Baltic Vets 1-1 Glendale

Baltic's winless run extended to 5 games after a hard fought game on a bog of a pitch. A story of two penalties and a screamer, the two teams could not be separated although Baltic will feel their second half performance should have warranted the victory.

Baltic started the game brightly and made the early running without creating any chances. The muddy pitch was not assisting with passing football and both sides were looking to use the high ball where possible.

In the 12th minute a cross into the Glendale box was blocked by the arm of former Baltic player Glen. The referee had no hesitation in awarding the penalty. Dave Barrett stepped up but the keeper guessed the right way and pulled off a decent save.

Minutes later and Glendale were awarded a penalty of their own. At first glance, the big brute of a striker appeared to go down very easily, but those close to the play did confirm that he had been fouled. Up stepped 'Billy' to fire into the bottom corner. Baltic were behind. Glendale continued having the better of the first half but with the sun and the wind behind them, they were unable to add to their lead. MOM Michael Pudney pulled off a fantastic reaction save midway through the half to keep Baltic in the game, showing amazing reflexes for a vet.

Dave Barrett pulling up with a damaged hamstring and Gordon Nolan getting in a fight with their diminutive and angry no. 17 were the other notable talking points of the first half. 'Even your brother doesn't like you' was the damning line Gordon used to rile him up (and it worked).

At half time, Glendale changed the majority of their team and they definitely came out weaker. Baltic began to get a grip in the game and with better finishing would have scored a few. Phil Broughton and Kevin Day, who had moved from centre back to wing in a tactical change, both missed gilt edge chances. Great work from Scott Poulier to get to the byline, he pulled the ball back for Broughton to tap in a simple equaliser only for him to miskick. The ball ran between his legs to perfectly setup Day, and with the goal at his mercy, he blazed over the bar.

However, on the hour, Rhys Buckley saved their blushes with a goal of the season contender. A Baltic corner was not cleared and as the ball fell to Rhys just outside the left side of the D, with his weaker left foot, he smashed an absolute beauty into the top corner. Two keepers would not have saved the shot and it is fair to say Rhys will never score a better goal with his wrong foot. Fabulous strike.

Although Baltic continued to push, tired legs due to the heavy pitch could not work another good opening and to their frustration, they were unable to test the second half keeper enough and had to settle for a hard fought draw.

Onwards to the last game before Christmas with Baltic looking for an overdue win to conclude a positive first half to the season.