South lost a narrow encounter with the team that would end the day top of the league. It certainly wasn’t the result South wanted but there were easily enough positive signs to give the team confidence going into a run of three must-win fixtures against teams around us in the league.

Before the serious stuff started on the pitch, there was an amazing two minute spell of the most incredible Lemon-worthy behaviour from three players clearly desperate to secure at least one ‘win’ from the day. First, Stu(pid) deliberately smashed Captain Jim’s new club mug – an act obviously designed to assert his new role as stand-in skipper. Then Spikey became Pikey by turning up in a pair of mismatched astros – he looked like a cross between the kid at school who forgot his PE kit and a tramp.

Then, just as the debate over which one of them would win Lemon got started, inured Captain Jim zoomed up on the most ridiculous mobility aid the world has ever seen. It was an incredible contraption with 5 wheels, disc brakes and a shopping basket – it looked like the unwanted result of an old woman’s zimmer-frame having unprotected sex with a BMX! South were so embarrassed, the squad immediately went on a warm up run with the opposition just so we could pretend we didn’t know him!

The game itself was a well-matched affair throughout. Sudbury were tough opponents but South acquitted ourselves well throughout the first half and twice came from behind to ensure the game was even at half time. Our first equaliser was a cracking strike from Kenzie, who steamed across the D at pace before unleashing a lovely strike into the roof of the goal just as it looked like his chance to shoot had gone.

More good play from South saw a number of purple shirts get into threatening positions in the D. Kenzie, again involved, laid the ball off to Williams, whose shot was saved by the keeper. The ball looped up towards the lurking Pearson: a simple mid-air tap-in was all that was required but, using all his farmer’s strength, our top scorer (thus far!) twatted the ball as hard as he could. Had the net not been there the ball would have travelled a good three fields!

Despite the skill and pace of the Sudbury forward line, the South defence looked sure-footed and confident and easily repelled most attacks, allowing South to end the half in the ascendancy. Indeed, the half time whistle blew just as South broke away with a really promising four-on-three situation that would have (almost/possibly) certainly ended in a goal!

The half time chat was all about improving the simple things and it was great to see that the team actually listened. Much of South’s play in the second period was better than in the first, with more consistent periods of pressure being applied and the passing and movement looking and feeling better. South had a few short corners and some good opportunities from open play but ultimately were undone by a simple breakaway which allowed Sudbury to snatch a winner. South again responded well but couldn’t find a third goal to give them a hard-earned point.

The message for future games is simple – we can do it!