midfield was Dennis Wise on the right, Shaggy and Scooby Doo in the middle and Scrappy on the left. Up front were Mr Adams ( who hasn't had much of a mention by me lately) and Courtenay ( who managed to bribe some officials to get the last starting shirt). Semi Finals are normally cautious affairs but I like to think we set our stall out early and sent wave after wave of attacks to keep the opposition penned back. Clear cut chances ? I don't think we had that many really for all our possession, the closest we came was when Mr Adams unleashed an acrobatic overhead kick which was well saved, Courtenay got through a couple of times and we had a dozen corners but nothing to show for it. Not until 30 minutes in that is, Stocks fired over another corner kick, big Mick knocked the ball back across goal and Ants (who normally only goes in the box with his wifes permission) was perfectly placed to plant a neat header over the keeper for the opening goal. The Mills only real threat in the first half came from the keepers long kick outs and free kicks floated into the box which were well dealt with, but our football deserved more reward as the front two held the ball up really well and brought the midfield into play at every opportunity.

Half time : Bay 1 Uppermill Res 0

The second half was much the same as the first really, as we continued to lay siege. 10 minutes in, Lee replaced Stocks who had a good game up the right wing. It's not often that Frankie goes this long in a game without a decent chance to score, the same goes for Mr A and Courtenay who got goal side of their defence on at least half a dozen occasions only to be foiled. The mill keeper had a good game, catching most of what we threw at him but after 70 minutes the Good Lord and all the angels in heaven smiled on Frankie as he turned in another good cross to double our lead. Alleluia ! (about f*****g time we got another actually). Uppermill now had to chance their arm and should have halved our lead as we let their centre forward in. A hopeful long punt over our centre backs, Chris came out but luckily he put the lob wide. A couple of minutes later one of the mill lads was free at the back post but Chris pulled off a good save to spare us any anxiety. Jugal came on for Brad Pitt ( or is it Cess Pit ?) and Nathan replaced Ants who was hobbling. The final ten minutes were played out comfortably and that was it.

Final score : Bay 2 Uppermill Res 0 - Goalscorers Frankie & Ants

Our two objectives this season have been 1) To get to the Galpharm

And 2) To win the division ( Moldgreen are currently 6 points behind with 2 games to play) So it could mean a play off.

Half way there lads

MOM - Don't know if it's fair not to give it to the whole team or to give it to Christian, Stocks, Mr A & Courtenay . I'll let you decide

Next Game : Uppermill in the Hoyle Cup Final at the Galpharm on Tuesday 6th May - Kick off 7-00 p.m.

Walpole Comm 1 Bay 6 - 05/04/08

And so we wound up our 2007/08 league season with a trip to the picturesque village of Crosland Moor. You'll never believe this but it was all change again with Chris '' Do you want to see me toss my caber'' in pegs, PD, Mick, Cassidy and Jugal at the back. Frankie, Christian, Stocks and Troy in mid and Mr A up front with Courtenay. Bob, Nathan and Curt subbed. Lee was having his roots touched up, Tom and Deano were injured from last week and 3 minutes into this game Troy went off with an injured ankle and was replaced by Nathan. We needed to win this game to set Moldgreen a points target if they are going to overhaul us at the top, so fifteen minutes in we were on our way after a neat finish by Stocks. Ten minutes later and Mr Motivator put his codpiece to good use to turn in a cross from Courtenay, who ten minutes later was brought down in the box for Frankie to score from the penalty spot.

Half time : Walpole 0 Bay 3

As you would expect the game was over as a contest - Our hosts put themselves about a bit, but had not much football in them. The Mighty Bay on the other hand have evolved into a goal machine and Courtenay added a fourth from an offside position, Curt added number five but then as usual we gifted the opposition something from nothing. An aimless lob to the corner of the box and Jugal decided to try and catch it ????? As cockle picking doesn't involve reaching above the head we can only guess as to what he was thinking about. 5-1 but we weren't finished yet as Courtenay scored the goal of the game with a neat chip over the keeper. A bit too easy this but the most worrying thing is the injuries we're all carrying. Thankfully we have no game next week but we all need to train on Thursday at the Zone. So we have set Moldgreen a target of 55pts to catch us - Currently they have 48pts with 3 games in hand.

MOM - everyone including Chris who had nowt tae do

Final score : Walpole 1 Bay 6 - Goalscorers Courtenay(2) Adams Stocker Curtis and Frankie

Next Game : Uppermill Res in the Hoyle Cup Semi Final at Barr Street 19/04/08

Season 2007/08

Played 24 Won 19 Drew 1 Lost 4 For 116 Against 38 Points 55 (3pts deducted)

Who the f**k has been f******g about with the f******g match reports again ? It's like f******g remedial school !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bay 3 Railway 2 - 29/03/08

Fortress Bay welcomed our chums from the Railway at Berry Brow to a blustery Salendine Nook. The Browers were not only looking for revenge for the cup defeat three weeks ago but also looking for 3 points towards their own promotion bid. The Team comprised Chris, Stocks, Tom, Mick and Dean in defence. Christian, Frankie, Courtenay and Ants in midfield with Mr A and Lee up front. Subs were Nathan and Jugal. Hang on a minute you're thinking. !!! , hold the front page, zut alors and cherchez la femme - where is the Special One ? The lack of distinguished looking veterans on the pitch had the crowd bewildered and perplexed, jittery and worried, bemused and beside themselves. Not to worry readers our man of the people (being the only person in a 5 mile radius who knew the rules) was referee for the day. Bay looked good from the off , two goals in the first twelve minutes thro' Mr A and Frankie, it didn't look good for Railway but slowly and surely they clawed their way back into it. Chris threw the ball out to Tom who took longer to control it than BA take to match a passenger with his luggage, and then when dispossessed the Bay lead was halved.10 minutes before the break another lack of due care and attention and they were level, but only for a matter of seconds as we went to the other end, taking the lead after a smart finish by Gary Barlow. Tom's lack of ball control led to injury which meant he would be replaced at half time by Jugal.

