Iron Curtain BIBS shut the door as Stoddy masterclass fires 13–8 victory

BIBS came out on top 13–8 in a game defined by one of the most absurdly solid defensive units the BFL has seen all season. Antonio Wong, James Knight and Neil Stoddart formed a ludicrous back three, with Blair Gibb behind them in goal, creating something close to an iron curtain for NON BIBS to try and break through.

It was not completely without incident. Wong somehow extended his lead at the top of the own-goal charts by turning yet another cross past his own goalkeeper, a moment that threatened to undo an otherwise flawless display. In fairness, he made amends in the correct net with a tidy finish that left Eoin Smith with little chance to claw it away.

The star of the night, though, was Andrew “Stoddy” Stoddart. Fresh from finally shaking off the losing curse that had followed him for weeks, Stoddy produced a Rolls-Royce performance, scoring five goals, taking the Player of the Match award and remarkably recording his third straight victory. The man who once looked allergic to winning is now apparently unstoppable.

James Knight and Neil Stoddart also capped excellent defensive performances with goals of their own, while Dylan “The Fish” Masson finally converted one of what felt like 37 attempts, smashing a thunderous effort in off the crossbar.

Gibb was just as influential at the other end of the pitch. Already chasing the Golden Boot, he now appears to have pitched his tent in the Golden Glove race as well, producing several terrific saves to keep NON BIBS at arm’s length.

NON BIBS still carried plenty of threat. Gary Forbes added another four goals to his growing tally, while Shane McCrosson chipped in with two of his own, but the side was ultimately far too leaky at the back to make their attacking output count.

Jonathan Tiran also enjoyed one of his more productive evenings, finally providing the end product that has so often been demanded of him. His brace was a welcome sight and something he will now be expected to reproduce with a bit more consistency.

For Eoin Smith, it was a night to forget. One of the last players clinging onto a meaningful 100% win record saw that run come to an end, and there was little argument that he was, ultimately, pish on the night.

Ernie Smith, meanwhile, appeared determined to get himself on the scoresheet late on. At least, that is what he claims. One particularly bizarre one-on-one ended with him somehow scooping the ball backwards rather than towards goal, before he later insisted he had been hacked down by Eoin Smith. To virtually everyone watching, however, it appeared that Ernie had simply launched himself into Eoin and then appealed for justice.

In the end, BIBS had too much structure, too much defensive quality and too much Stoddy. A 13–8 win, a third consecutive victory for the former curse carrier, and another evening where the BFL somehow became even stranger.