So then, up and down like a yo-yo at the moment but onto our first game under lights for a while as we looked to sort out our fixture pile-up after the bad weather. The visitors hadn't won a game all season but results had definitley picked up lately and after going to watch them I knew that they were not to be taken lightly at all. After unsettled time prior to the Cherry Hinton game we welcomed back Ross and Tommy who partnered the gaffer at centre-half. Dec was suspended and Just unavailable. Oh happy days...

We've said this a thousand times but its been more in recent times that teams coming to us always raise their game playing at Westend under lights, after being used to trudging around on poor park pitches. The 'Theatre of Dreams' that is the mighty Sham's homeground is now well up with one of the best playing surfaces in the county and teams enjoy playing there. It was no different on this occasion, when from the start we knew we were in a battle and the visitors were a far better side than their league position suggested. Having said that we did dictate things with chances coming along at regular intervals without being taken. At the other end Comberton's centre forward was proving to be a handful although he was well chaperoned by the newly assembled back four. On twenty five minutes we got our break-through when a ball in from the right was put away (with his head.....!!!) by Pip coming in at the far post. One for the scrap-book chaps...

19. vs Cherry Hinton, 21st February 2009

Cherry Hinton 2-1 Somersham Town

Team - Hunt, Waters, Parr, Lyndsay, Bellchamber, Parker, Nelson, Light, Rossi, Robbins, Ives.

SUBS - Burgess, Brighton, Anderson.

...and so the good ship Somersham rolls into Cherry Hinton with renewed confidence and a belief that maybe we were coming into a bit of form. Never an easy place to go though and on an awful bobbly surface we were never going to be able to play any decent football. Same for both sides though as they say... Parry in for his first start but missing Evans, Fairley et al with a very unsettled 24 hours before the game. Not the best preparation but such is life...

It just goes to show how much I know about stuff when after five minutes I thought to myself 'We'll walk this...' We seemed up for it and started reasonably brightly with the home team a little sluggish coming out of the blocks. With pace up front in Just and Grant I knew we could get at them and a couple of half chances came quite quickly.... After this the adjective I would probably use to describe the way we played up to half-time would be 'shabby'.... We weren't able to keep possession, gave the ball away for fun and generally gave the opposition a massive hold on the game. Indeed, at times we didn't seem to even manage the easiest of passes and struggled badly to put any pattern into our play, with a definite tinge of lethargy affecting all bar Nick.

We got what we deserved when after a catalogue of shoddy attempts to clear the ball down our left, a cross came in which only matey centre-forward attacked while we watched... 1-0. I would have been made up to have got to half-time with the score like this but an excellent break down the left on 44 minutes produced a great cross and volley past Hunty to make it 2-0 even though it was almost certainly offside in the build-up. Our only real chance was between these two goals when Grant was put through but his chip cleared the bar. The half-time team talk let it be known that the first 45 was unacceptable and we needed to put things right...

We started a little brighter but didn't really create much. Chrissy came off with a groin injury so the gaffer came on at centre-half and we pushed Scott into midfield. We immediately became a bit more mobile and threatening although as a game things opened up and became a bit like a basketball / under10 cubs match. With half an hour to go Klee came on after his return from Huntingdon and we pushed forward with all the big lads going up for consecutive corners and piling in on Dec's massive throws. From one of these the ball dropped loose and Granty stabbed the ball home. However, in trying to get the ball back the said Klee gets involved in a scuffle and gets himself sent-off.....marvellous....

We battled like we should have done in the first half and pushed forward as much as we could, with the home side dangerous on the break. One bit of comedy defending from the gaffer let matey through on goal but amends was made with a chase back and block which was just as well... Despite all our best efforts we went down 2-1. Dear me we're inconsistent...

Missed chance this I feel and if we had played in the first half the way we did in the second... A rubbish build-up to the game didn't help, while missing players may have made a difference. All if's and but's though chaps at the end of the day...more cliches to follow...Keep the faith...

MoM - Nick Waters. Only outfield player to do himself any justice with an excellent performance at the back.

"I am playing all the right notes, just not necessarily in the right order..."

Eric Morecambe.

18. vs Hemingford, 14th February 2009

17. vs Girton, 31st January 2009

Girton 1-1 Somersham Town

Team - Hunt, Waters, Marco, Neale, Bellchamber, Nelson, Lyndsay, Rossi, Light, Robbins, Fairley

SUBS - Parr, Byrne, Ives.

...and so on too Girton. I've always rated this as a good side but we've always managed to do well against them in recent times with two wins and a draw in the last three meetings. At the same venue last season we had a hell of a game and went away with a hard earned point. Those of that were there that day immediately tried to help Meados search for the toys that he chucked out of his pram on our previous visit, but alas we were unsuccessful...Marco with his first start, Rosco in for Chrissy Parker and Ross in for Just up top. A big game against an in-form team that had won their previous eight....

I got the feeling that the home team were not as prepared as they may have been, or that they were supremely confident that they would roll us over. Whatever it was we immediately took advantage and started the game as well as we've started any match all season. We were sharp and first to the ball with Scott in a new midfiled role biting into the tackles. We came close to opening the scoring on 3 occasions with Ross making a nuisance of himself in the box and Declan's long throws a constant danger. It was from one of these throws on 15 minutes that the ball flicked off the head of a defender and into the bottom right hand corner. A great start and just what we deserved... 

This seemed to wake the home side and they started to compete and shade possession but we competed well and held firm. Girton forced a number of corners but we defended resolutely with Ben and Dec holding strong at the back. At the other end we looked quick on the break but didnt really create and I was well pleased going into half-time 1-1.

As the lads tucked into oranges and Marco into a cornetto, we knew that the second half would be more of the same and we were right. Girton bossed possession and pushed forward to try and get the equaliser. To the amazement of everyone the big lad up top who was causing us problems was taken off, but we knew why when his replacement brought balance to their team and the were just as dangerous. We kept defending with great heart though and could have even nicked another on the break with Grants pace always a threat. It looked like it was going to be one of those days when we were going to ride things through but ten minutes from time Girton got the goal they probably deserved when the ball ricocheted off Nick and matey put it away bottom right past Hunty. 1-1 at the final whistle and a good point gained rather than two points dropped.

I said to the lads after the game that I would have taken a point before the game and I was certainly pleased with one after it against possibly the in-form team in Senior A. A good start to the new year lads. Long may it continue...keep the faith...

MoM - Ben Neale. Put in great shift at the back.

