Where to start a match report for a game like this? Probably mid-week, when fears a lack of players higher up the club left the skipper wondering if, despite a healthy turnout on paper, the result would have to be forfeited for a game we felt we could do well in against a team one place above us in the table. We shall be forever grateful for the plucky volunteers who took a trip to North Lincolnshire this week (despite the weather and the result) to ensure that both the M4s and M5 fixtures would stand.

As for the match itself, the M5s started with the luxury of two subs, which would become three once Owen arrived, but reduced to two again when John D pulled up shortly before half-time. Shahzad struggled more with adjusting to Rob's kit than he did dealing with the various attempts made on his goal by St Ives through an evenly matched first half. The defence of Howard, Douglas, John S, David and Nick (having another storming game in only his second ever start) were dealing with attacks as they came through with aplomb and as mentioned, Shahzad was on hand to mop up those that slipped through (I'm sure he'll enjoying going back to having a quiet life with the M4s next week).

The midfield were combining well - the starting quad of James, James, Phil and Andy were combining well with one another to provide chances for both themselves and the forwards John D, Simon and Rob B (as part of his rehabilitation from a hip injury). Several good opportunities were for naught thanks to a combination of loss of composure, over-elaboration and fantastic saving tackles from the St Ives rear-guard.

South also rode their luck somewhat and St Ives were unfortunate to see two strikes ruled out from two short corners for not travelling 5m before entering the D* and height. However, it turned around at half-time 0-0 and the team talk concentrated on continuing to do what we (always) do best, not panic and the goals would surely come.

Chances certainly came and went along the same pattern as the first half as both sides continued to probe for an opening to get the first goal. Eventually, it came and fell to the one man South probably hoped it would come to. No, not the mis-firing captain who remains stranded in second place and threatening to be cut adrift in his pursuit of goal-king thanks to an unusually long dry spell, but on-loan reverse-stick specialist Rob B. My memory is slightly hazy on the exact build up to the goal, but Rob received the ball on the edge of the D, took one touch to steady himself before firing a shot across the keeper, that flew into the back of the net. 1-0 South.

And that was that. Returning to the halfway line, the skipper's demands to keep concentration and tempo high and keep doing what we'd managed so well throughout the game to now, were apparently heeded as the remainder of the half was seen out without any further significant action to report. A narrow win and clean sheet to boot (oddly, only the second for both in the league this season and both at the Leys - can we play here every week?) against a side who pushed us all the way, just as they did before Christmas. A lot of credit has to go to the opposition who on another day could easily have taken the points or at least earned a share of the spoils.

MoM and LoM awards to follow as the skipper missed the post-match pub action in order to be blown about the St Johns astro.

* someone may correct me on this, but the first was ruled out for something and pretty sure it wasnt height. Anyone know? Thanks to Mr J Bridge for his insights. Playing up front is not condusive to insightful match reporting when it comes to defending your own D...