First game since we lost Patrick so a subdued start with the Irish lads joining us in a minutes silence...

Team : Jeurgen Ammann, Paul Wrigley, Darren James, Tony Williamson, Alex Knott, Chris Ffinch, Pete Brown, Chris Riley, George Boyadjiev, Tony White, Kenny Francey © Subs : Ali Currie, Patricio Antoncoli, Steve Mazurkiewicz

First game since we lost Patrick so a subdued start with the Irish lads joining us in a minutes silence for Pat. The pre-match talk was simple ; “let’s play good and win this for Pat”.

This was a game Pat would have loved ; typical ‘British’ affair with robust tackling and no whingeing. Our football was also good with lots of passing along the ground and good movement. Chris F and George on the wings were constantly causing problems - interlinking well with Tony Wh playing behind Kenny, and Pete orchestrating things in midfield.

Defensively we were holding out well although the Irish did have a very good shout for a pen when Chris R (innocent cherub that he is) tackled from behind. Fortunately their forward produced a dive that would have embarrassed a B-Movie cowboy film causing the ref to wave play on. Our cherub later 'fessed up in the bar.

We did have the bizarre experience of first their keeper and then Juergen, picking up back passes and giving away indirect free kicks in the box. Juergen further decided to liven things up with a very offensive minded throw-out to Alex. Don’t think he’ll be doing either again very time soon. That said, Juergen continues to gain in confidence in goal, organising his back 4 and stopping balls very well when asked.

Highlight of the first half was George’s goal. Ball out of defence from Paul to Kenny just over the halfway line ; Chris F starts overlapping run to collect chipped pass from Kenny ; ball into the box ; George collects, turns and fires in a cracker high in the net. Superb.

Substitution at half-time brought on Ali and Patricio for Tony Wi and Chris R both of whom had not put a foot wrong. Tony Wh moved back into midfield and we adopted a more familiar 2 up-front formation.

We lost our way a bit in the second half allowing the Irish more into the game but the defensive line was well marshalled by Darren so nothing came from their extra possession. However we also continued to make chances with Ali, Tony and Patricio all coming close.

Another good goal in the second half sealed things for us. Paul put in a cracking cross from deep which was met by diving header from Kenny. Steve then came on for Paul and he continued the strong back line performance.

Other talking points in the bar were 2 very strong shouts from us for penalties and the inability of Nato guys to follow simple map instructions. Little wonder it took them 10 years to catch Bin Laden !

MoM vote was close between Darren and George with Juergen also in the running but Darren pulled away at the end for his very solid all-round display.