The 3rd XI juggernaut came to an alarming halt when we entertained Cambridge City 5th XI at Fortress Long Road. This nearly-top-of-the-table clash would be tough from the outset, with key individuals missing from the South line-up due to half-term and illness against a City side one point behind in the table.

Things did not start well! Alex Pashley deflected a ball into his own baby-making equipment on minute one. It didn't seem to get much better for the remainder of the game for the 3rd XI players.

The only thing worse than being one-nil down after five minutes and the first shot was displayed by the 3rds, with being four-nil down in 15 minutes. South dived in and made piecemeal efforts to thwart the attacks that meant overloads throughout the opening quarter of the game. Andy T was deputising as goalie and gave a great account of himself despite not being a regular keeper. He saved one of the three penalties conceded on the day and the side were eternally thankful and grateful for him filling in some big shoes indeed for the missing MSG.

The rest of the first half was quite even, with South going close to scoring from solid efforts from Nev Warren and Simon Ta, whilst Mariano Rosenzvaig called the City goalie into an acrobatic save from a drag flick corner.

Words of encouragement and the simple introduction of a half-court press brought about an excellent start to the second half for the 3rds, with Simon Ta scoring after a short corner melee in the first five minutes. More corners and pressure from returning captain Matt Kern and from surges from James Mathews and Chris Matson almost made the scores closer. As the midfield had cut the City forwards' options down, City went aerial attack mode and came up with the deflating fifth goal. From then on it was end-to-end and South were unlucky not to get some fortune and reward for their endeavours.

Pause for a moment of madness when South's numbers were temporarily reduced for a push by Ash Dookun! Despite the umpire subtly asking him to suspend his part in the game, he was adamant that he was staying and unfazed by the confused glances of players of both teams. Very lemony behaviour sneaked the award from a large number of other contenders, some not even publishable thank goodness. Mariano scooped up the MoM for being the player that had had least of a nightmare. Well done both!

The scoring was rounded of when a final penalty stroke was converted in the last five minutes. Although it was a thrashing, it certainly felt that the game was a lot closer and there can be many positives taken. Most teams would find it hard to come back and often give up when faced with a 4-0 half-time deficit. These players improved and matched their opponents for large portions of the second period and can be proud for the reaction.

A first defeat of the season and yet the 3rds still lie fourth in the table, two points off the promotion places. With some equally tough fixtures in the next couple of weeks, there is still a lot to play for this season!