"How I wish, how I wish you were here, We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl year after year..."

'Wish You Were Here' - Pink Floyd 1975.

16. vs Castle Camps, 24th January 2009

Castle Camps 2-3 Somersham Town

Team - Hunt, Evans, Lyndsay, Bellchamber, Neal, Waters, Spratt, Parker, Light, Ives, Robbins.

SUBS - Marco, Rossi, Nelson.

Well after what seemed like an eternity since our last game, we eventually got our season going again away at the glamorous surroundings of Castle Camps. Who said that local footaball wasn't exotic...? On a day that was just about playing football, getting in and out as quickly as possible, getting rid of our inevitable rustiness and coming away with the three points we just about achieved our goal...A changed team from what I can remember of our last match with Just making his second debut after his sojourn at Waterbeach with Dec.

On possibly the worst pitch I have ever seen in local football we were never going to be able to pass the ball around like we do on Westend. However, it is true to say we were awful first half above and beyond what I expected. In summary, mainly because it needs to be forgotten, we were lucky to go in 0-1 down. Oh and Spratty got sent off....Gr8.

After much weeping and gnashing of teeth, mainly from the lad Dunster, we decided to do something in the second and this is where it gets interesting..

• Dec puts us back into it. 1-1.
• Granty misses a penalty.
• Damo score with his eyes closed off the back of his head.
• Granty scores a great chip.
• Dec gets sent off.
• Castle Camps score with 2 minutes to go.
• Tommy gives away a penalty.
• With last kick of game Hunty saves the pen to give us 3 points.

 A totally mad game of football that I really hope we can put behind us. Just glad for the three points. Sixteen games to go, with bigger tests and lots of work to do. Lets see where we get to...Keep the faith...

MoM - Ryan Hunt. By far the best player on the pitch and won us the match.

RIP Neil Sears.

15. vs West Wratting, 29th November 2008

West Wratting 2-1 Somersham Town

Team - Hunt, Evans, Lyndsay, Bellchamber, Parr, Nelson, Parker, Spratt, Light, Robbins, Fairly.

SUBS - Marco, Bruce, Anderson.

So then to back to the league and with the disappointment of the previous week not totally out of sight, we were away to Wratting who had done us 0-1 at Westend in the last minute and who hadn't dropped a point in the league all season. Good or bad time to play them? You can take your pick but for myself it was to be a yardstick as to the character of my team, as I've said many times this season its how you react to a knock back that is the most important thing... Out of the team from the previous week was Ben who was suspended and Meady who has ligament damage and who is out for a while. Rosco and Nick were also unavailable and were replaced by Sprattman and Damo . In at left back came Parry from the Reserves and Dec who we had been working on to come back from his holiday at Waterbeach for a while...

It was a funny old day near Newmarket with freezing fog and and a slopey pitch against the league leaders on the back of a poor result. But if I had concerns as to our reaction these were well and trully banished as we dominated the game from the start. We were bright and full of hard work and looked a completely different outfit from the previous week. The defence was solid, the midfield tigerish and the lad Fairly causing allsorts of hassle up top. A special mention to young Robbins though who as we all know loves playing wide right (!!!) tripped over his bottom lip a couple of times, but was trully excellent on the day. Spratty's delivery from set-pieces is consistently of a high standard and it was from a corner from the right that Tommy acted as a blocker for Ross to head home. Great stuff and what we deserved after one or two near misses and a great save from the home keeper to deny a long distance shot from Spratty.

As was to be expected Wratting came more into the game after this and controlled possession for a while.  We defended well as a team though and looked as though we were going to make it through to half-time until we conceded a horrible scrappy goal when for once we didnt clear our lines. Not what I thought we deserved but a very good first half. 1-1.

If it was us that had shaded the first half then the home team did the same in the second but to be honest there was very little in it. Wratting again had the best of the possession but chances came at both ends in a very entertaining match. Damo made everyone aware, even the horse in the next field that "I got the ball though..." in his squeekiest/girliest voice when he was being booked for an awful tackle...........

Wratting got what proved to be the winning goal on about 65 minutes. The ref gave a very dodgy decision midway into our half when he clearly couldn't see the challenge. Wratting then placed the ball ten yards further on up the pitch to set up a shooting position from where the original 'offence' took place despite him being told by everyone what had happened. You can guess the rest. Not even a screamer. Horrible ricochet - goal.... Cheers then....

We continued to push forward and after an excellent move and cross from Phil, Granty produced a great header that brought one of the best saves I've seen from a keeper in local football. In the end we went down 2-1 after a great effort.

If what I was after was a positive reaction after the previous week then I think I got that plus interest. The away management confirmed what I already knew, that they didn't enjoy playing us and rated us very highly within the division. A blip was due and weve done that now. If we play like this every week not many can live with us....lets see...keep the faith....

MoM - Tommy Evans - awesome display even though carrying an injury.

 "Sometimes we are predictable, but out of that predictability we are unpredictable."

John Beck, Cambridge United Manager , 1991.

14. vs Stilton, 22nd November 2008

Hunts Senior Cup 2nd Round

Somersham Town 5-6 Stilton (AET)

Team - Hunt, Evans, Lyndsay, Neal, Waters, Robbins, Rossi, Parker, Mead, Light, Fairly.

SUBS - Byrne, Spratt, Anderson.

"See the boy Rudyard Kipling, who said it wasn't whether you won or lost but how you played the game that mattered, well he obviously never played football. Winning is the only thing that matters."

Andy Goram, Rangers and Scotland goalkeeper, 1996.

Once again I've had a while to contempate this one (as I always do before inflicting my drivel on this website), and have realised... It happens in football, it happens to us sometimes and it happens to a lot better teams than us. Thats why we play, for the unpredictability of it all. Five goals at home will win 99% of games, but six goals against through our own poor defending as a team means we don't really deserve the win. I think we thought it was too comfortable... 4-2 up and cruising midway through the second and I really couldn't see what was to come. Fairplay to Stilton though for their efforts but really it was in our own hands.

Some things to contemplate...

1. Were we going to win the cup? - Probaby not, although it would have been nice to go a few rounds.

2. We've come a long way in a very short time. Expectations are high especially amongst the lads.

3. League the priority. Defo.

4. Only one game...

At the end of the day I've said before its how a team reacts to disappointment that shows true character and I know we will bounce back stronger in the second half of the season. Keep the faith...

MoM - Ross Fairly. Lead by example.

PS - Meady get well soon.

