After several postponements Red Star made a welcome return to the hallowed turf of BAWA.  Despite a small match-day squad the first XI started brightly, but an early deflected cross/shot from Filton which found the top corner threatened to take the wind out of the Red Star sails.  Undeterred Red Star pressed on and a superb long-range from Gareth Thomas began the fight-back.  Some high pressing presented more opportunities – Tom Sewell fired into the top corner from distance and Martin Bolton cut in from the left-flank to convert a cross in at the near post.  A calmly-taken fourth from Ed Cheney saw Red Star trot in at half-time in control.  The second half was a much-more even affair as Filton pressed higher in search of goals.  They nicked a second but Red Star were able to break into the spaces left at the back to ease the pressure and ultimately claim a hard-earned victory.  Thanks to Filton’s manager Gary and a couple of Filton players for reinforcing the Corinthian spirit, and overall the game was played in the right way.

Plaudits to Matt Dall who made an excellent Red Star debut at left-back, and Alan Dennis for keeping goal.

Despite the heavy rain the Somerdale Pavilion pitch held up to provide the setting for what has become a bit of a non-local derby fixture.  The game remain locked at 0-0 before a lapse of concentration and a cross-come-shot aided by the blustery conditions gave Backwell a 2-0 half-time lead.  They added two more early in the second half to effectively put the game out of sight.  Red Star forced a corner which was driven low across the box allowing Cammy to stab it home to maintain the fight.  A later shot from range clipped the bar, but Backwell continued to break impressively forcing Red Star (me) into committing a few fouls as they tried to prevent it turning into a rout.  Backwell more than deserved the win and the game was played in an excellent spirit.