Kai Francis scored a hat-trick as Barnes Stormers FC showing they were the mein men coming back from a goal down to thrash Egg Fried Reus to start the 23/24 league campaign with a win.
Egg Fried Reus no. 24 might sound like a takeaway menu selection but that's who scored the opposition's first goal as Barnes opened their 23/24 league campaign but Kai's delicate finish restored parity within a few minutes and the visitors never looked back.
The Stormers dominated the rest of the first half with Kai's second goal a curling effort from the edge of the box completing the turnaround to take the lead before half time. Casey got his season off to a bang with a peach of a goal just 5 minutes later, the big man smashing a loose ball after the hosts conceded possessione easily on the edge of their box.
Debutant Dan side footed past the home keeper for his first goal in Barnes colours whilst Kai completed his hattrick with a low strike after latching onto a lobbed through ball from the Barnes midfield.
Casey's second of the game was a neat finish late on and rounded off the Barnes scoring to make it 6 whilst the hosts added a late consolation goal to make it 6-2 at the final whistle. Barnes who finished mid table last season move to top of the division on goal difference after only 1 other league fixture this matchday weekend.
One half of our SSFL mamnagement duo, Jack McGarva, shared his thoughts on the game; "It's a great to start the new season with a convincing win, especially over a team that we failed to beat last season. We welcomed back Kai, Ryan, James and Liam after some time away from the side. Kai made his presence known hitting a superb hattrick, Casey added two excellent goals with Dan Rampton, on debut, hitting out 6th. The boys hope to build on this with a trip to Deportivo La Cowruna coming up next. In the meantime, we'll enjoy sitting top of the league!".