13. vs Debden, 8th November 2008

Somersham Town 0-3 Debden

Team - Elts, Waters, Lyndsay, Neale, Godfrey, Spratt, Rossi, Mead, Light, Fairly, Robbins.

SUBS - Byrne, Anderson.

Football eh? Football at Somersham Town? A bit like space I reckon...if you start thinking about it properly it makes your brain hurt...and so it goes....

Debden at home, first and second in two weeks, a massive challenge. Somersham legend Eltsy covering for Ryan in goal, while Darren was in for Tommy who was in Hull?! Why? He never said.... Rosco back as well. Well up for bouncing back me, but problems choosing the music in the dressing was a microcosm of the two hours to follow....or summat.

Always been a big strong side old Debden and its true to say we've had the odd problem playing against them over the past couple of years. We never seem to play anywhere near how we can. But onwards into the first half. The Gaffer enjoyed his banter with the throngs of STFC followers in the stand these days. Gud lads who really want the team to do well. Two to mention...

1. Alan - always sees a goal on the horizon, usually against us....

2. JC - even if we lose its not the teams fault, but as a direct result of the gaffers indiscipline...and by the way Spratty/Meady owes fine money...

Anyway, as a wise man once said, or it may have been George Graham -

"Its hard to be passionate twice in a week..." (unless you're of the Italian waistcoated ethnic minority.)  After good training in the week were average at best, didn't retain possession, had trouble tracking runners from midfield, didn't attack the ball after some excellent crosses from young Grant and didn't take the couple of chances we had through Ben and Ross. 0-1 down at the half but still in the game.

We changed it at half time bringing Nick into midfield from the back four to cope with Debden's extra man that they had in there, and this worked for the first twenty minutes of the second period. We seemed a bit more solid and that showed with a bit more possession too. What we didn't show was a belief that we could go on and win the game. Maybe the knock from the week before having an effect on us? It seemed too. You also here about luck in football, and we cetainly haven't had a great deal lately. Are we bad people and being punished!? Maybe its something else that we can blame Sprattman for....

Too sumarise, we conceded again midway throught the second and once right at the end. Two free headers in the six yard box after giving the ball away. Hmmm. Guess we'll bring that up again. Our only real opportunity a Meady drive that was cleared off the line which would have brought us back to 1-2. In the end they were better than us on the day. 0-3.

"It was a game of two halves, and we were rubbish in both of them..."

Brian Horton, 1990.

...not quite. Thought we did okay at times, but never enough to really trouble the top two in the league. As I said to the lad Pip the day after I learned more about my players in this one game than the whole of the previous twenty games put together. Lots to take on board, and still massiive confidence in what we can go on to do this season and beyond. We were due a blip. Its how we react now thats the measure of us at this time....Food for thought... Keep the faith....

MoM - Mr Chairman - Majestic display with the flag.

12. vs West Wratting, 1st November 2008

Somersham Town 0-1 West Wratting

Team - Hunt, Evan, Lyndsay, Neale, Waters, Nelson, Mead, Spratt, Light, Fairly, Robbins.

SUBS - Byrne, Anderson.

Well we all knew that so far this season we hadn't really played anyone who were near the top of the league, so this was a massive marker for where we stood. Good results in the last six but Wratting looked a very good side on paper with wins in every game this season. Rosco, Darren, Parker et al unavailable but the strength of the squad evident again with another strong side out in Somersham colours. The lads were massively up for it and in great spirits after battering the lad Byrne, who had turned up with the spectacularly impressive love-bites on his neck. Classy....

On another excellent Westend surface both teams began tentatively, and had a good look at each other before things settled down. There was lots of play within the midfield and Wratting seemed to look more comfortable before us, looking dangerous at set pieces until we came into things midway throught the half. From then on I thought we shaded things. Very few out and out chances, but some confident possession with Pip and Ross taking the lead in driving us forward. At the back we didnt seem troubled unless it was of our own making - daudling on the ball and being caught in possession / giving daft free-kicks away in poor areas. It was true to say that the visitors carved out a couple of decent opportunities through this, so to get in 0-0 at the half was just what we needed.

After a positive chat in the interval, the second half was indeed hard work. Wratting showed what an excellent side they are for Senior A, and we were on the back-foot. We defended superbly though a real team effort, but depite this we should have conceded with one or two good chances against us not being taken. At the other end Ross was getting very little help from the referee with some very physical centre-halves, and young Grant looked as though he was carrying a knock. Which he was. But didn't tell me. Talking of knocks, Damo has played two full games in a row, so its about time 'The Black Sick-Note' pulled another hamstring. Or summat. Which he did, despite the Gaffers attempts to revive said muscle with a whole tube of deep heat.

In the end it looked as though we would hold out for a draw, but conceded a poor goal with only two minutes to go. Comedy of errors really. 1. Should have closed ball down in corner. 2. Took man out on half-way line. 3. Free-kick took ten yards further forward than it should have been. 4. Shoddy marking / clearances from our own box. 5. Goal.

Pants.

 We were all a bit gutted. A draw would have been a good result, but we saw where we are and we're not too far away. Even some of the Wratting lads couldn't believe how much we had developed and added that not many teams will get anything out of us if we carry on in the same vain. It s a big month for us, and its how we respond thats the important thing.....still massively up for it...

Keep the faith...

MoM - Ryan Hunt - so solid behind our back four.

" Day after day and the life goes on and I try to see the good in everyone, If I ever find myself here again I'll give everything..."

The Doves, 2000.

11. vs Castle Camps, 25th October 2008

Somersham Town 5-1 Castle Camps

Team - Hunt, Evans, Lyndsay, Neale, Godfrey, Nelson, Light, Spratt, Mead, Fairly, Robbins.

SUBS - Waters, Anderson, Rossi.

According to our 'Media Liaison Officer' and all round club legend Sam Thompson who wrote in The Hunts Post this week..

"The first team finished up 5-1 winners after a very good display from the whole team."

Well as everyone agreed the result looks half decent enough, but we didnt play anywhere near how we can. We didn't need to really against a Castle Camps side that looked lacking in confidence and ideas. We welcomed into our side new signing Ross Fairly from St. Ives and it was true to say he looks a quality player, just what we need alongside Granty up top.

The first half was slightly frustrating as it was obvious from the outset that the opposition were there for the taking, and our goal difference column could benefit.  We knew this and relaxed far too much when a bit of urgency and playing at our normal level would have been better preparation for the league leaders the following week. Goals from Ross on his debut and a deflected goal off Meados put us 2-0 up at the half, but to be honest it should have been a lot more as the visitors rarely threatened.