Half time : Bay 3 Railway 2

The second half was going to be a tester - going uphill into a strong breeze** and horizontal rain against a team that are very capable of knocking the ball about. It must have been a better second half because I didn't hear as much moaning and screaming for a free kick after minimal contact, it must have helped calling the main offender a puff at one stage and reminding everyone that football is still (but only just) a contact sport. After an hour or so the ball bounced around the Bay area, only two people were interested in going for it, Frankie was one of them and after laying out their centre forward the man in the middle, the centre of attention wherever he goes, pointed straight to the spot. The Railwayman confidently knocked the ball to the keeper's right and then watched in horror as our man in a kilt spotted a 2p coin he lost 3 years ago in the exact spot where the ball travelled. What a let off for the league leaders but there was still more drama to come. Nathan replaced Courtenay after 70 mins. Another raid by the Bay boys saw the ball fall to Christian 8 yards out, the ref was ready to blow for the goal but astonishingly nothing came of it - I don't know whether to call it a gobber or a sitter but that should have been game over. Anyway I don't recall Railway having a decent chance to draw level after that but another case of poor control led to Deano injuring himself as well.

MOM - Ants for protecting the defence

**Anywhere else in the world the weather experts call it a hurricane, up at the Bay it's a strong breeze

Final score : Bay 3 Railway 2 - Goalscorers Adams, Frankie & Lee

Next Game - Walpole Comm Away

Special note : Our home record now P13 Won 13 - well done us

Bay 5 Berry Brow 0 - 15/03/08

Fortress Bay gave a Spring welcome to Berry Brow in the latest Intersectional match. The wind was almost as absent as our huge 35 man squad, as we struggled to fill eleven shirts for one reason or another. Mr Adams put on the big gloves but luckily in front of him were the ever dependable back four. Midfield consisted of Stocks, Christian, Frankie and Jugal. Up front were Lee and Courtenay. The Brow won the toss, lost the ball and then chased shadows for the the next 45 minutes. Four minutes gone we were one up, quick feet, quick thinking and one touch football carved the Brow apart and Courtenay lashed the ball home from 18 yards out. The rest of the half saw us enjoy 80 percent territory and possession with chance after chance going begging. 43 minutes in Courtenay got goalside of the big Centre half who brought him down in the box. Sadly the ref followed the letter of the law and sent him off (the defender that is), which ended all hope for the opposition. Frankie confidently smacked home the spot kick and the ref blew for the break,

Half time : Bay 2 Berry Brow 0

And so we knew the game was won. the Brow have not had a good season by their standards, and today they lost their best player so it didn't look good for the second half. The 80 percent of the first half was repeated in the second as we kept up the champagne football. Why don't we have crowds watching us ? Why have we only eleven men this week ? Christian scored, Lee scored, Stocks scored , The Silver Fox could have had a couple. I didn't see it but I've heard from everyone else that Frankie managed to scare the moon with one effort from between 2 and 6 yards out. Anyway well played us - down to the bare bones, we still look good although it's a biggy next week as we visit Bradley Park to take on Moldgreen, who themselves are having an excellent season.

MOM - Christian - As Frankie dominated the midfield ariel challenge, so Christian ran the show and bagged a goal in the process.

Final Score : Bay 5 Berry Brow 0 - Goalscorers Courtenay,Stocks,Lee, Frankie & Christian

Next Game : Moldgreen FC Away

Railway 1 Bay 2 - 08/03/08

Cup Quarter final day - Manure lost to Pompey - Chelski would later lose to the Blackarsers, so would there be a shock down ol' Holmfirth way as the Bay boys rolled into town ? All change again as our keeper 'Braveheart' returned from the Battle of Bannockburn to find he was still being ruled by his English/Irish masters. Same back four as last week - midfield comprised 'Shaggy Mowat', 'Fagin Frankie' Mrs Stockers favourite son Danny and captain for the day Nathan. Up front were Courtenay the pensioner and Boyz n the Hood star Mr Adams. Subs ? Sherpa Tensing Troy, Take That's Lee and Pool hustler Stan. The most important person at 2pm was Nathan - reason ? to win the toss and play against the strong wind. Toss duly won the next 45 minutes were definitely a backs to the wall effort as the Railwaymen pumped long ball, long throw and big hoof at us. Three times they hit the woodwork but we stood firm, and one of our counter attacks should have led to the opening goal as the Silver Fox chipped over the home defence for Stocks to bear down on goal. Unselfishly he passed across goal for Courtenay who spooned the ball well wide from an off-side position - what a waste ! Rather worryingly Nathan went off injured after 40 minutes and was replaced by Lee.

