Superior skills told in the end as the 3rds overcame the plucky 4ths, running out six-nil winners.

The first half was competitive, with the fourths sticking to the game plan and frustrating the "away" team with decisive defending, clearing the ball away swiftly, and strong hits out as usual from JSid.

Midfielders Simon Jelley, Wilco Dikstra and Man of the Match, Phil Harvey, wriggled and twisted to get the ball upfield with some neat passing moves, but there were never quite enough players in purple in the opposition's danger area.

The 3rds did manage a couple of goals, from two of their many short corners, past the excellent Shahzad Ali, who kept the score down with saves, dives and blocks on a regular basis.

After half time the pressure told and the 3rds rattled in four more goals.

The fourths were denied a consolation from our only short corner, with a John Greaves hit from an angle palmed away by the gazelle-like opposition keeper, Lino.

There were positive signs as everyone stuck to their task, harrying and tackling manfully, and trying to pass wisely, but the 3rds were too good.