This point was put across quite firmly at the break and the response was a far better second half performance that yealded three more goals. Granty got back on the scoresheet with a couple and Damo chipped in with another. Ross had another excellent header disallowed for offside, no surprise considering the previous offerings of the visitors assistant linesman. We had umpteen chances to put a more realistic score in place, but it was the visitors who got a consolation penalty right at the end just as the gaffer walked on the pitch....nice....

Overall, another three points and a step in the right direction but we can and will play better with some tough games on the horizon. Reckon this may bring out the best in us....lets hope so...

Keep the faith...

MoM - Ross Fairly - Qualty player / Excellent debut.

"In football we all know if you stand still you go backwards..."

Peter Reid, 1996.

10. vs Brampton, 18th October 2008

Hunts Senior Cup

Somersham Town 1-1 Brampton (AET)

( Somersham win 5-4 on Penalties )

Team - Hunt, Evans, Lyndsay, Neale, Light, Nelson, Rossi, Mead, Spratt, Robbins, Parker.

SUBS - Byrne, Anderson, Slusar.

Two cup games in two weeks meant a proper break from the league and it would be fair to say that a little run in the Hunts Senior would be a great boost for the club. Local rivals Brampton the visitors have never been easy opposition and caused us allsorts of problems last season, so this was a tough first round although we went into full of beans. ( ...and lager, and cake...) Tommy back in the side for Darren who was unavailable and Pip back in for the Gaffer with the lads breathing a massive sigh of relief....harsh but fair i feel...

We seemed really up for this one prior to the start, but within minutes all our good intentions went out of the window as we allowed Brampton to boss the game, something they did for the whole of the half really. Playing against the wind and attacking the clubhouse end which we usually do second half, we were sloppy and seemed a little shocked as the visitors took advantage and pushed forward. We weren't tracking runners and balls down the sides of our back three were troubling us. Brampton were unlucky on a few occasions, but got the goal they deserved on fifteen minutes when another long ball over the top was not dealt with, matey jinked inside and finished comfortably bottom right giving Hunty no chance. A few minutes after we changed to 4-4-2 and this seemed to make us more solid, although we were still on the back foot. At the other end Meados and Granty could have given us ther lead we didnt really deserve but good chances went begging. I was over the moon to go in just 0-1 down at the end of shoddy first half.....

 It didnt need the Gaffer to turn the air blue and make it known in no uncertain terms that our first half was unacceptable. Everyone knew that. We were still in the match though, and next goal was the important one. As poor as we were in the first half, we did exactly what had been done to us and finally started to play and boss things. Pip was indeed the most attacking left back I have ever seen ( like a white Roberto Carlos ) and with Rosco blatantly cheating and causing bother up top we began to carve out openings. We were rewarded when some neat passing left Damo free in the box and he was able to slot the ball home to get us back in the game. Nice one my son...! We continued to push forward and we were given a break when the Brampton keeper was sent off for handball outside the box. A bit harsh, but there you go. Scott blasted the free-kick that was saved on the line, and the remainder of the half saw chances to us with Brampton hitting us on the break. A very entertaining game, but one I really didnt want to go to extra time, but this it did after we were unable to finish off some great approach play.

Extra-time followed the same pattern as the second half of normal time, as we pressed and pressed for a winner. Brampton looked there for the taking but defended well, especially the stand in keeper. We had numerous chances, but the clock ticked down. In the last minute I was sure we had won it when Damo went through, but his lob lobbed the bar and not into the goal. Penalties. All the lads seemed together and confident and with Hunty in the sticks I had to say I fancied us. This was born true as Tommy, Spratty, Grant, Meados and a magnificent spot kick to win it from Parker were slotted, and Ryan showed his class with a great save to nick it for us 5-4. Rosco was having kittens and couldn't watch but massive relief all-round. Nice one lads. Nice one....

Was chuffed and a bit proud with our attitude and how we came back in this one. Big game for us in the biggest cup competition in the county. Stilton up next in the next round...No reason we can't go forward. Back to the league now...bring it on...

Keep the faith...

MoM - Phil Light - excellent attacking display from a defensive position.

 "He looked into my eyes as an airplane roared above, said something about football but he never mentioned love..."

Kirsty MacColl, 1991.

9. vs Wisbech Town Res. 11th October 2008 - League Cup

Wisbech Town Res 2-1 Somersham Town

Team - Hunt, Lyndsay, Neale, Godfrey, Parker, Rossi, Spratt, Mead, Nelson, Anderson, Robbins.

SUBS - Messi, Gerrard, Cannavaro.

" I don't make predictions and I never will..."

Paul Gascoigne, 1997

Apart from our Reserves winning the Lower Junior Cup a couple of years back its true to say that we as a club haven't faired particularly well in cup competitions in recent times. This was one of the reasons that I was looking forward to a bit of break from the league, but then I realised we were playing in Wisbech. Nevermind I said, still up for it. Rosco, Darren and Damo in for Matt, Tommy and Pip and we were cooking on gas. A few of new signings on the bench but need to have a look at them in training before they start a game. Decent young side Wisbech, but on another lovely day we fancied the job....

The change from a four to a three at the back was always going to take fifteen / twenty minutes to get used to and this proved to be the case as the home side were sharpest from the off. We were pinned back a little and our distribution wasn't the best. One or two early scares were avoided until a poor ball out of defence was intercepted. Wisbech produced an immediate long ball which caught us square and a simple lob over Hunty produced a shabby goal from our point of view. Extra shabby even. This seemed to kick start our match and we gradually clawed our way back into things. We pressed forward mixing our play up nicely and attacking from different areas of the pitch. Granty was always in the mix and had a number of excellent chances to equalise and even put us ahead but was unble to capitalise on some very effective approach play by the lads. At the other end we defended well and the game turned into a good game to watch with two well matched teams. 1-0 at the half.

I was really pleased with the effort and application we had showed in the first session, and with the way that we were playing. Rosco was holding things together and Meady was pushing forward to support the front two. Even Spratty tried a tackle at one point although heading continues to prove a bit of a challenge. ( Despite this his Mr. Gay UK impression he did in the dressing room before the game is the best we've ever seen...) Things developed into a bit of a stalemate with not many clearcut chances being produced although both teams got into some good positions at times. Ben went old-school by staying on the field despite taking a knock and I always fancied us to nick a goal at some point. However, our habit of nibbling away with daft tackles in dangerous areas came back to haunt us when we gave away an avoidable free kick about twenty five yeards out, and matey curled a beautiful shot home to put us 2-0 down and with it all to do. Pants. The score I felt really flattered the home side but we came back almost straight away. Damo was brought down in the box after a great run and Meady put away his second successive penalty in two weeks to make it 2-1. We continued to push, but in the end we couldn't get the next goal and finished second for the first time in six.

