Kempston Rural FC

From a big thunderstorm to bright blue skies and sun, the weather didn’t stop Kempston Rural continue their search for a first ever league title.

Kempston were welcomed to Bedford Park for their second encounter with Bande Rouge. After a 3-0 win in the reverse fixture both teams were ready to make a statement today.

The game is underway and Kempston keeping the possession well playing some nice football around the middle of the pitch saw the space open up for Duffy who made yards and even though he heard the angry shouts from Ash to play him in, he opted for the shot instead which was saved well by the keeper only to push it out to the oncoming Rich who slotted it into the back off the net..1-0 the celebrations go wild on the pitch.. but not with the goal scorer.

A quick second came for Rural as Rhys slots his shot into the corner from a rare Carl Pearson cross. Rhys then added his 2nd, 3rd & 4th with a Cross from Josh expertly ducked from Rhys to hit his back and go into the far corner, and a long ball from Billy find Rhys with so much time as the defender kept backing off for him to smash into the roof of the net, and a little lay off from Ash to set up Rhys to roll it in with his Left foot! If it wasn’t for his back he’d have had that perfect hat-trick!

Carl had as many nutmegs on the poor right back as Rhys had goals saw him cut inside again and play a ball to Rhys.. just a massive roar of thunder came crashing.. only difference being that it wasn’t actually thunder it was Ash growling at Carl for not passing to him.

A few attacks from Bande Rouge saw Ben tip the ball round the post with foot, a cross/shot smash off the crossbar and a penalty shout overturned.

Kempston soon went up the other end and bagged number 7 as a corner in by Duffy saw their keeper punch it clear only to hit the back off the defender and fly into the goal.

Another attack just before the half time whistle saw Rhys cut the ball back to Duffy inside the area who unselfishly rolled the ball back to Didz just outside the area for him to slot it in and make it 7-0 at half time.

With the gaffer not actually knowing what to do or say as he’s never been in this situation before made a few changes with Ash making way for Louis, Tyler requesting to be subbed but walking back on the pitch after half time not realising he was subbed for Brendan and Ross coming on for Sam.

Second half starts and it seems like Rural got far to complacent as Bande Rouge came out a whole different team and had wave after wave of attacks but thankfully none caused Rural problems.

That being said another attack coming down their left saw the angriest youngster you’ll ever meet Jack take out the striker and give away a penalty.

Will Ben be-able to keep his clean sheet in tact or was it going to be to much to ask? Course he did! Striker gracefully giving it back to Ben and keeps Rural at 7-0. Another attack from Bande down the right this time saw their striker pick the ball up and smash a fierce shot at Ben and into the roof of the net. 7-1 and game on, or so their striker thought being all hyped about scoring by saying to his team mates ‘don’t chat to me’..

A long ball through for Jack saw him squeezed a bit wider than he thought but unleash a peach that was brilliantly saved and tipped over by the keeper.

Another long ball up saw Brendan chase the ball down and win it from the defender, about to do some unbelievable skills he was brought down by that same defender when he stood on his foot, PENALTY!

Ash licking his lips as he’s finally about to have his first shot of the game and season get that all taken away from him as the Ref decides to ask their linesman if it was a penalty or not.. make it make sense. Brendan gets a yellow for simulation and Bande get a big let off.

Time ticks down and the final whistle eventually blows with Rural making it 10-1 on aggregate against Bande Rouge, and 2 wins out of 2 to go joint top of the league.

Goal-scorers:Rhys x4, Didz, Rich, OG

Assists: Duffy x2, Carl, Ash, Josh, Bill & their keeper.

Man of the match: Rhys

Dick of the day: Rennes

Next up for the Minotaurs is a home tie against unknown FC Highwood Firsts in the Europa League.

Kempston Rural welcomed Bande Rouge to the fortress on this fine Sunday morning to kick off the new season!

Kempston kick off keeping possession well and making life difficult for Bande Rouge to get the get a kick in. A ball across to the left saw Carl body their number 5, sit him down, and he went through with two choices to either shoot or cross he decided to get onto his left and drill it across the goal on a plate for Rhys.. destined to be 1-0 he didn’t quite fancy it and ended up putting it wide of the goal.

