KOPA League star guests at Barnet v Cheltenham
The KOPA league in association with LGR was invited to Barnet FC to watch them play Cheltenham FC in a League 2 fixture and believe me they weren’t the only stars there. Also present with them in the Directors Lounge were BBC Match of the Day commentator John Motson, Footballer Ricky George is notable for scoring the winning goal for Hereford United in the famous 1971–72 FA Cup match against Newcastle United. He was also part owner of Earth Summit, which won the 1998 Grand National.
L/R Tony Kleanthous Barnet Chairman, Andreas Aristotelous(KOPA), Koko Georgiou (KOPA), John Motson (Match of the day commentator), Michael Yiakoumi(KOPA), Dave Thomas (KOPA) and Ricky George (Former footballer).
Also there was Alistair Campbell a British journalist, broadcaster, political aide and author, best known for his work as Director of Communications and Strategy for Prime Minister Tony Blair between 1997 and 2003.
Representing KOPA were Andreas Aristotelous , Kokos Georgiou, Dave Thomas and Michael Yiakoumi.
It was a great atmosphere and the KOPA League also had the privilege of being the day’s match sponsor and were presented by the man of the match Barnet’s left back Elliot Johnson with the match ball signed by their player manager Edgar Davids.
The KOPA committee being presented the match ball from man of the match Elliot Johnson from L/R Dave Thomas (KOPA Referee Secretary), Michael Yiakoumi (KOPA General Secretary) Man of the match Elliot Johnson, Andreas Aristotelous (KOPA Social Secretary) and Koko Georgiou (KOPA Youth Secretary).
The game was a delight to watch great entertaining football from both teams in the bitterly cold weather.
The match itself was a tight contest. Mark Byrne came closest for Barnet while the Robins best chance came through former Bee Sam Deering who whipped a shot just wide.
Davids was pleased with his side’s performance and had special praise for the Barnet supporters.
The Bees head coach said: “It is amazing they did that for us. You don’t see that everywhere. You see it is a close-knit family.
“A lot of people came out to watch the game as well and it was a day to stay at home.
“You see people’s appreciation for Barnet go far. They helped clear the pitch as well I appreciate and thank their efforts.” Edgar Davids thanked the Barnet supporters who helped clear snow off the Underhill pitch prior to the Bees 0-0 draw with Cheltenham Town.
More than 30 volunteers worked throughout the morning to shovel snow off the turf in order for the game to go ahead.
On his side’s display the Dutchman continued: “Last time we played them they were very good. Both teams tried to play football today on a difficult pitch.
“There was some brilliant passing but at the end of the day it comes down to character. My team today showed big heart.
“We were playing a team that is fourth in the table so it was going to be had and going to be a fight.
“I think the players did well and in the end we were the better side.”
Davids was delighted with the contribution of Byrne and commended the midfielder’s attitude.
“He was a monster, a beast. I am happy with his form and he was definitely for me the man-of-the-match. He really lifted the spirit of the team,” Davids said.
Barnet’s next game is at home Dagenham and Redbridge on Good Friday March the 29th 2013 at 3pm a game not to miss.
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