 Hate losing any game me, but I'm glad it wasn't us missing out on three points as the league is undoubtedly our priority this year. Was pleased overall with the performance, very pleased in fact as our game plan worked like a dream with the finishing the only thing that was below par. We can continue to push forward and its only a matter of time before it all clicks together properly. We're not too far away lads....Hunts Senior Cup up next week...Cant wait...

Keep the faith...

MoM - Damien Nelson, excellent return on the wing.

"...So lets put on our classics and have a little dance shall we...?"

The Streets, 2002.

8. vs Hemingford, 4th October 2008

 Somersham Town 1-1 Hemingford

Team - Hunt, Evans, Lyndsay, Anderson, Waters, Byrne, Mead, Spratt, Light, Parker, Robbins.

SUBS - Nelson, Rossi

The Hunts Post said that -

"Somersham Town hosted Hemingfords United hoping to carry on their good run of late, which has saw them come away with three wins and a draw..."

I guess they were right, but things were not made easier with big sections of the squad unavailable although we were able to welcome back Hunty, Pip and Chrissy Parker. Ben and Darren had gone away for a 'special' weekend though, and Rosco's knee was well and trully knackered. Gaffer into the backfour, and Chris up top on a horrible windy day, against a big physical team with new players looking to lift the visitors up the table. Was always going to be a tough one this...

It would be fair to say we were in good spirits despite Hunty turning up in his plus fours five minutes before the game, but the opening twenty minutes were very ragged to say the least. Neither side played any decent football and we were unable to keep possession of the ball, with Hemingfords extra man in the midfield causing us one or two problems. When we did play, we looked as though we could create massive problems and it was through an excellent move down the left involving Pip and Grant that produced a foul in the box and a penalty was given. Meady reckons he's turning into Frank Lampard these days and he stepped up but saw his effort saved, only for the referee to order a retake for encroachment. Fair play to the lad for keeping his cool for the second kick. 1-0.

Afterwards we seemed to relax and the visitors came more and more into the game as things developed into a big physical battle. Spratty was a constant source of amusement and at one point his hairgel, moisturiser and shimmery body glitter were all chucked out the pram... We failed to keep the ball and the pressure mounted, but we were able to keep it to 1-0 at the half.

The second half was a continuation of the first to be honest. We didnt keep possession at all well and were put under constant pressure as the ball kept coming back. Hunty and the back four coped well with the waves of attacks, with Scott excellent once again and Meady working hard to keep things going further up the pitch. We had the odd half chance at the other end but Granty was not given the opportunity to get a run on the Hemingford defence and we started to try and see the game out. At this point the referee who had been very generous to us earlier in the game, decided to try and even things up with a series of bizarre decisions including corners and free kicks that kept us pinned in our own half. We rode our luck and it looked as though we were home, when the curse that struck us the previous week happened again and we conceded thirty seconds from the end. Pants, although to be fair Hemingford definitely deserved their point.

It is indeed true that an additional four points that we could have had over the last two games may come back to bite us on the bum at the end of the season. However, I dont see it this way as to be disapointed with these results considering the players unavailable and the fact that we know we can play better, is the mark of a good team. Our frustration comes at the timing of the equalising goals from the opposition. Things will even themselves out, and we'll be up there. Break next time out from league. About time we had a bit of a cup run....Keep the faith...

MOM - Nick Mead

"All I want for Christmas is a Dukla Prague away strip..."

Half Man Half Biscuit, 1986.

7. vs Hardwick, 27th September 2008

Hardwick 2-2 Somersham Town

Team - Gibbs, Waters, Evans, Neal, Lyndsay, Byrne, Spratt, Rossi, Nelson, Anderson, Robbins.

SUBS - Mead, Cousins, Slusar.

Due to the mad events in the week leading up to this game, and through injury / unavailability we went into this game somewhat depleted. Players had obviously left the club and on top of this Kingy, Pip, Darren, Parker and Ryan were missing, while Rosco had a knee injury and Meados was nowhere near 100% with a throat infection. As a result the team pretty much picked itself ( see above ) while we welcomed the lad Cousins back into the squad after the cricket season. Backs to the wall stuff but to be honest, thats just the way we've alway done it at Somersham and just the way I like it. Hardwick are a decent side in the making, with quality manager and all round nice bloke Graham Daniels in charge. Bring it on....

On a hard bobbly pitch it was very difficult to play very much football at all, so we changed the dimension of our attack and went slightly more route one with the gaffer up top being an annoying lump, and attempting to cause enough trouble for young Granty to benefit. This is exactly what happened on about fifteen when the ball was won in the box and Grant was able to force the ball home from close range. Great start...! Both teams tested each other out in a hard physical battle and half chances came at either end although to be fair Gibby in our goal didnt have a shot to save and our defence was excellent. I felt it was against the run of play then when a poor ball out of defence was jumped on by the home attack and a horible scrappy goal ensued from the resulting corner. Pants. After this we continued to force things with Rosco doing a fantastic Italian 'Braveheart' impression and leading us forward. ( Must have asked him a dozen times..." Andy hows the leg?....."Knackered Boss, Knackered...") Granty continued his recent form and was a constant menace, but we were unable to regain the advantage and it was 1-1 at the half.

I was well pleased at the time with our attitude and commitment and this continued into the second half where we fought for everything. The gaffer ended up looking like a halibut with a fat lip and to be honest it got a bit tasty at times with Spratty leading the way and knocking everyone out the way with his heroic prowess in the air.... We regained the lead with another great goal from the young'un Granty who ran from inside his own half, and with noone able to keep up he finished superbly into the bottom left corner.....magic!

The rest of the half consisted of sustained pressure from the home side with us defending well from throws and corners, and then counter attacking where we should have made the game safe. I really didnt think that they could score...until four minutes into injury time at the end of the game. A poor decision from the ref gave Hardwick a free kick on the left. A foul form the home centre half on the edge of the box was not given ( another poor decision ) and the ball was headed on towards goal. We all asumed Gibby would throw his hat on it, as even the missus would have saved it, but he thought it was going wide and left it and the ball looped in off the post..... Not blaming the lad at all as these things happen, but was disappointed when whistle went. 2-2.

