After months of practice the Vets finally achieved their ambition of playing as a team. All eleven players suddenly looked for teammates to pass to, ran into space and actually received the return pass! Hence the scoreline, which could have been far more had the visiting goalie not been on top form.

From the pushback, South immediately started to take control of the match with Geoff Butcher and Steve Fleck controlling the midfield ably assisted by Keith Davidson on the right and Phil Smith on the left. South’s first goal came after ten minutes or so following a lovely move from inside our own half, with Geoff Butcher moving the ball to Steve Fleck who, rather than beat his marker, passed to Roger Craigen wide on the left, who moved to the 25m line and returned the ball to Steve Fleck, who then made a simple pass to Richard Bettison inside the circle, who smashed the ball past the keeper.

The standard of play remained high, with the visitors looking dangerous on the break but were thwarted by South’s defence, which was vocally controlled by Jim Sutcliffe in goal. Steve Riches at sweeper and Dave Carswell in central defence saw that Market Deeping’s forwards were denied possession inside the circle. They were ably assisted by John Sharp on the left and Mike Gronow on the right, with the latter making his first appearance in a league game and adding at least ten years to the average age of the team!

Shortly after the opening goal, another good move involving our forward pair of Richard and Roger saw Roger’s shot saved on the line by a defender’s foot, but unfortunately the penalty flick went just wide of the left hand post with the goalkeeper moving the wrong way.

Market Deeping equalised shortly after this following a mix up in defence but South soon re-established a lead following another flowing move from defence to midfield to the forward pair, with Steve Fleck running through to slot home the final pass. However shortly before half time Market Deeping equalised following a break away. So scores level at half time with South feeling somewhat robbed, having dominated most of the first thirty-five minutes and having played far the better hockey.

South immediately got back into their stride after the restart and continued to move the ball well among themselves and create chances. After ten minutes, following a lovely move down the left, Richard was shoulder charged and sent sprawling in the middle of the circle when about to shoot at goal following a nice return pass. The visitors' clearance was intercepted by Roger, whose fierce shot was deflected onto the post by the goalie and into the path of Keith Davidson, who slotted the ball home from a tight angle.

The home team continued to dominate long periods of play and Deeping’s goalkeeper denied Roger, Richard and Steve on numerous occasions. Deeping remained dangerous when they managed to escape the grip that South had on the midfield. Jim was called on to make several good saves and his shouting at his defenders to organise them was good to hear.

Cambridge South’s fourth goal was again the result of good interlinking play and Richard was in the right place to drive home the ball under the diving keeper.

So a marvellous team effort, pity it was the last league game of the season though. Congratulations to the entire squad and many thanks to Mick Beasley for umpiring the match himself as Market Deeping weren’t able to provide an umpire.