A rare attack from Rouge saw Abercrombie & Fitch model Tommy Adams run across and fall on the floor winning a free kick. Rural playing the ball around again saw Rhys get out through 1 on 1 with the keeper only to blaze it over the cross bar. If only he had been on the pitch to the left he’d have scored a fair few points.

Can’t really remember it but a ball bouncing around the Bande Rouge area fell to Duffy who buried it to the keepers left to make it 1-0 Rural!

Halftime blows and the minotaurs make way 1-0 up.

Second half kicks off and Bande Rouge are on the front foot with attack after attack! Thankfully most have the eyesight of Harvey Price that didn’t quite cause our Garfield in goal any problems.

Next up comes a corner from Rural that found Rennes in the box to make it 2-0!

Subs were made a bit of a breather for both sides.

Another long ball over saw Dan beat the left back to the ball, with shouts for him to go to the corner and the hold the ball, he knew he had what it takes to play it across to Brendan who perhaps took it a bit too far wide, but managed to bury it past the keeper to make it 3-0!

Full time whistle goes and Kempston Rural kick off the campaign in Div 3 with a win! Vital thee points.

Los Minotaurs come up against the one and only.. Bande Rouge in their second game of the season at apparently Bedford Park.

With Kempston looking to make it two out of two against the same opposition and give the rest of the teams something to think about.

Goals: Duffy, Rennes, Brendan

Assists: Dan x2, Richard

MOTM: Tommy Adams (Tarzan)

DOD: Rhys

On a warm Summers Sunday morning, Kempston Rural travelled to Stewartby to take on Hawkins FC! Only to be greeted by OB City and FC Rostar at the same pitch.

With a bit of confusion, many phone calls and many more struts the Minotaurs stood their ground and bagged the pitch, leaving OB City having to cry into their KFC’s as they can’t play football.

The game kicks off on a what is a very warm Sunday morning and the ground harder than Rolf Harris at a kids cricket match, Kempston gaining the possession and playing the ball around. Some nice football saw Kempston get into some promising positions but just couldn’t find the target as they went slightly past the goal or further and out for a throw in.

Kempston finally managed to get the scoring started and take a 1-0 lead after about 25 minutes from Ruffy, the flood gates opened then for Rural as another went in from Rhys and then Jack smashing one at the keepers near post and not getting angry about it!

Penalty to Rural!! Duffy wins it by being tickled in his back but the ref blows. Duffy to step up, everyone’s walking back trusting his left foot, but Duffy had other things in mind as being the outstanding sportsman that he is he struck the penalty nice enough for the keeper to tip it over the bar.

A 4th went in for Rural and they looked a bit more comfortable until Rurals very own Roy Carroll came rushing out to clear and missed the ball completely only to thank Jack (Nathan) for continuing his run to clear the ball.

Rural had so much attacking possession that when it came to defending they looked like it was a brand new skill to them as a few dangerous moments where little Ben who had been playing like a Sunday league McTominay decided to turn into a Sunday league Jonny Evans by gifting Hawkins a few opportunities in our box but thankfully their 7 ft striker decided to miss.

It was looking easy for Rural heading into half time until a ball over seemed to confuse our defence and not knowing that you’re supposed to kick the ball away and not let their striker get it saw big old Ivan Drago steam in behind and sit Ben down (we know how long that takes so that was an achievement in itself) and go past him and slot it into the net. Hawkins went wild! Celebrations galore.

Half time comes and subs were made.

Second half starts with Rural keeping the possession again and playing it around to tire out these Hawkins players. A ball through to Carl sees him one on one with the keeper, get past the keeper and rustles the net!! Only difference being it was the outside of it.

Carl again managed to pick the ball up out on the left and skilfully get past the defender and one on one with the keeper and he… misses again.

Quick drinks break and Rural out to haunt Hawkins and add to their tally sees Carl pick the ball up and drive into the box he’s going to hit it and nope, he beats the defender.. now he’s going to hit it.. nope he beats the other defender and now he’s going to hit it..surely.. he does and it is.. saved. (Becoming a bit of a regular occurrence this).

