The new season opened on a high note for the lads of Barntonia. Crystal City visited New St. James' to kick off the Black and White's 2nd season in the SLSL. Manager Brad DeMunbrun had been able to upset United last season in their visit to Barntonia, handing the lads a tough, 2 - 0 loss. But United played for all they were worth and took all three points in a 1 - 0 victory. It was quite a defensive match as both clubs had failed to capitalize in the first half. It was particularly frustrating for Barntonia as they had two very nice opportunities early on, but couldn't finish. Both chances came from moving the ball up the right channel and getting clear. But the lads struck the ball wide to the opposite side on both occassions. "Tough. Tough indeed." Said Sir James following the match. "Our lads could have walked into the dressing room with a 2 - 0 lead at the half. It's hard to watch when you come up short like that. When you start missing like that, it tends to build confidence in the other team and they get more gutsy in their countering. first halves like that can lead to trouble in the second."True, there was some doubt among the faithfull and scary thoughts of last year's debacle vs. Palace started to come to the fore of people's minds. But in the 25th minute, Miniature Michael Owen put the fears to rest as he was able to brilliantly maneuver in front of goal and put away a great strike into the upper left hand corner that left the palace keeper standing."It felt good to get that much on the ball. Sir James flicked me just right and my base got good, solid contact on the ball. From the moment he flick me, I knew it was going in."Palace turned up the pressure and brought the heat in the latter part of the half. In fact the win did seem in doubt in the final two minutes as Palace threw men forward and were finding space in the United defence. Mini Shay Given had to work for the clean sheet, earning most of it in the last 1:30. "It was hard last minute and a half." The very, very, short Irishman said. "They were all over us in our end. It's tough when they throw that many men forward, because you start doing it too when you see all the open space at the other end. You have to really start yelling at your defender to stay put and not go goal hunting at the other end. Before you know it, you're all alone and no one's marking the other teams lads. That's when it gets hairy. They had all kinds of shots. I'm just glad I was up to it."So that's the way the season starts this year. Let's hope the lads can keep it up. But as always, time will tell. 
CONGRATULATIONS TO Fenton Wanderers and Owner/Manager Mitch Morice. The new Sotmer Derby Champions for 2007-2008 as they wrap up the title today. Darren Koffman and His Terre Du Lac Retro Stars take second place and Barntonia United and Manager Jim Monken take third.It was a tight and tense day of competition as Barntonia had to "run the gauntlet" and win all three games to take the title. But it was not to be. Instead of figuring out the order of who to play, Barntonia went with a random draw. Brad Demunbrun and Crystal City Palace were up first. It was a tight match as a determined Palace side fought to hold on to their 3rd place standing. But Barntonia cracked their defence in the 6th minute for the 1 - 0 lead. Palace drew level in the second half scoring in the 26th minute, forcing extra time. But Barntonia finished the job with a quick goal in the 1st minute of extra time for a 2 - 1 win.With third place secure, TDL was up next. Though it was a tight match, Barntonia couldn't break down the TDL defence. Darren's team finally put Barntonia and second place away with a goal in the 26th minute.Thus, Mitch's title was secure. All that was left was the final match of the season, Barntonia v. Fenton. The Wanderers grabbed the lead with a late first half goal in the 13th minute. It looked like it would hold, but Barntonia was able to finally put the ball in the back of the net in the 30th minute. Extra time went scoreless. So that's the way it ended. See you next season.So once again, Congratulations to Mitch for a title well deserved. Here's a couple of pics of today's festivities... 
