Line up T Williamson P Wrigley, D James, K Hyde, A. Knott A.Talib, D.Gallagher, F Dehombreux, G Boyadjiev S.Macdonald, K Francey Subs: P.Brown, J.Donnelly Delegue: C.Riley

Another Saturday arrives, raining and about 15C, so perfect conditions, except for the pitch which as Chris described as the Somme from memory, it actually turned out to be Paschendale!! Nevermind, muddy pitch and drizzle, makes for a good game of sliding tackles, amongst other things, and no, not wrestling George!!!

The changing room had an air of optimism, as though we had won our first point the previous week, we felt maybe we could get revenge for the corresponding fixture last season. So the team was announced by C.Mao. We started with a flat back four, with Scotty playing No4 between the back 4 and Midfield. Then Kenny playing on his Jack upfront. After a delayed start (Referee failed to show again, probably stuck in IKEA) One of the Pink boys said he would Ref, and to be honest, was probably better than the allocated one.

So the match started at a furious pace. Looked as though the boys in Pink were going for a quick kill. An attack down our left flank see Riggers beaten, and a left foot shot on target, only for Vets standin keeper to parry the ball away to safety. So an early warning of intention from our opponents.

We got to see more of the ball, and our defence seemed to settle okay. Dazza in control playing his usual composed self. Nozza and Riggers playing well, and connecting with George and Ady wide on the flanks and Kevin using some muscle in the centre of defence. So all went Pete Tong half through the half.

After 2 outstanding saves from the Chapper, who looked like he had fell in a Slurry pit was beaten by a very soft goal. Their center forward took a shot which looped off of one of the Vets defenders and hit the bar, only for a simple tap in for one their guys, so 1 up to the boys in Pink.

Not to be outdone, the boys picked themselves up and raced to the other end and scored. Georgey boy being the main man, beating 3 players before slotting the ball past their ’keeper. Right lets keep it tight until half-time.

Both Freddy and Scotty were having a great battle in midfield and helped tighten our resolve. Ady also playing a blinder, all over the right side of midfield attempting to play in Kenny, who for the most part was working hard to hold up the ball.

So half time came and we went in at 1 a piece, a fair scoreline for the way the game was going. No changes from Mao, so out for the second half. The first 15 – 20 minutes saw a lot of possesion from the boys in white, and we seemed to be camped in their half. Freddy seeing a lot of action, and getting a smack in the head for his efforts.

We had some clearcut chances, but failed to capitilise, and paid for it. Vets ’keeper had been a lonely boy, just taking in the view, and having very little to do, until the Pinkies launched a cross from the right, right onto the head of their centreforward who directed his header away from a despairing dive from Williamson, right into the corner – 2 – 1 to them. Very annoying really, as we had the beating of them.

Mao made his first change and exchanged the industrious Gallagher for Jimmy boy, who had an immediate impact when he came on. More composed on the ball and distributing well. Maybe the chaps could rescue a point, with only 10 to go.

NOT – After being mugged on the right side of midfield, their wing sent a cross into Vets’s box, just about on the 6 yard line. Williamson scrambled over to try and block the inevitable, but slipped in the mire into a heap. A little hard to remember what happened after that as I had liquid mud in my eyes, but apparently Dazza blocked the shot on the line, only for Kevin to bang his clearance against a prostate ’keeper, and squirm into the net. You couldn’t make it up. I’m surprised it didnt end up on Utube!!!

So after the second goal went in, another Sub, Ady, by the way, had a blinder and deserved MOM, but had to go home, was replaced by our mystery guest, none other than Mr Brown. Been a while for Pete, and I think he did okay when he came on.

All in all, not a bad performance from our Chaps, but two soft goals see to our third defeat in 4. A tough game coming this week against top of the league, who are yet to concede.

A few drinks in the bar after, and the inquest begins. MOM was a tight one, between Freddy, who had a great game in the centre of midfield, and Chapper, who kept the score ”respectable”! 3 a piece, but due to new rules ”there can be only one!!”, so Freddy got the beers, and Chapper got the report – again!!! Until the next time - Farveller Makkers. This report was sponsored by a nice cup of PG Tips.

In accordance with even more rules. I must inform you who has the lucky nicknames refered to in this article:

Riggers - Paul Wrigley, Mao - Chris Riley,Nozza - Alex Knott, Dazza - Darran James