Half time : Railway 0 Bay 0

For the next 25 minutes we mounted wave after wave of attacks but couldn't score - a combination of poor control of the ball - not shooting when the opportunity arose, and a good display from the home keeper meant the inevitable was bound to happen. An inswinging corner, a touch on and as the Railway players first effort was superbly blocked on the line he followed up to ram home the rebound. One - nil down but not knocking the ball about as well as we can., it didn't look good. 75 minutes in, a great corner from the left was met by big Mick who nodded the equaliser. How the home defence missed a six foot three, twenty stone lump must have horrified the Railway management but who cares ? We were back in it and in the driving seat. Five minutes later a ball in to the box fell to Courtenay who was tripped when there was little danger and the ref had no hesitation pointing to the spot. Lee took responsibility and stepped forward, hoping his bird was watching from the safety of the love machine parked, probably not for the first time in the lay-by. His low shot hit a mole-hill and bounced up over the keepers outstretched glove into the roof of the net. Our three subs went wild and started outsinging the home supporters with their rendition of '' Premiership ? You're having a laugh '' and '' Shall we sing a song for you ? '' . or was that on the telly where I heard it ? Anyway Troy came on for Mr A, and the Railway poured men forward in the search for an equaliser. We weren't going to give one up though and the back four stood as firm as Hadrian's Wall in front of our number one haggis muncher. After the last couple of games which were too easy, it was good to be tested by a well organised, hard working side - our team spirit pulled us through - well done lads - see you all at training Thursday. Sorry it's on Friday at 6pm at the Zone

MOM - Stan - Didn't get the call from the subs bench - but didn't moan either. Some people could learn about being a team player from him.

Final score : Railway 1 Bay 2 - Goalscorers Mick and Lee

Next game ; Berry Brow at home

Upperthong 1 Bay 7 - 01/03/08

The Bay bandwagon rolled into 'Deliverance' territory in the latest challenge to our right to top spot in the division. Missing this week were Chris, Stan, Troy, Ants and Danny. Back came Stocks and in came Eddie and Swalls from the seconds so as you can probably gather we didn't have the same team as last week. Mr Adams went in pegs George Clooney went to right back Tom Thumb was leftie and Little and Large played centre backs. Eddie,Nathan, Frankie and Swalls filled midfield with Thierry Courtenay and Boy band Lee up front. Right from the off, Upperthong couldn't cope and it probably only took 10 minutes of constant pressure before Nathan finished off some good work by Swalls on the right for 1-0. This was our 100th goal this season so well done us so far. 10 minutes later a neat through ball saw Courtenay felled in the box, the keeper sent off for protesting and 2-0 to us as Courtenay just beat the stand in keeper from the spot. The third was really memorable - just ask Courtenay to talk you through it.

Half time : Upperthong 0 Bay 3

The referee blew his whistle to start the second half - Lee passed to Courtenay who laid it back to Frankie who knocked a 50 yarder to the edge of the 'thong penalty area. Eddie rose like a young trout to head the ball into the path of Nathan who finished neatly. Simple, straightforward and planned (the move that is - rather than the home teams conception) - well done Frankie. We could now relax and bring the subs on for a run out - Stocks replaced Paul, and it wasn't long before he ghosted in at the back post to finish off a neat cross from whichever one of us it was that put in the neat cross. The one way traffic never ceased and it was from another deep cross that Lee smartly finished off for 6-0. Being a kindly Christian bunch of people we then allowed Upperthong to have an attack of their own as we let their left winger drift in and shoot from the edge of the box. Grizzly Adams got down smartly and parried the shot but it was still heading goalwards. What followed next was like an unbelievable scene from 'The Matrix' . Tom Wareham decided he would be the hero of the hour and just drop the keepers cap on the ball and protect our goal difference. Instead, in an effort to backheel the ball off the line he somehow managed to combine a panic attack, a dislocated spine and a bout of tourettes into a consolation goal for the hosts. Well ..... all our sympathy was with Tom and no-one has mentioned it since, so I hope you all can find it in your hearts to only whisper about it when he's within earshot - I'm sure he hasn't slept since and will need therapy and training this Thursday at 'The Zone' on St Andrews Road from 8-9pm - see you all there (£2 each) . We picked ourselves up and carried on as best we could - Jugal came on for Mick and Alex replaced the inconsolable Tom who probably watched the rest of the game behind teary eyes wondering if we had noticed Jimmy Traore v Burnley re-enactment of a scouse git. Anyway lets not mention it again as it's embarassing innit ? There was just time left for another flowing Bay move to find Stocks wide right who sent over a true 'Up & Under' which deceived Paul Robinson in the home goal to complete the scoring.

MOM - It was too easy so all 14 who played a part shared it (even Tom)

Final score : Upperthong Tom - sorry 1 Bay 7 Goalscorers Nathan(2) Courtenay(2) Stocker(2) Lee ( and not forgetting Tom)

Next Game = Railway away in the Hoyle Cup Quarter Final

Bay 6 Uppermill Res 2 - 23/02/08

Fortress Bay welcomed our Uppermill chums from across the border for week 19 of the season. Keeper Chris was still on babysitting duties, Stocks was with the 2nds and Nathan had a trial with Crewe Alexander so all our best wishes from everyone at the Bay - lets hope you get your chance. Stan & Troy returned and home expectations were high. In an entertaining first half it was Uppermill who opened the scoring after 20 minutes as their centre forward capitalised on indecision between sweeper and keeper to stab the ball between our mature keepers legs. 15 minutes later the mighty Bay were shocked again as Deano and Jugal got their defending wrong and the 'mill player saw his shot hit Dean and loop over our stand in No'1 for 2-0. The Bay had plenty of chances in the 1st half to go in at half time leading but a combination of good keeping and shots like that one of Frankies which didn't even go for a throw meant the score remained the same after 45 minutes.

