It was a confident M2s who took to the pitch against Peterborough M5s. After a good performance last week and a nice early warm-up, capitalising on the pitch-let while P'boro languished in the changing rooms, we were certain we'd do some damage to the visitors' backboard.

And indeed, play was solid for the first half. The ball was moved around the back confidently, using both the width and easy triangles to get up the pitch; forays into P'boro's D were frequent; and maybe most promising, we comprehensively outcommunicated the opposition. The one thing we didn't do was score. We got close, most noticeably with a penalty flick that big Tom was very unlucky to see saved; but no cigar.

In the second half, P'boro got hold of a little spate of short corners and managed to convert one of them; though one could argue it was still against the run of play. Our confidence lapsed and our composure shattered. The drive to find an equaliser was there alright; it just wasn't backed up by the patient and calm play that we showed in the first half. Again, forays into P'boro's D were made, but these were increasingly panicky and chances weren't played out properly. When P'boro managed to get another short past (or quite possibly through, considering it was a proper cannonball) Shahbaz, it was all over for the day.

Frustratingly, we did exactly what we planned to do in the first half: confident, composed and patient play, trusting the goals to come in time. It's just a shame we couldn't keep that composure for the full game and show our mettle in adversity as well. Next week, the aim must be to score in the first half and carry positive momentum to the end.