And so it came down to the last play of the game, an East London short corner; five brave South souls on the line, ten 'You've been Tango'd' East London players surrounding the D…

How did it come down to this? The first fifty-five minutes reflected everything that had been positive and a challenge for the Men's 1s this year; commitment, spirited defence and dangerous on the counterattack but without the crucial rush of goals to steady the nerves.

As the crowd slowly built (legend has it this was the 27th largest ever crowd at Long Road - same as the number in attendance probably - but who's counting…), the game grew. Bhav enjoyed a short break for a well timed chop; Harry, not wanting to be outdone, upgraded to yellow for not retreating and someone else not to be named (because I can't remember who) joined the party with another green.

As we entered the final fifteen minutes the game burst to life. Mike Karran hit what is commonly known as a 'Beckham pass' fifty yards across the pitch to Chris Pearson who decided to repeat his goal heroics from the previous week, rounded the keeper and smashed the ball into the opposite sideboard…ALL DAY LONG…the crowd went wild, the players went wild and momentarily Addenbrookes shook. Colin and Tom, the South Bash Brothers for those who remember Mighty Ducks, stood resolute. Mark 'Kept their best player in his back pocket' and Harry (now back on the pitch) kept shouting, 'Just keep the ball.'

(At this point I should mention there was a dubious yellow card for Joel in the last three minutes…either a professional foul or a committed last ditch tackle…the crowd were split…)

And so we return to where we started, the last play of the game. That short corner. The subs covered their eyes, supporters bit their nails and Cambridge held its breath…a heroic defender bundled the ball clear and South had won!!!!

A hugely well deserving Pearson picked up Man of the Match for his goal, with significant credit also going to Darren for stepping into goal and keeping a clean sheet. Joel picked up Lemon to match his card and South slowly climbed up the league. As the whole of Cambridge marched off to Midsummer Common for the fireworks the season is well underway (and in a league where two wins on the bounce can take most teams top truly) the great escape/promotion is on. Roll on West Herts…