Bamber MHFC 2 – 1 Vernons Vets
Friday night football of great quality at Parklands.
Bamber MHFC were playing our third game in the Men’s Mental Health Cup, while this was the start of Vernons Vets’ campaign.
There were two new additions to the Bamber squad, with Bailey and Dan making their debuts tonight.
The first half was a frantic affair, with chances at either end. Great stops from both keepers kept it tight in the opening 20 minutes. It was end-to-end football played at a high pace.
Vernons broke the deadlock around the half-hour mark with a well-taken goal. Bamber kept fighting, made a few changes, and went into the break 0–1 down.
The lads came out in the second half full of fight and determination. There were endless attacks on the opposition goal, with the Vernons keeper pulling off some fine saves.
Bamber’s pressure paid off when Joe Callaghan slotted home from the penalty spot. Debutant Bailey was really pulling the strings up top, linking well with Joao and giving John and Sid on the wings plenty of opportunity to drive at the opposition. Meanwhile, at the back, the defence was solid, while also riding a touch of luck—but you make your own luck in games as tight as this one.
Bamber pressed more as the match reached the final stages and got their reward with a second goal from the penalty spot, again from Joe Callaghan.
The last 10 minutes were as frantic as the previous 80, with chances at both ends of the pitch. But Bamber held on for a well-earned win, their second of the competition.
Tonight showed how this team is maturing together and how they can pull for each other when they need it most. It was the most cohesive team performance so far.
A superb captain’s effort at the back from Harry Longworth; however, the Man of the Match was undoubtedly our keeper, George Rafai.
Well played to Vernons Vets, and all the best for the rest of the competition.
Joe Callaghan 
MOTM – George Rafai