Team:Sejersen, Kelly, Wrigley, Eriksen, Ledbury, Hoskins, Vermeersch, Sigurdsson, White, Taylor, Gutierrez

Sub:Leigh

Scorer:Vermeersch

Having only last week ended a run of three defeats on the trot, it was important that Vets 1 get something from this fixture, if any lingering hopes of promotion are to be realised! This task was made all the more harder by the growing list of aged malingerers happily sitting at home with their slippers on, after a hard mornings shopping at Ikea. Those of us with the stomach for the impending battle made our way to the lovely city of Mechelen to play against Belgium's younger and less successful British club (only joking, dig dig)

As no referee had been assigned the task was taken up by one the BU players, who did an excellent job. At this point we should also mention a big thank you too the fair play of our opponents on one or two bigger decisions, and assisting the referee.

This was a tough and evenly fought encounter, right from the kick off. In the early exchanges one of our opponents had to be replaced after falling heavily, following a wonderfully timed tackle by Eriksen!!!!! The early exchanges saw Vets 1 looking the better side, but without any real end product. BU looked a good side going forward, in particular the grey haired centre forward had a couple of efforts which called Tommy into action. Excellent performances at the back by both Kelly and Wrigley, restricting their striker to shots from distance.

In the middle of the park, Billie Bremner's fat brother was working his socks off, together with Piet. The most fascinating part of the afternoons entertainment however was the battle between Hosky and their tall midfielder. Both players cancelled each other out and were both giving as good as they got, but it was a joy to watch. Wide in the midfield were Hjalmer and Tony White. As you know Tony is from Canada, so Capt Ledbury was forced to draw him pictures and explain to him very slowly what he wanted (sorry) Tony worked his socks off again and put in a great performance against the BU no 7, who posed a big threat throughout and had Tony in a more defensive role than had been expected. In attack the new slim line Taylor was paired with Mad Mike. Both had a few good efforts on goal, and in particular Mike could have and perhaps should have scored. Unfortunately he did not realise how much time he had and hit his shot first time.

The goal came early in the first half after a through ball was played between the keeper and two on rushing Vets 1 players. There looked to be contact with our players and the keeper before Piet scored, and at first the ref disallowed the goal. But the BU players told the ref that the goal should stand. How many other sides in our division (including ourselves) would have done that? Hats off to BU and well played. Half time 1-0.

The second half followed the same path as the first. Vets 1 looking unlikely to be beaten, and always likely to threaten on the counter, being put under increasing pressure by BU in search of an equaliser. I lost count of the number of corners BU had, and of how many shouts we heard of "My ball" from Tommy!! The other shout we heard from Tommy, after yet another one of his clearances found 'touch' cannot unfortunately be printed here.

As the second half progressed an 'unhappy' Hjalmer was substituted for the most reluctant sub I have ever seen. Dave 'the sub' had apparently instructed Carl, that he only wanted ten minutes, and was mortified when Carl had the cheek to give him fifteen minutes. Dave duly arrived on the field with his arms crossed, muttering to himself.

During the second half, there were several goal mouth scrambles and charged down shots in the Vets 1 box. Following one such incident the referee appeared to point to the spot, and was subsequently pursed by several Vets 1 players, quietly voicing their disagreement. Again the BU players advised their own ref that it was not a penalty, to which the referee replied that he had not given one, but a free kick to Vets 1. This left several Vets 1 players apologising to the Ref, and again our appreciation at the fair play of the BU players on another potential game changing decision.In summary a good hard fought game by both teams, played in the right spirit. A good three points, particularly with other results going our way.

Lastly a mention to Carl for fielding a strong team despite missing Scott, Roger, Brian Lewis, Brian Morris, Sami, Frank and Jez (they would not have started anyway) all of whom we all wish a speedy recovery from their various ailments (all age related)

MOM Sejersen (again)