Half time : Bay 0 Uppermill 2

Sometimes when you're 2 goals behind at the break the team talk can be all gloom and doom but not this one. There were no negatives - we knew we were the better side and once we got one we'd get more - we were right of course. Uppermill hardly got out of their half in the next 45 minutes as we laid siege. 5 minutes in we were back in it as Jugal put in a quality cross for the Becham-like Lee to plant a fine header in off the post . Danny had been putting in real quality inswinging corners all match, which were crying out for a touch by one of our lot. After 60 minutes he swung in another which everyone admired so much (including the keeper) they all left it to drop in at the far post for 2-2. Now it was a matter of how many we got as the mill struggled to cope with the onslaught. Lee got another, Mr Adams contributed one, Courtenay came off the bench to put one away and Danny rounded the keeper to complete the scoring. Thanks again to Bob Wareham for reffing and doing a good job

We have now played 20 games (19 league & 1 Cup) and scored 99 goals

MOM - This was one of those non memorable games that you end up just being happy to win - but with two goals and a classy left foot the award goes to Danny Ryan.

Final score : Bay 6 Uppermill 2 Goalscorers Lee(2) Danny (2) Adams and Courtenay

Next game = Upperthong away

Stag 1 Bay 7 - 16/02/08

The Mighty Bay aka the League of Nations took their roadshow down to Dalton this week minus keeper Chris, Stan, Nathan, Troy, and Courtenays idea of 'the team comes first'. Luckily the Special One was back from international duty and was entrusted with the role of Gordon Banks in front of a near capacity crowd. Briefly , 1-0 = Frankie is lucky the keeper fell over as he knocks his penalty straight down the middle. 2-0 = Mr Adams turns in a cross from someone. 3-0 = think it was Frankie again . 4-0 = that might have been Lee's first. I don't think Stag had a meaningful shot to report but at the end of 45 minutes it was very comfortable for us.

Half time : Stag 0 Bay 4

The second half was much the same as the first really with all the threat coming from a rampant Bay side looking to increase the goal difference. 5-0 = Could have been Mr Adams with his second of the match - but after an hour of play the Stag centre forward, half hit a harmless 'shot' towards the Bay box. In a scene straight out of Star Trek . our keeper was transported 10 yards out of position to gift the Stag a consolation goal. It would be too easy to blame alien interference for our stand in keepers lack of positioning, so therefore the only sane explaination was that he was wearing Frankies 1st team gloves, and is therefore obliged to 'let one in'. Anyway 6-1 = Lee follows up a parry by the keeper and 7-1 Frankie completes his hat trick. Around this time one of our forwards decided that throwing his rattle out of the pram, and having a tantrum because he hadn't scored might somehow help the team ! Wroooooooooooooooooong !!!!!!!!!

MOM - Won most of the headers in the centre mid to keep Stag penned in their own half, plus a hat-trick means it goes to Frankie.

Next game = Uppermill Res at home

Bay 11 Ireti 0 - 09/02/08

The Special One was at the Galpharm this week (some might say on a freebie) but I like to think it was more of a chance for the Huddersfield public to see the legend in person. Keeper Chris was on best behaviour at home which meant Frankie pulled on the big gloves and Jugal started at right back. I was on my 3rd pint of Guinness by the time Bay kicked off but there was never going to be anything to worry about against a team we've scored 15 against in two matches. Special thanks to Bob for reffing.

Half time - dunno

MOM - dunno

Next game - dunno

Final score : Bay 11 Ireti 0 Goalscorers og, Stocker (3) Courtenay (3) Ants Frankie and Lee(2)

Hepworth 3 Bay 0 - 02/02/08

Looking out the bedroom window at 8-30 a.m. the first thought was ooh isn't the snow pretty - my garden looked just as good as anyones under 4 inch of snow. Second thought was ooh shit games off; so her indoors isn't going to be happy having me at home again on a Saturday, instead of defying age, gravity and the advice of certain people to retire. Anyway Mick's mobile was hotter than the Batphone trying to get us a game, and that's why we ended up switching our home game to the Holme Valley. Wow ! Huge ! What a whopper ! No,I'm not talking about Mr Adams' lunchbox, I'm talking about the big mistake of giving up home advantage to a team that haven't lost since week 4 of the season ! plus we went up there without a centre midfield, plus half the team haven't trained for weeks while the rain fell, plus we never f******g win at Hepworth, plus 3 or 4 players turned up in the wrong frame of mind, plus we didn't have an independent ref, I could go on - in fact next time I do the team talk I probably will do. Anyway to the game. For 20 minutes we were the better team without creating too much but then a huge amount of indecision at the back, coupled with Chris flapping at the hot potato led to their young centre forward putting Hepworth 1-0 up. Within minutes we were awarded a penalty (during a period of play which was not pretty to listen to as we snarled and cursed at each other) but unfortunately Courtenay hit the post.