On refection this was indeed one of our best performances of the season, especially considering the circumstances. With players to come back, and the attitude we're showing I know we will go on from here....well done lads....Keep the faith....

MOM - Scott Lyndsay - excellent game at centre half.

 "I cant understand why the ref wasnt more sympathetic. After all we used to go to the same bookies..."

Steve Claridge, 2001  

6. vs Cherry Hinton, 20th September 2008

Somersham Town 5-2 Cherry Hinton

Team - Gibbs, Waters, Lyndsay, Neal, Godfrey, Nelson, Rossi, Mead, Maharneike, Bassett, Robbins.

SUBS - Byrne, Anderson, Brighton.

...and so to another game at home which makes five out of six so far, so a win was important for points in the bag before we embark seriously on our travels. A new team for us to play too, with Cherry Hinton coming up from Senior B last season and a better outfit than their league position would have us believe. Out went Hunty through illness, and Parker who had to work. Damo came in for his first game in a while after injury, as well as Rosco in order to pester Meady in the midfield. Lovely day again and Westend was looking the business....

Writing this as I am in retrospect and having had time to consider things, this was a game we had well under control and never really played anywhere near how we can. It was a hot day, and this affected our workrate, but you got the feeling that we played well within ourselves but did more than enough to be comfortable winners. As the gaffer it is easy to over analyse, but to win as well as we did when in cruise control is a pleasant state of affairs. It didnt feel that way initially as we let in a couple of sloppy goals in the first twenty minutes and were 2-1 down. A couple of quality finishes each  from Gaz and Granty put us 4-2 up though, and to be honest it could have been quite a few more. We weren't keeping possession or playing our football but Bassett and Grant were a right handful and the long ball was working, catching the away defence out time and time again.... Hardly sexy, but effective in a subdued kind of way....

The second half was more of the same, and despite the odd scare we didnt concede anymore. At the other end we created a hatful more chances that would have helped our goal average and put a more realistic slant on things. ( Klee did however knock Parker off top spot with miss of the season which was discussed at length afterwards...) Our only addition to the score was when Granty, who is on fire at the moment, bundled the ball over the line to complete his hat-trick and notch his fifth in two games...well done son. 5-2 at the final whistle and an easy enough three points and now on a roll...

In a time when loyalty and commitment in football doesn't seem to mean very much, I'm glad Ive got the squad I have... Hardwick up next... Keep the faith....

MoM - Grant Robbins

"The world looks a totally different place when you've won. I can even enjoy watching 'Blind Date' or laugh at 'Noel's House Party'."

Gordon Strachan, 1996.

5. vs Great Paxton, 13th September 2008

Great Paxton 2-4 Somersham Town

Team - Hunt, Waters, Lyndsay, Neale, Godfrey, King, Maharneike, Mead, Parker, Bassett, Robbins.

SUBS - Rossi, Spratt, Anderson.

Big game this one. Paxton going well and hoping to get back to the Premier at the first attempt and our first league game away from Westend. On a beautiful Indian Summer's day I was well up for this one and looking forward to having most of our lads who were away back in the squad. Kingy came in on the right and Meados into the middle with Gaz, while Granty partnered new signing Bertie Bassett up top. However, record signing Evans had turned an ankle (in the notorious balaclava / tangerine incident) and pulled out in the warm up.

We started as well as we have done all season, really taking the game to the home side and should have been one up within twenty seconds, with a great ball inside the six yard box from Meados just evading everyones touch at the far post. Granty went through one on one five minutes later and with the Gaffer turning round to celebrate, the look on Pippy's face said that somehow his finish had gone past the right hand post. We didnt have to wait too long though and took the lead on fifteen minutes. The ball was lobbed throught to Kingy just inside the right side of the box and before we had time to say "Dont hit it early...!" he did, and smashed a beautiful half-volley into the top right hand corner of the net....Great goal...! We continued to press and the Paxton goal lead a charmed life at times with Granty smashing a post and Spratty , who had come on for groin injury victim Meados, ( don't ask how he got this one...) forcing a great save from the home keeper. Paxton gradually came back into the game and grabbed an equaliser following some poor marking after a cross from the left hand side. I wasn't amused... Despite having the better of things, it was 1-1 at the half.

After a bit of a stern talking too, the lads went out and did exactly what we asked them not to, which was start slow and lethargic. We were punished almost immediately with a through ball evading our back four as we marked wrong side and Hunty was left with no chance as matey put Paxton 2-1 up and gaining momentum. The combination of Bertie and Granty ( STFC'S answer to The Chuckle Brothers - 'me to you' etc etc...) was causing mayhem to the home defence though, and we got back into it almost immediately when Grant side footed home bottom left after some great work by Lee. It was 2-2 and game on...

This seemed to kick start us once again, and chances came at regular intervals although we never looked completely safe as Great Paxton broke with pace when we had committed lads forward. We took the lead on seventy minutes though when the ball was forced over the line from a cross by a combination of defender, Godfrey (AKA Stig) and new lad Bertie......Think we gave it to Bertie in the end for a goal on his debut, but it really didnt matter....was just a relief to see it go in. We once again were unable to put the game to bed as chances continued to go begging, until Granty got his second five minutes from time with a well taken lob when through against the keeper....that'll do nicely m'lady....4-2 and an excellent three points away from home.

Think we all enjoyed this one and it was a magic atmosphere in the changing room after the game. With a new cd on the sound system and Rosco leading the way by flipping some impressive moves it was a good day all round. Winnable games ahead too...nice. Keep the faith....

MoM - Ben Neale - Superb display at the back.

"Its amazing what can be achieved when no one minds who gets the credit."

Howard Wilkinson, 1982.

4. vs Foxton, 6th September 2008

Somersham Town 3-2 Foxton

Team - Hunt, Lyndsay, Neale, Godfrey, Anderson, Milton, Byrne, Mead, Waters, Parker, Evans.

SUBS - Slusar, Brighton, Rossi.

It has to be said that playing is far easier than managing...so its probably a good job I played in this one rather than watching from the side, as I almost certainly would have had a heart-attack....

We went into the game desperate to put things right from the week before, but missing three players that started the Hardwick game and still without nine in total. Out went Gaz, Spratty and Theo and in came Milts after injury, Meady who was back from holiday and the Gaffer. (...we were definitely a bit short.....) At home again, beautiful surface and with the lad Lyndsay up top we were definitely up for this one...