Rural have attack after attack and a ball into the box from a free kick falls down to Sam who buries it in the back of the net 5-1 and Kempston finally get the second half going. Some more good play sees Alfie strike in his second and Rurals 6th.

New signing Louis fancied himself to get on the score sheet and got it onto his left foot and look to bury it in the top corner.. of poor old Deirdre’s back garden as it flashed way out for a throw in.

A good spell of possession again for Rural saw a ball crossed into the box and land with Alfie with no-one around him he fancied himself to take two attempts to finish this one as his initial strike was saved by the keeper only to bounce back to him for him to put it into the net. 7-1!

Final whistle blows and Kempston finally get another win at the Stewartby ground. Making it 3 wins 2 losses and 1 draw in pre season.

Next up is a trip away from Stewartby to Lincroft school where Kempston will play Lidlington.

Man of the match – Alfred

Dick of the day – Carl

First half starting line up: Ben, Jack (Nathan), Tom, Gareth, Little Ben, Richard, Duffy, Luke, Jack, Rhys, Ruffy

Second half starting line up: Ben, Brendan, Harry, Connor, Sam, Dids, Alfie, Carl, Ross, Rhys, Louis.

Goals: Alfred x3, Duffy, Ruffy, Sam, Jack

Kempston Rural had 10 lads travel to Flitwick on Saturday to continue the pre season fitness with a 7-a-side tournament.

First game up was a 12 on clock kick off with a whole 13 minutes of football. They came up against DPFA who was unknown team. The game started well for Rural as their very own danger man Carl got past the defender and took one too many touches instead of getting a quick shot away and the chance had gone.

Carl with another little run towards the far corner nutmegs the defender (to the crowds cheers) before drilling a low cross across the area with no-one there to latch onto it.

DPFA then came on the attack with their defender bringing the ball up the pitch, and with so much time as no-one closed him down shifted the ball onto his right foot and buried a shot right into the corner 1-0!

DOFA then smelt blood as another attack came and the same defender found the space to blast another one into the opposite top corner. Rural now chasing the game and looking deflated. Lost all positional sense and before they knew it, it was 3-0. First game done with a tricky start to the day.

Up next came Flitwick Town A who had previously drawn their last game. And after a break between games Ben decided to take on a pizza so dropped down to bench to start with.

The game kicks off and both sides attacking each other, it was very even but Rural just lacked the shooting on sight. A good bit of play saw Duffy shoot just wide of the goal.

Controversy at its finest creeps up as Richard makes a great sliding block from the strikers shot before the ref blows his whistle and points to the spot..penalty? Apparently Rich is supposed to slide tackle with his arms tucked into his shirt. Both sets of players baffled by the decision the Flitwick town player slots it in with Rurals stand in keeper nearly getting to it.

Rural with very few minutes to play try their hardest to work it up the pitch to get an equaliser with Carls arse pushing the defender over but it just wasn’t meant to be. Game finishes 1-0 to Flitwick who sit in Second on 4 points.

Rural were knocked out of the tournament because of the ridiculous decision of the referee.

So with nothing to play for Kempston came up against the only other Sunday league team Bedford Central. Bedford central knew they needed a win and by 2 goals or more if they were to progress into the Quarters. Where as Rural were already out and were now playing for pride!

2 games, 4 goals conceded, 0 goals scored and 3 shots taken (1 on target) looked like a tough ask for them.

The game kicks off and it’s Rural in the front foot again with some nice play sees Duffy drag his shot just wide. Another good bit of play sees Carl run through on goal rounding the keeper and everyone in Flitwick shouting for him to shoot.. eventually with the open goal he slots it in to make it 1-0 to the Minotaurs! No Macarena celebration today though.

Beds Centeal came on the attack and saw their striker receive the ball with an open goal but doesn’t want to go through to the quarters so instead of scoring he decided to just hit the post. Another attack from Beds saw their shot smash the cross bar..and breathe.. Rural on the brink of victory and not finishing bottom of the group! Luke doing his best to time waste cleared a ball back to Ampthill with the minutes counting down, Beds came for one final attack which saw one of their players free on his own in front of the keeper, and the ball bounces up and he goes for the half turn volley which narrowly misses the goal and smashes myself right in the Jewels.. man down!