Half time : Hepworth 1 Bay 0

The second half did happen but I'm not going to report on it - not because I can't remember ( though that would be a blessing) - no, I'm saying nothing much except Hepworth scored twice more + we wouldn't have scored in a brothel offering Buy one get one free + I might just have seen the worst player ever to have pulled on a Bay shirt. This is obviously a negative report but there were one or two positives. Nathan played well - Frankie got stuck in even though we played him centre mid - Mick kept Hepworth out late on - Stocks got stuck in more - Dean towed after a shaky start - Clarkey played well. But..................

We missed Ants and Hugo driving us forward from midfield - we missed Mr Adams to link up with - we missed Courtenay using the opposition for target practice - we missed the part about about team work and being mates - in fact we missed the point - and got none.

MOM - On a bad day this has to be shared - Nathan and Frankie

Final score : Hepworth 3 Bay 0

Next game = Ireti at home 09/02/07 -why not come training though ?

SATURDAY 19th JANUARY - Graham Israel is having a stag do - meeting 8pm in top Witherspoons. Issy 480 yrs old (best known as being chief fundraiser for Curtis & Cassidys nights out) has been at the Bay since the English Civil War when he played for the Roundheads but we got him on a free transfer when we were known as the Gay Bay Cavaliers. Graham is the only man I know that can beat a 7ft centre forward in the air without apparently jumping -We think his moustache had wings long before the age of Red Bull. For those that can't make it down town I'm sure Issie will be having a few in the Bay after Saturdays games.

Bay 5 Ireti 0 - Hoyle Cup 1st Round 12/01/08

Ah the romance of the cup, when all the little teams dream of playing at the Wembley of Huddersfield in late April. The Fortress Bay crowd gave a tickertape welcome to the future Captains of Industry from Ireti. In one of these write ups, it would be nice to say that we fielded an unchanged team from the week before, we seem to be down to 13 players each week now out of a playing squad of 32. Anyway to the game. The bad weather relented for a day which made playing conditions good if slightly bobbly. I think 43 out of the first 45 minutes were played in the visitors half as yet again we totally dominated. With Smudge dropped to the 1st team and Marcus to the 2nds we welcomed back Frankie to the attack and Nathan to left side midfield and it was this combination that earned our first goal as Nathan sent over a deep cross for Frankie to loop a well controlled header back over the keeper for 1-0. The second wasn't long coming as Nathan finished sweetly from 15 yards following good work from Ants & Hugo. The third after 40 mins came from the right side and a neat passing move by Hugo and Stocks ended with a good finish from Mr Adams

Half time : Bay 3 Ireti 0

The half time team talk focused on composure and unselfish play in and around goal. Obviously I must have been talking in Swahili or Welsh judging by the next 45 minutes, although our kilt wearing keeper Chris didn't have a shot to save all game. We scored 2 more through Young Stocker and one that Mr Adams is claiming, as the ball fell to him six yards out with his back to goal. He turned - eventually, and unleashed an absolute thunderbolt which took a deflection off a dandelion and two worms, and some time later crossed the goal line and almost rippled the net. Every single minute after that we seemed to have a chance to increase our goal tally but the safest place to be was in the Ireti goal. We've been reported to the RSPB for worrying seagulls and the Red Arrows had to re-route their fly over, as it was too dangerous in the Salendine Nook area. The big crowd on the next pitch for the Lindley v Slaithwaite rugby match decided to watch us instead as shot after shot got higher and higher and turned into conversions. We never like to name names but the guiltiest were Hugo, Mr Adams and special mention to Frankie for the sheer number of attempts that took off like scud missiles into the evening sky ( and then pleading with me to be lenient in the report) Sorry but that takes money !

MOM - Making a successful return after a foot injury and playing very well on the left means Nathan gets the vote today

Final score : Bay 5 Ireti 0 Goalscorers Frankie, Mr Adams(2) Nathan & Stocks . Next game : Hepworth at HOME

Half term report : Maths = A .....75 goals in 16 games - very pleased

Geography (Home) = A+ ...Played 9 Won 9 ........ very very pleased - It's not called Fortress Bay because it's on a tourist trail !

Geography (Away) = C .., Played 7 Won 4 Drawn 1 Lost 2......... Looks like we don't perform quite as well when we come down closer to sea level.

English = C ....... We'd probably get an A + if it was gibberish we were tested on

History = U ......Formed in 1972, the Bay 3rd team have never won so much as a breakfast, never mind a trophy.

PE = A ..... Definitely the best team in the league both for attitude, effort and performance

Behaviour = C .... One or two players with behavioural problems, letting the rest of the angelic team down at times (you know who you are)

Headmaster's comments: Anyone walking into the Bay dressing room before a game would think they were attending a meeting between Martin Luther King's followers and the Ku Klux Klan. Luckily on the pitch they play football as it should be played. Enough bulls..t - got to go wash up & do the ironing if I want to play out next weekend.

Moldgreen Con 5 Bay 3 - 05/01/08

Could we make it ten in a row? - How much would we miss goal machine Courtenay? Did Santa really forget to bring me a Nintendo Wii ? Two of those questions would be answered in the next 90 minutes, as the mighty Bay rolled into Almondbury for this top v top Intersectional clash. It was the Bay that settled earliest with some wonderful one touch football, particularly down the right flank.15 minutes in it was 1-0 as great approach play by most of the team resulted in a low cross by Marcus giving Jugal the easiest of tap ins. 10 minutes later it was 2 - this time some more simple football ended with a rasper from 20 yards by Hugo.Bay were rampant, seemingly picking off the Con at will - but maybe the defining moment of the match came two minutes later. Smudge was fouled five yards outside the box and he curled in a beauty giving the keeper no chance - 3-0 we thought - but the ref disallowed it for offside which was incredibly harsh. This seemed to galvanise Moldgreen who then forced themselves in to the game. Their pressure paid off just before the break, as an innocuous challenge saw the Con's Danny DeVito lookalike smurf b*****d take an olympic worthy dive for a penalty.

