Page 20 - Brislington FC v Bristol Telephones 251123

Bris v Warminster Town

On a horrendous evening for travel, let alone outdoor sport, the Foxes headed off to
Wiltshire, to face lowly Warminster on what originally seemed to be a fool's errand, but
turned out to be another three points and four goals on Brislington's match day number
18.
The back end of storm 'Babet' had seen many (possibly all) local games cancelled. With
earlier warnings for possible flooding issued by the Met Office and, surprisingly, (knowing
the pitch at Weymouth Street), and despite a full day of rain, the game was s ll on.
One wonders, though, when these games are assessed to go ahead, and how much
thought is given to travel to and from the game for players and supporters alike, not just
to consider whether or not the playing surfaced is waterlogged!
In this case, even though the journey to the game was hindered by weather-impacted
traffic, (some roads on the way home had their own de mes!), there were areas of
standing water on the pitch, and notwithstanding the pitch would probably be thoroughly
churned-up and likely to impact the surface condi on for the rest of the season, the game
went ahead regardless.
Ash Kington and Neil Graydon were in charge of precedings for the evening as manager Lee
Perks was away. The stand-in gaffers were missing several players, including Jay Malpass,
the latest addi on to the sick list with a heavily-bruised foot, joining Barwood, Jones,
McCarthy, Me ers, Ewins and Withey, all absent. Also unavailable were the recent U18's
players who have played a vital role this season, as they were due to play AEK Boco U18s
the same evening, their match subsequently called off earlier as the relentless rain had hit
Bristol.

Dean Griffiths scores Brislington 1st goal
Warminster 0 Brislington 1.
With considerable doubt as to whether or not the Warminster game would go ahead, no
a empt was made to fill the bench and make them travel unnecessarily.
Thankfully, returning to the squad was Joe McClennan, Oaklan Buck and Conor Bryant.
With the rain con nuing, both teams looked happy enough to be playing, although I would
imagine both keepers were less enamoured with the tes ng condi ons. It was the visitors
who looked the more comfortable, Joe McLennan ge ng an early effort in, as did Jordan
Williams from distance, his shot going well wide of the goal. Dorrington was also forced
into a straigh orward save early on, the theme was set: there were going to be shots at
goal!!