Because of who was available we decided to revert to 4-4-2 instead of our usual three at the back and it definitely took us a while to adjust as the visitors bossed the first twenty minutes. However, we defended resolutely and came more into things with Tommy (in a more familiar right back role) dictating things for us and showing why I spent the whole of my 3.5 million quid transfer budget on him....Chrissy 'How did he miss that one mate' Parker had a good chance to put us ahead on 22 mins but was nudged from behind as he shot and the chance went begging. However, a few minutes later Scott got a flick on from a flighted ball into the box, the ball broke to Matty and he tucked away his first goal since scoring for Oxmoor Cubs when he was ten. Get in...! Shortly after we doubled our lead when the ref rather generously gave us our first penalty of the season. Meady stepped up, and erased thoughts of Hardwick away last year and smashed the ball home!!! Actually he scuffed it and it only just crossed the line but nevertheless....... 2-0 at the half.

After a happy dressing room at half time, the second period was really hard work. We could have put the game beyond Foxton almost immediately with Chris and Milts having magic chances, but it wasn't to be. We were unable to keep possession of the ball and the visitors came more and more into the game, and it was no surprise when we marked wrong side form a corner and matey got a free header..2-1. The defence came under constant pressure and we did nothing to help ourselves, with free kicks being given around the box and frustrated bickering  affecting our play. In the end the inevitable happened... 2-2 and Foxton going for the win. Pants.

Sometimes in games you just hang in, and to be honest thats what we did. We were definitely looking for some inspiration going into the last ten, and we got with Hunty keeping us in it with some great saves. Somersham teams in the past would have caved in to the pressure but if anything we started to create things ourselves. Then, with two minutes to go we were treated to something a bit special. Klie had come on second half despite a cracked rib and looked lively despite his injury. The lad Slusar picked up the ball just in front of the visitors back four and puts him in on goal......we all waited...go on Klie...go on son.... Now the lad isn't lacking in confidence at the best of times, but he's only gone and put the goallie on his bum, went round him and slotted .....Awesome finish....3-2.....Brilliant stuff.

I was over the moon with the result considering our circumstances, and its a testament to us all that we came through and managed to pick up the three points. Sure we wouldnt have been able to pull this one off last year, and with most of the missing lads on their way back confidence is growing. Paxton up next. Bring it on. Keep the faith...

MOM - Ryan Hunt ( some outstanding saves to keep us in it. )

"Football matches are like days of the week. I't can't be Sunday every day. There are also Monday's and Tuesday's..."

George Weah, AC Milan 1995.

3. vs Hardwick, 30th August 2008

Somersham Town 1-2 Hardwick

Team - Hunt, Waters, Lyndsay, Neale, Godfrey, Evans, Byrne, Maharnieke, Spratt, Hakim, Parker.

Subs - Anderson, Donald, Rossi.

"Football. Bloody hell..."

( Sir Alex Ferguson 1999 )

...and so the magic roller-coaster of life continues at the 'sham...

After tuesday we were left with a completely different set of lads for this game... Kingy and Grant went away on holiday and Phil was injured. Milts, Rosco and Klie were still injured from the previous week while Damo and Meady were still away....it was always going to be tricky... On the plus side we welcomed new signing Tom Evans from St Ives who I know will make a big impact. Hakim came in too for his first game this season... a win and we were in fifth...

With so many new faces we were never going to be at our most fluid. The team up against us was a completely different Hardwick to the one which the Gaffer had watched in the week and it was they who dominated the first half with some decent passing, and some tricky lads up top. We really never got going, and only really threatened with the odd set piece. We rode our luck at times too, Hardwick having a goal disallowed for offside and Hunty making one or two excellent saves. The lad Waters worked his nuts off in the middle of the park, but really we never really passed the ball like we can and Hardwick spent most of their time in our half. It was a relieved Gaffer who spoke to the lads 0-0 at the half.

This was obviously going to be a game that we were going to have to 'win ugly', sneaking something and battling when we really weren't at our best. We looked like we were going to pull this off when a piece of magic from Maharnekeey produce a fantastic goal after he sold a couple of defenders and curled it top left....beautiful.... However, our optimism was very short lived indeed! Almost immediately. A long knock from the back saw our defence misjudge the flight of the ball and we let matey centre forward in on Hunty who stood no chance at all. 1-1.

After that it was Hardwick who took control once more, and apart from on Chris Parker opportunity we really didnt threaten the opposition defence too often. Their winner came through a penalty when we tried to win a header in the box but ended jumping on the centre forwards back. I was praying Hunty could pull off another save as he did against Girton, but an excellent penalty saw us 1-2 down and that pretty much was that.

On reflection, this game was a difficult one to judge. I know we can play better and the goals given away were disappointing. However Im not attaching blame to anyone as the lads involved have been outstanding for me and we all make mistakes sometimes. With so many away it is difficult to put together a cohesive unit and we had to ride that here. But theres loads of optimism and with more quality players joining us, weve competition for for places too. I know we'll get it right...Keep the faith...

MOM - Ben Neale

2 vs Girton, 26th August 2008

Somersham Town 3-0 Girton

Team - Hunt, Neale, Lyndsay, Godfrey, Waters, Light, Spratt, McArnichy, King, Parker, Robbins.

Subs - Milton, Anderson, Donald

After the Wisbech game I think everyone was looking forward to this one to put things right. Our first four games being at home, it was important too to start picking up the points as soon as possible. We had played well against a solid Girton side at the back end of last season, and knew we couldnt play as poorly as the previous week to stand any chance of a win. Gary and Spratty came into the side for Rosco who had a knock, and Meady who was away on holiday.

We started exactly the way we should have done the previous week, high tempo... We had warmed up like tarts, but none of this was evident as we took control and dictated matters. We were playing good football, and passing the ball around nicely with Phil a particular threat down the left hand side. It wasnt long before chances were made and from a superbly delivered corner from Spratty (who was nowhere near the best looking bloke on the pitch) Scott produced a powerful downward header bottom left to put us one up. Nice one...Within minutes Grant wriggled through and found himself one on one with the keeper. We were all expecting him to hit the horse in the next field, but a lovely cool finish gave th keeper no chance. Two up and looking good. We let Girton back into things in the few minutes before half time where they were good value to pull one back, but we held on till the break.