Half time : Moldgreen Con 1 Bay 2

The hosts scored almost immediately after the break, and followed that up a few minutes later with another, to completely transform the match. Mick then hoisted a long free kick into their box and Mr Adams beat the keeper in the air for 3-3. That was more or less all that Moldgreen allowed us from then, as they tore us apart to take a two goal lead despite having a man sent off for a two footed lunge. On reflection this was a fair result : We basically hammered them for 30 minutes playing excellent passing football, but well done to the home team who changed their line up and used the narrow pitch to their advantage. The referee had an excellent game but how different might it have been if we had taken the three goal lead ? Or if Courtenay had played = We'll never know. Hopefully this result will bring us back down to earth and we can win our next ten matches, starting next Saturday home to Ireti in the Hoyle Cup.

MOM goes to Chris for making some decent saves - I think this is the first game we haven't protected our keeper, hence the scoreline.

Final Score : Moldgreen Con 5 Bay 3 - Goalscorers Hugo, Jugal, Adams

Attendance : at least 17 ( that includes our defence)

WHO'S TAKEN THE LAST TWO REPORTS OFF ? Do you know how long it takes me to write this drivel ? Who am i talking to ?

Grange Moor 1 Bay 7 - 22/12/07

Netherton 0 Bay 4 - 08/12/07

After an anxious morning watching the skies & wondering just how much more rain could fall we set off to Netherton minus Clarkey(in Derby) Smudge ( at work) Troy ( Tenerife) and Ash (leeds match). Back came Mr Adams & Mick to the starting line up with Frankie and Bob filling the bench alongside Jugal. For the pigs and hippos among us the pitch was in perfect condition with lots of mud to plough through, and it was the Bay that coped best with the watery surface by keeping the ball flowing and creating a host of chances. Mr Adams missed the best one from 2 yards out which hit the post but the home keeper also saved well from Courtenay & Nathan to keep the score goalless. 30 minutes in Netherton had 5 minutes of pressure with the big centre back hitting the bar from a corner and then Chris turned a free kick round his post - that was it for Netherton attacks as a corner for Bay was headed in by Cassidy and 5 minutes later the Bay carved open the home defence again which was finished sweetly by Mr Adams. At this point some of the Netherton tackles turned 'alehouse' with the ref turning a blind eye.

Half time : Netherton 0 Bay 2

In the second half we expected Netherton to push more men forward as they chased the game. Not sure if they did or not because we totally bossed the game, and no one can remember the home team having another shot. The back four stood firm all game which allowed Cass and Ants to control the centre midfield.With Stocks attacking down the right and Courtenay terrorising them on the left it was only a matter of waiting for the next goal, and what a beauty it was as Courtenay picked the ball up 25 yards from goal but wide on the left. He then unleashed an absolute rasper that i doubt the keeper even saw let alone wanted to get his hand to. Time for some changes - on came Frankie for Mr A, Jugal for Stocks and Bob for Nathan but this didn't stop the one-way tide as we continued to tear them apart. One chance that fell to Frankie ended with an air shot which was so embarassing i'm not even going to mention it. The silver fox then had a 30 yarder well saved and followed that 5 minutes later with an effort hitting the post. After 80 mins it was all over as the right back intercepted a clearance and played in Frankie who chipped the keeper fom the edge of the box for 4-0

MOM - could really have gone to anyone but with Courtenay causing havoc in the Netherton half he was ably backed up by his left back - therefore MOM goes to Tom Wareham

Final score ; Netherton 0 Bay 4 - Goalscorers Adams, Allette, Cassidy and Frankie

BREAKING NEWS - Reuters 02/12/07 (About tea-time)

As everyone is aware, England's failure to qualify for the European Championships next year resulted in the sacking of manager Steve McLaren. There is a lot of speculation in the press and on TV as to who his replacement will be. We at the Bay need to know as current favourite for the job is "The Special One" - How would big Mick cope without the silver fox ? How much compensation would we get ( or have to pay ?) Who would play right back ? As soon as the FA have cocked up their decision we will inform you..........

Lindley Lib 3 Bay 7 - 01/12/07

The bragging rights for top team in Lindley were up for grabs as the Bay arrived at a chilly clock tower for this intersectional match. Bay were without Troy, Mr Adams and big Mick, but welcomed back Smudge and Stan to the starting line up. The 2nd team was waterlogged off so Cassidy pleaded for a game and took big Micks place alongside Stan. I don't want to be negative but we were bloody awful in the first half, with Cass gifting the Lib their first goal and the rest of us playing like strangers. After 30 mins a speculative shot by Courtenay took a huge deflection to draw Bay level and 10 minutes later we were 3-1 ahead thanks to two goals from Courtenay, apart from that there wasn't too much for the large crowd to admire, though Pete Dungan's shot that went for a throw kind of summed it up

