With Firth again selected for Vets1, Rasberry played in midfield alongside Brown, Gaukroger and Gallagher H., adding weight to an already combative section of the team. Indeed, the midfield competed successfully by and large, and maintained its shape and commitment to defensive duties. The corollary of this selection was, of course, that Rasberry’s physical presence and pace were missed up front where neither Gallagher D. nor Talib is really capable of making bricks without straw. Thus, they were mainly of nuisance value in attempting to harry the defender in possession. At the back, the reshuffled defence lacked a little of its usual resilience - manifested in a minor spat between Tremant and Cunningham - but never gave up.

Playing against the slope and the wind, Vets2 were a reasonable second-best throughout the first half, conceding a single goal. This originated in a missed tackle in midfield in a situation where discretion might have been the better option. New Inn broke quickly and scored efficiently. There were in fact real reasons to be optimistic about the course of the game at that stage.

However, a misplaced pass in the center of the park led to another goal for New Inn, and a third arrived soon after. A simple long throw-in was flicked beautifully over Reynolds and his defence and into the net. At this point, there were a couple of chances to reduce the deficit. An excellent header from McGrath, who had replaced the injured Rasberry at halftime, was clawed away in extremis by the goalkeeper and a volley from sixteen yards by Gaukroger – excellent throughout in defence and attack – flew a foot wide of the angle of post and crossbar.

A fourth goal merely added insult to injury and deepened the team’s sense of injustice. A cross from our left was headed clear, but a fatal hesitation in attacking the ball allowed New Inn to complete the scoring.

The game was refereed both competently and fairly by Donnelly, a rare combination. All in all, it was a decent match played in a good spirit by both sides. Having played the top team in the division in the last two weeks, Vets2 now find they must do the same again next Saturday against Vets Ecusson, but given the last two performances, there is no reason to be disheartened.

MOMs: Gallagher D./ Gaukroger