South made the long journey over to play the Cambridge Veterans. Craig caught the 6am Milk Train and Jason arrived just in the squeak of time for the final game before Christmas. Dave (even after it being deemed lemonworthy) continued to sport some trousers more suited to a middle-aged birdwatcher.

Gravelling was tapped up before (and during) the game, but the match showed that it would be a few years yet before he would be lining up on their side. The game started with the same pattern of swift, smooth Cambridge South movement up front and solid defence (with newly-added fast transitions around the back!).

The first goal came from a slick move which ended up with Jack with his back to goal, bound to give it back to Mark in a better position; nope, Jack calmly put it in the top corner on his reverse to put South ahead. Chances were limited for the Vets' front line, but when challenged Colin and Tom dealt with the skilful Vets forwards comfortably, the latter looking like Usain Bolt against their front line.

The tackles were flying in from both sides - but a particular mention to Stu for a tackle Roy Keane would have been proud of. However, South continued to drive forward and after a few top saves from the keeper and a shot off the beans and toast, Graham (new Goal King alert) scored the second. Spencer drove down the right, pulled it back and McCulloch did the rest.

The second half brought some more of the spikiness of the first, Paresh getting into more trouble with some drama that wouldn't look out of place at his usual dance recital. This riled the Vets more and even with their depleted stamina they fought back strongly.

South did have large swathes of possession in the second half and 'veteran' Rosselli defied his years with a performance of assured distribution and well-timed tackling. This possession did create chances, but unfortunately these weren't converted. Namely Captain Jim with his usual flair for attacking positioning was denied by a strong and dynamic Vets defensive backline.

His first chance came from a ball blasted in high speed from Paresh and, Jim being under significant pressure, he couldn't quite get the deflection into the goal with the ball passing just wide. The second, from a well-worked attack down the right flank, resulted in Craig deftly missing with an awkward bobbly ball across the goal-mouth. Jim, surrounded by Vets defenders, couldn't rescue the stray trajectory and another chance was missed. 

This gave the Vets renewed vigour and the last fifteen minutes were more tense than everyone had hoped. Vets got a goal back from a short corner and this was game on. However, the defence stayed strong in the face of the opposition offence and held on for a crucial three points.

This topped off the first half of the season with nine wins out of eleven and South sitting pretty in second with eight points over their nearest rivals. Congrats all on a great first half of the season - now on towards promotion!