The 5s can hold their heads up high after containing the threat of the 4s and keeping them at arms length for much of this closely fought derby.

With their captains words of advice fresh in their minds at the start of the game, the 4s were restricted to several hopeful punts towards the D from the Monckasaurus that didn't amount to much as they were cleared or cut out by the defence.

Getting frustrated, the 4s started to push further forward looking for that first goal, but this started to leave them exposed at the back. A quick turn over from a 4s' hit saw James B collect the ball and feed James M, who ran past a couple of challenges in the midfield. Spotting the captain run behind the defence, James sent a through ball past the despairing lunge of Tom R into Simon's path. Gathering the ball, Simon jinked away from James S trying to cover the ground but hopelessly exposed. Breaking free and bearing down on Shahzad, Simon smashed the ball goalwards but sent the ball just wide of the far post.

This seemed to wake the 4s up though and a series of short corners and free hits were conceded as the 5s rearguard action remained strong. Douglas, John S and Ian E both earned man of the match nominations for timely interceptions, blocks and clearing tackles and Rob was equal to almost everything thrown at him until Charlie got the opening goal. That solitary goal was to be the only one of the half so the 5s were still well in the match.

The second half was pretty much a repeat of the first. Wave after wave of attacks were repelled by the 5s while several good counters were set up by playing out along the wings from the back. Owen, Howard, Andy, James B and James M were linking up well to play the ball around the 4s and attempting to set up attacks with John D, James R and Simon up front.

However, while the 4s rattled in another two goals without reply, the 5s carved out a few more chances and reduced the 4s to some "dubious" tactics in order to stop the 5s' top scorer from doing what he does best. So no goals this week, but a heroic performance from everyone in the 5s despite the result. Let's hope we can keep up the same level of performance next week in the return game against City 5s...