Final whistle goes and Kempston Rural beat Bedford Central 1-0 who are in Division 2 of the Beds Sunday league.

Huge thanks to the lads for turning up and representing the sexy Black Kit of Kempston Rural.

Stand in Keeper, Luke, Gareth, Richard, Duffy, Carl, Ben, Josh, Alfred & Connor.

Next up for the big squad is Hawkins FC down at Stewartby with mixed results will look to bounce back from a devastating 2-1 loss last week to PRC Riverlite.

The minotaurs travelled to Caldecott this fine morning to take on PRC Riverlite who are also in the same division.

With 18 lads raring to go it seemed like it was a slow Sunday morning start for the rural going 1-0 down. Second half was much better football and a worldie from our very own Ryan Giggs got them back into the game.

Final seconds ticking down before the full time whistle where it would end in a 1-1 draw was soon crushed by a very late PRC goal to take the bragging rights going into the start of the season.

Next up for the lads is Hawkins back at Stewartby. Alongside a few of the boys playing in a pre season 5 a side tournament in Flitwick on the Saturday.

4th game into the pre season and Kempston Rural came up against their toughest opponents yet, Div 1 Bedford Albion.

With the sun shining down in Stewartby the game started well for Rural who looked to attack at every chance.

Things looked like it would go right for Kempston as a ball over the top bounced over the last defender and put Carl Pearson through 1v1 with the goalkeeper only to be ‘fouled’ outside the area. Referee had other thoughts in his mind and actually pointed to the spot!

Up steps.. nobody until finally Ross came walking from RWB up to take the penalty. Feeling sorry for the decision going against them he gracefully passed the ball back to their keeper.

Still 0-0 and Kempston have the majority of the possession. Another great bit of play sees Connor get past the full back and square it onto a plate for Ashley who poked it just wide of the goal.

It was starting to look like it wasn’t going to be their day as Carl superbly got past past two defenders with some quick feet forgot that he was supposed to shoot past the keeper and not run into the keeper, ball was cleared off the line for a throw in.

Bedford Albion had a rare attack when a deep cross from their full back evaded everyone in the box and looked destined to dip down underneath the cross bar. Cue the super cat Daniel’s in goal who didn’t have much to do until now, jumping to punch clear but could only end up punching the goalpost instead of the ball injuring himself in the process.

Still 0-0 and closing in on half time, Kempston Rural find themselves in attack! A deep ball to the back post was headed right back across goal.. and the keeper no-where in sight it falls to BENJAMIN WITH HIS RIGHT FOOT AND ITS A…. Goal kick. Wait.. what.. how.. Yes ladies & Gentlemen Ben Missed from no more than 4 yards out with the goal gaping!

Refs whistle blows to end a dominant first half for Rural.

Second half starts with a lot of changes from Kempston. Both teams trying to roll the ball around and break the deadlock lock. When a ball switched across to the Bedford Albion winger drives it across goal and is met by the other winger to tap in (That’s how you do it Ben) Kempston Rural 0-1 Bedford Albion.

But wait the flag is up! Referee goes over to consult with the Lino. Remembering what happened to the last referee that went against Albion he decides to give the goal still.

Kempston now need to work harder to get back into this game! Bedford Albions lead didn’t last long (although it was longer than the Cameo of former player Jhey on the other pitch)!

A ball over the top yet again caught the defender out and 7ft 2 Stick Insect Rhys dinks it over the oncoming keeper and levels this game. The crowd go wild ..Stewartby have never seen such scenes.

With only 20 minutes to go it looked like both teams wanted a win but didn’t want to lose. So with a few more changes for tired legs. A few pop shots here and there nothing that both keepers were too worried about and the ref blows for full time.

That leaves Kempston Rural still going strong in their pre-season tour of Stewartby playing fields with 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss.

Next up will be PRC Riverlite in August and I’m sure the boys will be looking to add to their wins!