 The second half was a carbon copy of the first really. We continued to pass the ball round with everyone looking comfortable and seemingly enjoying the game. The next goal was obviously massively important, and thankfully it went our way and put the match to bed. A smart move saw  two and a half million pound man Parker in on the right hand side and a powerful finish saw us go 3-0 up. Superb. Girton could have come straight back into it when Ben forgot he was playing football, decided to do a Johny Wilkinson impression and handled in the box. Actually, not so much handled he picked the ball up, ran with it and with a lovely side step threw it out the box......However, Hunty rescued him and was able to throw his hat on a poor spot kick. Milts and the Gaffer came on late on and added a bit of quality to procedings, and Grant could have rounded things off with a fourth, but he was unable to convert. The big daft lump.

All in all an excellent display and a complete contrast to the Wisbech game with the only downside being an injury to Phil who had had another excellent match. Up into sixth and only three teams with maximum points. With the next two games at home we have to be looking to pick up more points that would put us into the top 5.... Thats the aim lads...Keep the faith...

MOM - Phil Light

1. vs Wisbech Res, 19th Aug 2008 (H)

Somersham Town 1-2 Wisbech Res.

Team : Hunt, Neale, Lyndsay, Godfrey, Light, Waters, Mead, Parker, King, Rossi, Robbins.

SUBS : Spratt, Brighton, Milton, Byrne.

...and so to a new start...massively up for it...bring it on...!

We could all agree that there is certainly a new belief and confidence about our club these days that has not been around for a long time.. We all know that things are moving majorly in the right direction off the pitch, but on it we're starting to do the same thing. Results at the back end of last season lifted everyone, something that continued into pre season and with some very encouraging performances.

Despite losing one or two players, we have kept the nucleus of the squad together and added to it with some quality. Scott Lyndsay has come in from St Ives, while Gary McArnichy, Lee Milton, Matt Byrne and Klie Brighton have come over from Huntingdon. Hakim has also been spotted somewhere on the distant horizon and we are still hoping for one or two more to join us...very encouraging...

So, going into our first league game at home to Wisbech, new kit (cheers Dave...) everyone watching, we were full of confidence, it should have been a night to kick the season off with a bang. However, I suspect we were over-confident on the night, a poor first half performance dropped us right in it and we came back down to earth with a bump!

Okay, so we said to dictate and boss the game from the start...hmmm... Two down in ten minutes with awful marking and us looking completely out of sorts was not what we had in mind. We couldnt really string any passes together, the good football that we had started to play in pre season disappeared and in came the long ball...pants. The opposition weren't a bad side, but we were so poor in that first half hour we would have struggled against most teams in our league. We came into it in the last ten minutes of the half with a spell of sustained pressure, and started to look more like ourselves. Meady put us back in the game with a well taken finish on forty minutes and we maybe should have nicked another to bring us level. However it stayed 1-2 at the half.

We all knew we were poor in that first half, and it really didnt need to be screamed from the rooftops at the break. We knew what needed to be done. However, in all honesty we created very little in the second and the game became a stalemate. We played better, and our effort/determination was there but our only clear opportunity came when Klie had a reaction header that went wide of the far post after about 70 minutes. Wisbech had the odd half chance, but in the end our poor first half showing cost us dear.

Despite all of us being disappointed with the result this could have been the best thing to have happened to us. Maybe it was over confidence at the start that contributed to our first half performance. It certainly was a bad day at the office, with 5/6 of our lads playing no where near their capabilities. I know for a fact that we cant and wont play anywhere near as bad again. Girton next up is massive for us now to get points on the board and move on...lets do it...keep the faith...

MOM - Phil Light

Hemingford 0-2 Somersham Town

Team - Hunt, Waters, Light, Neal, Bellchamber, Nelson, Parker, Rossi, Lyndsay, Robbins, Fairley.

SUBS - Burgess, Marco, Ives.

 "The beautiful game I love so well, the game I live to play."

Pele - 'My Life and the Beautiful Game' 1977.

Well I'm guessing the old boy hasn't played Hemingford away then... Always a battle these ones and very rarely a load of pretty football played. It was 1-1 at Westend earlier in the season when the visitors got a goal right at the death, but on a day when many games in the area were called off it was great to get a game in, even if it was on a heavy pitch. Fair play to Hemingford for getting it on and great to see Shad's boys in their semi-final on the pitch alongside us. Chrissy in for Marco in the only change from the week before and a big day for the club...

Both teams spent the opening fifteen minutes having a look at teach other when play was scrappy and to be honest , not much happened! After that a pattern for the whole game emerged when Hemingford had a lot of possession but didn't really threaten with our defence very solid and with us in turn looking dangerous on the break. I was only slightly concerned with our marking from set-pieces. The home team were big and strong with their game-plan centred on battering teams into submission...but we got tight and Hunty only had one save of note make when he tipped over a header from a home corner. At the other end Ross and Grant were starting to cause all sorts of bother. Scott was again in midfield and was excellent breaking down play and driving us forward like a pikey Braveheart from Huntingdon. We got our reward when from a cross from the left Ross hjeaded against the bar and Grant put away the rebound...Nice...

The game carried on with the same pattern when on forty minutes we witnessed a moment of genuine Italian beauty... Rosco had been up till that point been controlling the midfield with his just-a-tiny-bit-late challenges and Wolverine sideburns. He picked up the ball about forty yards out and got past his marker. But then he 's only gone and made the second run and asked for the one-two to put him in on goal....Finish like Paulo Rossi...amazing... Respirator at the ready good job it was near half time. The only bad thing about a very impressive half was losing Ross to injury after being denied an excellent shout for a penalty, then diving like matey from the popular board game 'Mousetrap' and getting himself injured after a poor tackle from behind...

The second half really was more of the same. Lots of posession but with Ben, Dec, Phil and Nick outstanding at the back they never really got  through and Hunty never really had a save to make. The linesman was excellent and Jamie had a senior moment by forgetting he wasn't playing and chesting the ball down 3 yards onto the pitch. The resulting dressing down by the referee was totally justified... Paul made his debut and Marco came into the fray as well. We could have further added to our lead when Just and Grant both got through on goal but were unable to finish. However, a 0-2 win and well happy.

Any away win with a clean sheet you would have to be happy with but this one gave me particular satisfaction. With the Reserves winnining their semi 2-1 as well it was an excellent day for the club. With very winnable games coming up we're moving in the right direction. The beer tasted sweet that night... nice one lads...keep the faith...

MoM - Scott Lyndsay. A revelation in centre midfield!

"Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance."