Question: How many 'defenders' does a team need?
Answer: One and a half.

With one surprisingly fluent pre-season game in our legs, the only natural way to approach this first league encounter was to change three quarters of the squad. Fielding at least three left wingers and two centre forwards meant that our tactical approach was by necessity, um, unconventional.

Still, the early signs were good, as we penetrated the City D several times in quick succession. A flurry of attacking corners were ably repelled as our hosts upped the ante at the other end. There didn't seem to be too much alarm when we coughed up possession in an attacking position, but a lightening break down the City left took us by surprise and suddenly we were one-nil down. One soon after became two, as we again fell prey to one of those dastardly reverse stick thingies, which Shahzad did well to get any sort of touch to.

Half time and ho-hum. It had been relatively even and yet we were 2-0 down.

Rather than wither away, we looked increasingly threatening and things became interesting once Owen had cut in from the left and laid the ball off for Monck Jnr to sweep home. We were back in the game!

But hang on, what's this? Adam Nightingale is a strapping lad, but he came off worst in a meaty collision and had to limp from the action. Another re-jig at the back then. Perhaps getting the ball up top might be a wise option, before they realise our defence is full of forwards…

With Inshaw, Greaves and Virdi much to the fore, an equaliser swiftly followed, courtesy of a diving Ta. Lamming was by now at right half, with Ali Edge more than a little concerned to find himself next to his Captain at the base of the team. Fear not, Alasdair, for Ahmed is about bundle home a late winner and then we can count down the minutes and seconds!

And then, by jove, we had done it. The umpires declared the three points went to the team that "wanted it more". Long may that continue.