Sigh-Hat 6 v Bellevue Barrage 0

If the Combined Arms fanclub that made the trip to Victoria were hoping for an upset, they would have left the Sludge Pit thoroughly dissapointed as the visiting Bellewegians found themselves blown off the park by a well-drilled sigh-hat outfit.

Outclassed in every sector, Senior Coach Kaappo Tihonnen was philosophical about his team’s effort.

“It was clear well before the kick-off that we were going to struggle, so we set a defensive 4-5-1 formation to try and reach some kind of parity in midfield, but when that whistle blew, we were outperformed all over the park.”

The statistics tell a damning story, with only 33 and 37% possession respectively, denying the Barrage even a single shot on goal. There were some positives to take from the game however.

“Grady actually had quite a good game, his stop in the 27th minute from that charge up the center definitely showed his potential, but I’m loath to criticise our defence – we might be in the same series, but we are not in the same league!”

This match was Bellevue’s second loss of the season, although it was clear that the team had improved from their 7-0 drubbing from fellow leaders Red & Green Machine, with Danesh Gambhir showing off his technical abilities in midfield during the two occasions he actually received the ball.

Bellevue now sit fourth in V.238, with second through fifth separated only by goal difference, on three wins and two losses apiece.

Preview: Bellevue Barrage vs GIL FC

This game will be bigger than any our valiant Bellwegians have ever played before!

…mostly beacuse of our new stadium upgrade! A frankly monstrous 45% capacity increase will take The Armoury to a total seating capacity of 19,009, with expansions in every aspect of the arena, from the Terraces to the VIP Box.

Weather and fan mood will play a substantial role in filling it this weekend, but the mostly-imaginary Barrage Administration Team remain hopeful that they haven’t blown their entire budget on a folly that will haunt them for seasons to come.

…right guys?

In the match, Bellevue have an opportunity to sneak three points from their unpredictable rivals, who have bought in two new defending talents, with a combined TSI nearly exceeding the entire Bellevue Squad. The Combined Arms fanclub still trumpet their teams chances, stating that “It will be a very close affair”.

And the fans are never wrong… right?

HTUM Youth League II: Mini Malcolms 1 v Bellevue Battery 1

There was a distinct fear that with the departure of goalkeeping superstar Grady Rapid, there would be a gaping hole in central defence and between the sticks.

But it’s cool, we’ve got another one!

Bronx Turagabea took his place as the No1 keeper and despite some early jitters, culminating in a goal down the left side in the 11th minute, Bellevue’s newest keeping sensation held the line.

Late in the match, Turagabea even stopped an 86th minute shocker, as his cohort Christian Cartledge made a meal of a simple clearance at right back, gifting the Mini Malcolm forwards a late shot at goal.

That save, combined with a converted cross from soft-spoken Ron Tai in the 75th minute, saw the Barrage leave the Don Revie stadium with a very important point.

This draw sees the Battery hold 4th place in the Youth League, as the last minute entrants (and potential joke side) begin to earn some serious respectibility.

Next week, it’s the Battery at home to a struggling MS Odense U18 side.