Barnes Stormers FC make a much anticipated return to football on Sunday after a long Winter break as they take on ACT Arantes FC in a re-arranged SSFL Division 7 league match.
After a lack of pitch permits, requested weeks off, waterlogged pitches, a Covid-19 outbreak across London, and the annual Christmas break, the Stormers have gone nearly 8 weeks with no competitive fixture. They return to action against ACT Arantes FC, against whom their previous fixture was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch. Given the recent weather, we're now hoping that the ground isn't frozen over for the weekend!
Much was made of the reverse leg of this league fixture as Barnes turned up with just 10 men and saw out the second half with just 8 players on the pitch in a 2-1 loss to Arantes. This time out, Barnes are hoping for a more competitive fixture with a full squad, "Not much has changed in terms of our approach to this fixture despite the weeks' off we've had, the main difference this week actually is that I'm handing the reigns over to my co-manager Harry Cooper to manage from the side lines to help maximise our focus on/off the pitch" said manager Tom Jackson.
The squad does have a couple of big omissions with long term injury to Scot keeping him sidelined and club captain, Billy Brice, in isolation. However, Barnes do welcome back Khalil, the goalscorer from the reverse leg and also James, Luke and Barney - all of whom have been away for most of the season. Barnes Stormers also hope to give a debut to young Michael who has shown alot of promise in training and manager Jacko hopes will add a different dynamic, "Michael is a new, young lad but has shown what he can do in training and I really look forward to being on the pitch with him when he makes his club debut - that is of course if my co-manager Harry Cooper has still got me on the pitch!".
This fixture has everything for a really entertaining match and a real prospect of highly competitive and closely socring match. If you're around on Sunday, this is one you do not want to miss so come and support The Stormers this Sunday!
Sunday 16th January 2022
KO 12:30pm
Barn Elms Sports Centre
Queen Elizabeth Walk
Barnes
SW13 0DG