It’s not about how we fall, it’s about how we get up again. Never have Alfred the butler’s words rung so true.

After a miserable result last week, which caused many senior players’ places in the team to be questioned, this Cambridge South side showed the kind of spirit that will ensure they go down, quite rightly, as amongst the greatest fighters of our time. Think Liverpool Champions League final 2005; think England Ashes triumph 2015; think Murray Wimbledon glory 2013 … this ranks right up there.

One could be forgiven for thinking, given the one and a half hour journey to league leaders Leadenham in the pouring rain coupled with leader S. Cooper nursing the kind of sore head that indicated a less than optimal Friday night preparation, that the omens were not looking good for South. However, a bright opening ten minutes ensured a positive atmosphere in the Cambridge camp. It was fitting when ladies’ man C. Walsh waltzed into the D and struck a superb reverse stick effort straight into the corner of the goal.

Once our tails were up and our noses in front we did well to ride out periods of high pressure from the opposition, with new signing “Mike” slotting in nicely at left half, joined by the ever consistent A. Edge and the enthusiastic central defenders T. Anns and S. Cooper barking orders with good authority.

It wasn’t long before a counter attack resulted in a second South goal. The experiment of trying A. Nightingale up front appeared to pay dividends when a mazy run followed by a nice pull back to star man Inshaw allowed a cross to be delivered to the lethal Owen. He slotted home with ease.

The shift in momentum was clear, as Leadenham appeared to be getting frustrated at the lack of chances created. When called upon, goalkeeper Steve made no mistakes, with a series of good saves before half time.

The team talk consisted of people throwing as many clichés as possible at each other “We haven’t won yet”, “We start again”, “Keep doing what we’re doing” – all knowing only too well how prone to a collapse we have been so far this season.

Leadenham started the second half nicely, but often found their final ball lacking in quality under good pressure from the South midfield, especially from seasoned professional Jon. With a great deal of scrapping and a focus on keeping our shape, we managed to hold on until, ten minutes from time, Nightingale was again able to assist in crossing to Owen to slot home. The celebration was whole hearted.

The final ten minutes was a lesson in shutting up shop. Mourinho would have struggled to have set out a team with such watertight defence, as Leadenheam threw everything at South, but ultimately we were able to hold on.

An outstanding win, and hopefully one which will trigger a turnaround in fortunes.