The Second match of the League against Greenmeadow was a tough one. The boy's did an outstanding job against one of the better teams in the league and although the score ended up 4-1, I think it would have been more like 3-2 had David Blunkett been allowed to bring his guide dog along to help him ref the match!!

   The first 10 minutes of the first half was going well although the boy's were losing faith with the ref after he ignored a hand-ball in the penalty box by the opposition in the first couple of minutes of the match which would have given us a penalty. We also had several bad tackles by the opposition which again the ref ignored. The last 10 minutes of the first half saw Greenmeadow put 3 goals in the net, one of which was another hand-ball, again the ref didn't see it!.

   We nearly had a goal scored in the first half by Roberto, playing mid-field, who did a magnificent power shot from outside the box which we all thought was going in, but sadly it hit the crossbar and bounced down on the goal line. Chopper started the second half as sub so he could calm his mum down as by now she was getting pretty upset at the refs decisions and was ready to storm across the pitch and give him a piece of her mind! (Refs be warned, I've seen Kim in action and it's not a pretty sight!)

   The boy's started the second half full of encouragement after a halftime chat with Malcolm. Josh told me Malcolm had said he was going to give the Ref a stern ticking off after the match for his poor decisions! (good on ya). 5 minutes into the second half and Greenmeadow scored goal number 4. I couldn't look so I turned away, to see Malcolm doing a runner to his car and subsequently wheel spinning out of the car park!! (we would have backed you up Malcolm, honest!). In the last 5 minutes of the second half Eddie did manage to break free and to the shouts and encouragement of the side-line scored our only goal, well done Eddie. In mid-field and defence Roberto, Jim, Pont, Chopper, Tank and Josh all ran around like headless chickens and kept the opposition at bay most of the time. All the boys played a brilliant game and deserved a better result for their efforts.

   Man of the match went to Callum who put in an magnificent performance up front working along side Eddie. Both did well and had some good tactics going at times but Greenmeadow are a tough team and most of the time they were closed down. Gavin had some good saves and was kept busy most of the match (I won't mention you this week Jill as I could see you were crying on Sunday after the 4th goal went in!)

   The end of the match saw a 4-1 result, which I believe was due to poor decisions and bad play by the ref & opposition. We shall meet Greenmeadow again, and when we do I will be having a quiet word with Josh about 'When In Rome Do As the Romans Do!' Can I do that Malcolm? or would that be overstepping the mark!? Sod it, he's my son and I'll say what I like!.

      Better luck next time boys.

         Roving Reporter Bill Fail