Game Changer came agonisingly close to securing their first ever victory after falling once again to defeat, following a defeat to Barnsley Charity by four goals to two.
The hosts had initially fallen behind but a rally which saw Kevin Laws net from the penalty spot, and Jamie Moore net his first ever goal for the Changer side, gifted a 2-1 lead at the break. Striker Jesse Payne was unfortunate not to extend their lead after twice hitting the crossbar in the early exchanges of the second half, but a mixture of composure and difficult high balls saw the visitors score three second half goals to win the match, with Peter Kovacs and Jason Smith both completing a brace for the visitors.
The match was initially to take place at Barnsley Academy, however, due to unforeseen circumstances, the match was relocated to a recreation field in Jump.
Game Changer had come into this fixture following a 7-2 defeat at home to newly formed Highgate FC last weekend. Despite taking the lead in what was a spirited performance, a poor second half saw the Changer side succumb to defeat. The hosts came into the match with Barnsley Charity without several players. Matthew Townsend, and Jack Brown were notable absentees. On the opposition, Martin Wilsdon featured against the side who has previously made several appearances for Game Changer in 2023.
Game Changer 2-4 Barnsley Charity Saturday, 27th May 2023 – Kick-Off: 11:00 AM Friendly Match
Game Changer XI | Substitutes |
Ryan Hunter | Ben Peel |
Scott Rooke | Jamie Moore |
Peter Harrison | Ali Lima |
Paul Holland | |
Luke Dowl | Manager |
Cameron Harrison | Gavin Frost |
Dean Crawford | |
Kevin Laws | |
Josh Payne | |
Jesse Payne | |
Brandon Jones | |
MOORE TO COME FROM CHANGER TEAM
In a positive performance the Game Changer side got off to a positive start and could have ended the half in a greater margin. Yet, despite a superior performance, typically, it was the visitors who went ahead when Kovacs flashed an effort across the box that caught keeper, Ryan Hunter, off-guard as the ball landed into the net.
Unfazed, the hosts did not allow conceding defeated them. They picked themselves up, brushed themselves down and soldiered on in the searing heat. They worked there way back into the game and was rewarded with a penalty after Brandon Jones was poleaxed in the area. Midfielder, Laws, took the responsibility and tucked away the spot kick by sending the keeper the wrong way.
Jesse Payne caused havoc in attack and came close to take the lead after he slipped the ball past the keeper, but his low effort flashed wide at the far post.
However, it was not long until they found the back of the net again – which was met with jubilant celebrations. Jesse Payne proved the catalyst as he worked well down the left-hand side and his cross was palmed by the keeper, but the ball drifted onto the far post to an unmarked Moore. He composed himself before unleashing an unstoppable left footed effort at a tight angle and under a sprawling stopper.
It was a workmanship first 45 minutes which the hosts deserved their lead. For once their hard work was paying dividends.
The hosts began the second half in high spirits and ought to have built on and extended their lead. They were unfortunate not to extend their tally when a long pass from Crawford in the middle of the park saw Jesse Payne beat an offside trap and after getting the better of his marker, saw his effort on a tight angle cannon off the crossbar and, with Charity failing to clear their lines as the ball fell awkwardly to Jones on the edge of the area, but his half-volley sailed over the bar.
Moments later Jesse Payne struck the woodwork following an excellent ball through but, on this occasion, Charity was able to clear the ball, diluting any further threat. Moments later, Crawford forced a save out of the keeper with his effort from the edge of the area.
From then on opportunities in the final third were rare as the visitors constantly fed the forward line with long balls to chase. They levelled following a corner as a delivery to the far post saw Smith unmarked and his dinked volley evaded the defence and flew into the top far corner, despite Rooke’s sprawling attempts to clear.
They later added two further goals to take the lead and stretch the game beyond the Changer side. A ball cross goal saw Smith finish from close-range before Kovacs work his way into the box before firing past the Oranges keeper, Hunter.
The sound of the referee’s final whistle came as a huge disappointment. Despite the result it was one of the better performances in recent months and an opportunity missed.
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