Half time : Lindley Lib 1 Bay 3

The second half was largely one way traffic as Smudge and Ants gained control of the middle, but although the referee wasn't having a great game ( just like the players) some of the Bay lads seemed intent on getting booked by whingeing like spoilt little girls. Smudge got booked for pulling out of a tackle then Deano had a mad two minutes which saw him lose all composure on the ball, give away a needless penalty and get booked for moaning. 3-2 now we couldn't throw this one away could we ? Changes were made as Nathan and Jugal came on and we started playing again. A swift pass from right back to young Stocks was moved on to Courtenay who gave the keeper no chance to bag his hat-trick and restore the 2 goal cushion. Our young sub Jugal got in on the act finishing neatly after a quality set up by our No 2. Five minutes later the contest was over with the goal of the season, as quick passing between Tom, Ants, Smudge and then a perfect one-two between Nathan & Courtenay saw the former through on goal from which Nathan made no mistake. Our philosophy is to play football from the back but this led to Libs third goal as keeper Chris passed a deadball straight to their centre forward on the edge of the box for 6-3. There was just enough time left for young Stocks to make it seven and for Courtenay to spoil all his good work by getting sent off for questioning the referees knowledge of the offside law.

MOM Smudge for keeping us playing football

Final score : Lindley Lib 3 Bay 7 Goalscorers Allette(3) Stocker, Swallow, Alexander and an og

Bay 5 Syngenta 1 24/11/07

Fortress Bay welcomed reigning champions Syngenta to Salendine Nook for this intersectional match. Having lost their last 2 matches Harry Wood was hoping his Charlie Bradshaw led team could get back on track against a Bay side missing several players for one reason or another. Twas a foul day weatherwise at the Nook so the Special grey one having won the toss, elected to play with the strong wind from the start. This turned out to be decisive as Dariush opened the scoring after 15 mins with a wind assisted overhead kick from 20 yards out. Syngenta always looked dangerous on the break hitting the post after 25mins, but almost immediately Bay struck again, as a corner was powered home by big Mick at the back post. 2 minutes before the break Courtenay scored with a neat finish after good work from Ants & Dariush

Half time : Bay 3 Syngenta 0

The half time talk consisted mainly of the need to defend from the front by holding the ball up in the gale force wind, unfortunately without Mr Adams to do that for us this week we were up against wave after wave of Syngenta attacks . Clarkey was away in Derby so young Dean was pressed into centre back duty alongside Mick while Troy came in off the wing to help Ants in the middle of midfield. This was where we won the game in the second half !!!! Last season we would have folded against a decent team and a strong wind but our resolve now is a source of pride, which is reflected in the fact that our Leeds Road rivals were restricted to long range shots and a dozen corners in the second half with only one goal to show for it. Chris was resolute in goal - the defence stood firm and were always willing to play football with the midfield rather than hoof it, and because of this young Danny Stocker benefitted with two second half goals.

MOM could have gone to Stocks or Dariush for their work up and down the wings but the spine of the team stood firm so Mick & Ants get a joint vote for the workrate they put in

Final score Bay 5 Syngenta 1 Goalscorers Stocker(2)Humphreys Allette Pashazadeh

Bay 4 Uppermill 1 17/11/07

With the 1st & 2nd team pulling rank at Sally Nook the Fortress Bay roadshow trundled along to Lindley Libs ground again as we welcolmed high flying Uppermill. With the Special One hampered by pestilence/disease/man flu there was a debut in goal for Chris Hickman ex-Lower Hopton keeper,Drew came in at right back and Hugo filled the midfield. For 10 minutes Bay dominated and led after the mill keeper was forced into an error by Hugo, who scored his first this season. but after that Uppermill showed why they are top of the 1st division. They equalised on 35mins when the centre forward pulled down a through ball and finished superbly from the edge of the box. . Bay then managed to keep the mill out for the rest of the half as they pressed the advantage

Half time :Bay 1 Uppermill 1

Uppermill contined to press - they hit the bar, hit the post and Chris pulled off 2 good saves in the second half, but it was Bay who went in front as some neat footy enabled Courtenay to finish for 2-1. I think one or two of the visitors heads then went down especially after Courtenay hit a superb second after good strong play from Hugo and then quick thinking at a free kick saw Nathan clean through to put the game beyond doubt. 2 minutes from time Courtenay was fouled in the box for a Bay penalty and after some discussion Tutankhamun moonwalked up to the spot did a couple of break-dances and dislocated both knees as he fired the ball 5 yards wide - oh how we larfed

Well done lads we could have lost this one but we stuck together and kept the belief in our own football ability to bag the three points (we now need to follow this up next week v Syngenta - which will be another tough test)

MOM Hugo

Final score Bay 4 Uppermill 1 Goalscorers Hugo,Allette(2) Alexander

Bay 5 Stag 2 03/11/07

Stag were the latest visitors to fortress Bay, and as we were down to just 13 men a big thanks go to the Stag official for refereeing and doing a good job. Last weeks champagne football was replaced by shandy bass as both sides seemed intent on passing to each other for long periods of the 1st half. Luckily in and amongst Courtenay scored twice while Troy seemed determined to shoot down every passing seagull when the net looked an easier option.

