The first meeting of the season with our old sparring partners Peterborough Athletic 2nds ended in frustrating defeat. A better organised Cambridge South, working together as a coherent unit, will have to make the journey north to Peterborough in early 2005 if we're to grab three points and even the score.

Cambridge South started brightly and saw plenty of possession in the first half. Chris Baker and newcomer Ryan Thomas looked in control of the midfield going forwards and both John Taylor and Matt Murray up front were creating space well for themselves. The first blow soon came however as Peterborough stole an early goal, exposing some lack of defensive focus. The second followed not long after when a penalty corner resulted in the shot sneaking underneath the keeper.

South showed good spirit and fought back hard. The first short of the game for the home side saw a good strike from Baker blocked and Matt Murray pounced on the deflection to bury one for Cambridge. Shortly after Murray struck again as a loose ball in the D was snaffled up by the predatory left winger.

2-2 at half time and the game was still on. A re-organisation for the second half was unfortunately less than successful, and large gaps opened in the defence. Alex Pooles made his debut at attacking centre half and showed some bright running, and Ryan Thomas dropped to sweeper to cover for the resting Raphael Mis.

Peterborough struck soon in the second half as an unchecked player, allowed too much time by a retreating South, rounded the keeper and passed neatly across to an incoming right wing for a tap in. Shortly afterwards a unstoppable penalty corner for Peterborough was fiercely struck into the top right corner of the boards. 4-2 Peterborough, and there it ended as Cambridge South never really looked like getting in the game again.

Special mention needs to be made of the outstanding player of the match for the home team, Chris Baker. Hard work through out and sensible decisions helped orchestrate much of South's creative play. Chris will be a valuable player this year and crucially one capable of taking over from Rick Erlebach at centre half. Rick is moving to London to pursue a career in hairdressing and we wish him the best of luck.