The previous time the two sides met had turned out to be a close and scrappy affair; South had had a strong first half, only to be broken down in the second. A healthy squad of fourteen, with top scorer Harry Lewis returning from injury, gave the impression that this was to be a promising contest.

South had the majority of the ball in the first half and looked very dangerous with every attack. It was no surprise that they took the lead courtesy of Pearson, making himself a nuisance and scoring from close range. Hungry for more, it wasn’t long before South found themselves with a two goal lead. Some very unselfish running from the forward line left Mike at the back post for a tap in. Rossellini deserves a mention here, his dazzling run and cross creating the goal. With no threat to their own goal, South comfortably held Witham till half time.

The second half began much like the first: high intensity from South creating multiple chances to increase their lead. It wasn’t long before goal number three; a clever short corner routine allowed Mark to smash home into the far corner. On to goal number four. Very much like the second; great running off the ball from the forwards again (big shoutout to Harry Lewis and Owen and their newly discovered deadly partnership) allowing Mark to waltz into the D undetected and once again find the back of the net.

By this time, the Witham players knew that today wasn’t going to be their day. Even though they exchanged ‘polite’ words with the umpires, all this gained them was a little sit down. However, this didn’t stop them from scoring. Yet again a short corner found its way into the back of South’s goal and a clever strike halved the deficit - but this was to be no more than a consolation.

The game finished four-two to South; a promising performance and something to build on for next week. There were also a few things learnt from today’s game:

• Stu made an inspired decision to send himself on a warm weather training camp and let the team bring home the bacon.

• Harry Chalk had to be carried as captain: losing the toss and forgetting the sweets could have been fatal for South today - luckily not.

• Jim’s best performance this season has been from the side of the pitch.