Half time : Bay 2 Stag 0

Yes it got worse even though Mr Adams and another from Courteney saw us lead 4-0 after an hour. Clarkey then self destructed and laid one on a plate for the Stag centre forward to beat the 'Special One' in the Bay goal. Chance after chance kept going begging for Bay though to be fair the Stag keeper had a very good game. Courteney then grabbed his fourth before young Dean Burns decided that his hairstyle was more important than clearing a nondescript cross which cruelly exposed our heroic No.1 as he was lobbed for their second. Not a good game for the sparse crowd to cheer about but at least it's another three points. No game next week by the way

MOM Clarkey

Final score Bay 5 Stag 2 Goalscorers Allette (4) Adams

Bay 4 Upperthong 0 20/10/07

We returned to Fortress Bay on a lovely Autumnal afternoon, and welcomed Upperthong to the Nook. It's a good job we have a bigger squad than some European armies, as we don't know who's turning up from one week to the next ! Thanks Bob for reffing ( Though I won't tell you what mark you were awarded) Frankies injury meant the silver fox took over in goal and with the likes of Steve Smith making his debut from the subs bench, you kind of wondered if this was going to be a bit one sided. When Courtenay scored a brilliant free kick after 90 seconds we knew it was our day and 10 minutes later the same man made it 2.

Upperthong kind of lost their way football wise when Courtenay scored his third, but their only chance of the first half saw them earn a corner. The Bay defence lost concentration and as a vicious dipping volley headed like an exocet missile into the top corner, a hero was called for - and up rose Pete Dungan not only to punch over the bar but also to treat the crowd to a double somersault on the way back down.

(I won't mention Mick Humphreys missing a right gobber from 4 yards out)

Half time Bay 3 Upperthong 0

We made changes early in the second half which didn't alter the one way traffic, though the management will be holding a pre match seminar before next weeks game to explain the offside rule.

Anyway Courtenay added his fourth, Dean Burns scored but Upperthong decided that acting like spoilt brats and whingeing to the ref would force him to change his mind. Guess what ? It worked - how bizarre.

The seasoned Bay keeper then pulled off another quality save to ensure Bay kept a clean sheet for the first time this season.

MOM Courtenay

Final score Bay 4 Upperthong 0 Goalscorer Allette (4)

Railway 2 Bay 1 13/10/07

Oh dear ! If this had been a boxing match the ref would have stopped it at half time.Bay would have another 3 points and we'd all be happy. It's a funny old game this football - We could & should have been 3 up in the 1st half but weren't

Half time Railway 0 Bay 0

After 60 mins young Dean Burns hit a shot across a crowded goalmouth which luckily hit Adams for the opener - what a relief - now it was time to finish them off we thought. We thought wrong as some rank awful defending saw Frankie injured saving Railways only chance so far. Bob went in goal but within 5 minutes we were 2-1 down thanks to some Phil Neville school of defending. That was it - we laid siege but knew it wasn't our day. 85% of possession and chances counts for nothing if you can't hit a barn door at one end while acting like Santa Clause at the other . MOM Drew

Final Score : Railway 2 Bay 1 Goalscorer Adams

Bay 3 Moldgreen 1 06/10/07

Fortress Bay saw the hardest challenge so far - Moldgreen were up for it from the off - we started with the 3-4-3 system again and were very nearly punished for it. With Ants & Dariush out with injuries, the enforced reshuffle had us struggling from the start. Tell you one thing though - one legged Frankie in goal gave everyone a much needed boost. The rest of us just needed to get up to speed with his long throw outs ! After 25 mins we went one up as young Stocker stole in from Adams in a round the keeper type move, but it wasn't a lead Bay merited. 5 minutes later the same Mr Adams had a 'gobber' cleared off the line, Moldgreen broke fast and deservedly equalised. At this point they looked by far the better team and thankfully the break came at just the right time.

Half Time : Bay 1 Moldgreen 1

One of the bonuses about this season so far, is that we now seem to have a squad where we can change things when we need to. We changed to 4-4-2 and prospered. Bay were now calling the shots and limiting Moldgreen's attacks. After 65 mins Drew sent over a pinpoint corner for Mick Humphreys to power in for his first of the season. We were thankful to Frankie as he pulled off a wonderful save to preserve the 2-1 lead, and 5 minutes from time Adams stroked in the third after a good move down the left flank. Man of the match goes to big Mick for his second half display (and goal) but Mr. Adams would have shared it was it not for his Italian centre forward type penalty appeal in the first half. (I would call him a puff but I daren't). OK, 10 points from 12 is not bad, in fact it's a hell of a bonus compared to last seasons dross, but let's hope we can continue to improve and build on the excellent start to this season.

Final Score : Bay 3 Moldgreen 1 Goalscorers Stocker, Adams & Humphreys

After last season's triumph in the West Riding County Amateur League, when Bay Athletic lifted the Dr Hughes Trophy as Champions and the appearance in the Challange Cup Final against Sherburn WR (Examiner match report), management at the club have moved swiftly to capitalise on their success.

In October of this year a three year deal with Prime Time Recruitment was negotiated which will greatly enhance the considerable income required to keep a winning team fighting again for the prestigious Mumtaz Premier Division Trophy. Other sponsorship deals have also been secured. Names such as NatWest, Beaumonts Insurance, and Mitie have put their weight behind the Champions. Officials and players have both expressed their gratitude at the wide range of support shown to the club.

Club officials have also commissioned this new updated website and several members are keen to input news, photographs and articles on a regular basis. Special praise must go to Chris Dean, Kev Burns and Graham Buckley for their hard work in this enterprize. As well as providing useful online information, it is hoped that the website will also exhibit an impressive online record of achievement and photographic archive for Bay Athletic's three football teams.