Kempston Rural beat Roxton 4-2 away from home to cruise through to the next round of the cup.

Kempston Rural travelled to Roxton this morning to seek their first win of the season. Having joy in the cup last year gave the Minotaurs a heavy boost.

They started on the front foot in the first minute when Gaz played a delightful weighted pass through to Carl who unfortunately couldn’t convert.

Minutes later saw another Rural attack land with Dids on the edge of the area try and curl one into the far corner with his left foot, inches wide!

Then came some relief for Kempston as a ball through from Dids saw Brendan through on goal 1v1 against the keeper and slot it past him to make it 1-0.

Moments later a free kick delivered into the area by Jhey saw their defender try and head it back for Brendan to nick in and put the ball past the keeper, 2-0 and Rural looking comfortable.

Brendan on a hatrick came close when Jhey tried something a little different. Getting the ball on the edge of the area he tried to dink it over the keeper only for it to hit the bar and bounce back out, Brendan couldn’t quite get enough power on the rebound and headed it straight at the keeper. The ball rebounding around came out to dids who struck it with power, fell to Varl who couldn’t control his feet quick enough to capitalise.

A very dubious call from the ref saw Roxton pull one back before half time. Claims of offside from the defence and linesman were waved away by the the Young Antonio Banderas.

Second half starts and Roxton started on the front foot to get that equaliser, some big defending from Kempston kept them at bay.

A ball from Brendan saw Joe through on goal, sitting the keeper down with a fake saw him round him only to put the ball wide of the open goal.

It looked set not to be Joe’s day until he terrorised their 74 year old CB beating him to the ball and going through on goal, 3-1!

Kempston then grabbed a fourth and Joe grabbing his second of the game seemed to finish Roxton off and their keeper who decided he wanted to Kick Joe instead of the ball.

A penalty awarded to Roxton was converted nicely to give them a lifeline.

Then the moment of the match came to Lee. Coming on as sub onto left winger, he found himself alone in the box, having the time to take it from his left foot, to his right you could see the panic in his eyes as he didn’t really know what to do. No defenders closing him down he decided to try and go for the near post, only to see it rustle the net…on the outside of the post.

A solid performance for all that played today. Rurals first win of the season sees a continued success in the cup. Could have definitely been double figures today but a win is a win onto the next week were Kempston travel to Houghton in the league for some revenge.

Man of the match – Brendan

Dick of the Day – Rennes

Goals: Brendan (2), Joe (2)

Yellow Cards: Brendan

Line Up:

A bare 11 for a second week running, saw Kempston Rural run riot and slot 10 past a very lack lustre Tempsford side.

Kempston Rural started their final pre season game on the front foot, where balls played to both flanks caused the opposition problems. Two minutes in and a ball played out wide to the left saw Joe pick up the ball and sit the defender down (which wouldn’t be his last time) before unleashing a shot that saw it smash the bar.

Confidence rising saw another ball played out wide to Joe who again made the defender commit and fall on his arse, getting into the box he calmy side footed the ball across the goal and hit the woodwork yet again, but tha kfully this one ended up in the back of the net. 1-0 Kempston.

A mazey run from Joe on the left, leaving three Tempsford players going to the shops saw him strike another shot at goal 2-0. The confidence was boosting!

A little chance for Carl P this time saw him cut inside and best the defender who took a big swipe and hit Carl in the shin. 45 days, 6 hours and 37 minutes later Carl finally fell down and a penalty was awarded. Seeing as he won the pen it was only fair for him to get his first goal of the match. What a big mistake that was! Casually he walked up to the ball and passed it back to the Tempsford keeper, biggest fare plays of all fair plays.

Tempsford then went on the first of only about 3 attacks they had all game and won themselves a penalty. Player stepping up sent Holliday the wrong way and smashed it to the keepers left. 2-1 and game on!

Well it felt like game on until Joe got the ball on the left. Tempsford right back already sitting down on the floor knowing he had no chance and many groans from the Tempsford defence saw Joe run direct at them and get off his shot, keeper actually made a save until it fell to Matty P who slotted it home, 3-1.

Half time came and there was no sweat from any Rural player. They hadn’t really got out of second gear and were still dominating the game. Second half saw no changes as there were no subs.

Rural sprang into life in the second which saw Joe put away a third, then a fourth. Carl P decided to get into the action and get his first of the game.

A ping pong around the Tempsford area saw a ball fall out to Dids on the edge of the area who unlike former midfielders struck it neatly first time and rustle the back of the net.

Again that man Joe found the back of the net after a neat ball through. 8-1.

A rare Tempsford attack, saw the outstanding, fantastic, super sub, chunky number 99 give Holliday a 5 yard headstart before bursting in with a shoulder to shoulder challenge and sending Holliday down to the Shops. Somehow still managing to keep the ball at his feet even though his gut hid most of the ball pulled it back for their player to get superbly tackled by Dids and dispossed.

The fans on the sideline were screaming for double figures. Which is what Rural delivered. Matty P grabbing his second before, a cross to Matty found him Rabona in his hat trick. 10-1, a solid performance from Kempston even with a bare 11 saw a massive final result.

Man of the match Joe even though he only scored 5 goals he had the chance for double figures himself.

Dick of the day – Everyone agreed, even Tempsford that Carl P earned that medal.

First game of the season next week sees Kempston go up against Houghton, hoping to field more than 11 players and start the season on the front foot.

Kempston Rural continued with their pre season games on Sunday with a game against a bunch of young ceramic tilers we can only assume.

With a bare 11 and a warm up consisting of putting nets up and many cigarettes and energy drinks, we could only assume the absolute best.

Someone had been feeding young Bill some sort of protein powder before the game as his first involvement in the game turned into a GBH claim from the young man’s Mum. The game turned as Ceramic were given a penalty early doors which was converted expertly leaving Sturges no hope in goal.

Soon it was to be 2-0 as a long ball was terrifically played through under Jenkins foot and their winger crossed it across goal for their striker to finish.

Some nice play from Kempston saw a ball over the top for Carl P to run on to, doing what he does best he made the 28 stone defender look fast as he caught up to him, only to give away a penalty. Zach placed the ball onto the spot and Kempston turned away to go back to their positions for kick off. 2-1, the net nearly broke as Zach smashed it straight down the middle.

An injury to Bill saw him switch with Sturges in goal. Drowned in the goalkeeper top Bill came out to try and claim the ball from their wingers feet, only to be rounded and the fella tapped it in for 3-1.

Half time whistle blew and it was music to Rurals ears. Sit down and some water.

Kempston started on the back foot again and it was soon to be 4-1 then 5-1. A ball from their defender was cleared out to our right back, who casually strolled to retrieve, not knowing that a Cermaic Tiler is the shape of Usain Bolt was running to get it too! With a 20 yard head start and a massive scream while running towards it Jenki managed to get there first (just) and get the ball back to the CB.

Kempston started playing football a bit better with some nice one-two passing and movement which led to Brendan picking the ball up just inside the Ceramic half and driving at the defence, he clipped the ball over the top for Carl P to run onto, and just when we thought he did too much, the defender helped him out by sticking a toe in and poking it to Zach on the edge of the area, a neat finish into the far corner made it 5-2. Kempston had a cross cleared which fell to Badkin, who surprisingly hit it first time and destined for the goal, only to be blocked by Carl P who was standing in an offside position.

Bill then wanted to get on the action of scoring, their midfielder having a shot from the edge of the area hit the post only to rebound of Bill’s head and into the back of the net. What a day for young Bill.

Ceramic then added a 7th before Kempston won themselves a corner. A corner delicately whipped in by Brendan so very nearly reach the backpost of the goal just to be cleared off the line and start a counter attack for Ceramic, which again led to nothing as their number 3 couldn’t hit Ulrika Johnson if his name was Stan Collymore.

Full time whistles blows and the game finishes 7-2, good run out for the lads that attended even though it was hard work. Goal machine Zach adding to his pre season tally. Focus now onto next Sunday where Kempston Rural will play AFC Bedford United for another test. Hopefully Rural can conjur up more than 11 actual players.

On what started out as a muggy Sunday morning, Kempston Rural boys were disappointed to turn up to Kempston Rovers 4G pitch and not find Chris Pratt controlling the Raptors.

The referee blew the whistle and Raptors got the game started. Rural slow to start let Raptors have the majority of the possession for the first 10 minutes. Growing confidence in the game, Rural managed to get the ball down the right to Carl Pearson, who had a little tussle with former Rural midfielder Jhey Tompkins. Tompkins initially bringing Pearson down in the box, penalty right? Wrong! The referee waved it away as he felt it was too theatrical.

Then came an attack by Raptors which saw them launch the ball over the top for 37th time for their winger to beat the offside trap and dink the ball over the rushing goalkeeper. 1-0 Raptors.

Half time closing in and Pearson on the left this time, wriggled his way past the defender to put a cross in which fell to Brendan at the edge of the area, first time strike was so so close..to going for a throw.

Rural sensing they have a chance to get something before half time, so some beautiful build up play in the center release Dids for a run, he fancily reversed a pass through to Carl who went one on o e with the keeper. GOAL kick, but wait! The referee actually gave Rural a good decision and saw that Carl was brought down by the keeper before he could retain his 17 metre pass. Kempston Rurals own BFG striker Zack Weeks steps up to take the penalty. The keeper graciously dives the wrong way, for his benefit more than ours for Zach to smash it into the bottom right corner, 1-1 and game on….after half time.

The boys had their water breaks, nipple vaseline and subs were made. Rural to kick-start the second half.

While Rural were playing some nice passing football, it didn’t seem to be going anywhere which allowed the Raptors players to sit back and counter attack, and counter attack they did! A ball cleared from defence smashed the winger in the chest as he tried to control it, luckily it bouncing over Rurals defenders head into the path of their left footed striker, who marginally managed to dink it over Kenpstons keeper who went for a little lie down it seemed. 2-1 Raptors.

Kempston Rural seemed to have shut off after Raptors second, and found themselves 3-1 down. Changes needed? Water break needed? Who knew but they needed to change something quickly.

After a few changes were made Rural started to grow into the second half finally! Brendan looked to have done too much after beating three Raptors players, to only manage to come away with the ball still and try a little dinked ball over the defence to Carl, the defender had other ideas and nodded it out for a corner. Corner swung in by Michael Badkin, found new signing Dave lurking near the back post, certain to score his first Rural goal on his debut found his header miracously saved off the line.

Another corner came for Rural which was swung in by Gaffer/Player Adam Sturges, which came back out to him to attempt another try, the ball finding its way into the area ricocheting around came off the keeper to hit the defender to bounce into the path for Carl to neatly slot home. 3-2 game o.. oh wait, of course the linesmans flag is up for offside. 18 players picked from a 35 player squad, 7 players on the bench but the gaffer has to pick up linesman duties.. do me a flavour. Referee sides with the linesman and goal disallowed.

Moments later Rural find themselves in a spot of bother and a ball over the top finds Raptors winger/Striker wherever he was playing through on goal to slot it in the net. 4-1, nope Rurals linesman flag is up as well. Huge let off for Rural!

Changes were made again and Rural find themselves in Raptors penalty box, big Daves on the ball dancing around like he’s been in the West End all his life goes down from a challenge. Penalty to Rural! Brendan grabs the ball and places it on the spot. Drowning out the abuse from the Raptor players behind him and on the sideline, he calmly walks up to the ball as slow as you like and slots it in the bottom left corner, 3-2 and definitely game on!

Changes were made yet again and a ball floated in from the left found Big ole Dave at the back post again! Neatly controlled all that was left was to find the finish… never in doubt, nearly struck home past the keeper and Rural fight back from 3-1 down to make it 3-3. Final whistle goes and according to Michael V the points were shared.

That was Kempston Rurals second game of the ore season and with players still out and having to get ringers in and new signings playing, it was a well fought battle against Denham Raptors, who played their 27th friendly today.

Kempston Rural face a tough Clapham Side next Sunday with a pitch still to be confirmed and missing a few key players again.

Man of the Match – Big Dave (New Signing)

Dick of the Day – Carl Pearson