After a long summer and two strong performances in pre-season friendlies, the M2s welcomed Alford & District 1s to Fortress Long Road. Before the game, confidence was high and we expected to come away with all three points. Yet, somehow, Alford will make the long journey home the happier of the two sides having taken a point.

Despite the greater possession and some dangerous attacks, the M2s failed to make a mark on the scoresheet.

We started the first half strongly, with fast attacks only to fail to test their keeper. Jon Mann was allowed plenty of time and space to dictate the play, and it was a strong run around the full back to assist Tom B attacking the back post. 1-0 South.

Alford equalised at some point, I can't tell you much about it other than it came from nowhere and against the run of play.

A messy end to the first half saw multiple stick tackles being called and led to the umpires at half time threatening a green card if the stick tackling continued. **

A quick start to the second half and as I ran down the right wing, the centre back came across and swung his stick which connected with my knee. Reports after the game suggested I used some rather colourful language towards the opposition as I lay clutching my knee. I must have been misheard as I had my gumshield in. I was merely apologising for leaving my knee there and asking after the wellbeing of his stick.

From here on the game followed a pattern of South attacks and short corners, followed by a few cards for both teams.

Despite dominating possession, we couldn't find a winner, leaving us all scratching our heads as to why we didn't win.

Notable mentions to Dom (great defending and a threat going forward), captain Coops (marshalling his troops), Walshy (shocking language after receiving a time out) and Steed Jr (kept the attentions of their main attacking threat throughout. I understand they are both looking forward to spending more time together in the return fixture).

Plenty of positives to take into next week's game, and shooting practice on Tuesday.

**  It's Rob here, the umpire who had a word with both teams at half time about persistent stick tackles.  Firstly, I want to say that the four cards that were issued were I believe absolutely correct.  Two of the green cards for stick tackles were unfortunate in the sense that the recipients were "taking one for the team" after a succession of minor fouls.  One personal regret I have for this game is not dealing with this stick tackling sooner, i.e. in the first half.  Before half time there were 6 or 7 careless stick tackles (roughly half each from both sides) which, although none were horrendous, might have been punished more strongly.  At a higher level (Div 2, pool leagues) they certainly would have been ... so really they should have been here too.  However, as umpires we tried to manage the situation in other ways; by stopping the game (twice) to ask players to calm down as well as via a loud whistle (once) and also speaking privately to individuals (a few times).  

Jimmy, on your knee incident (which I hope is recovering quickly) ... I'm convinced there was no intention of the player to attempt to play either the ball or to hurt you.  He was just trying to accelerate as quickly as possible to chase after you.  In doing so his stick swung at your leg.  Now, saying that, rule 9.2 states: "9.2 Players on the field must hold their stick and not use it in a dangerous way." and the action was a contravention of this rule, albeit accidentally.  It is the players' responsibility to keep their sticks safe at all times and by not doing so the player broke this rule.  It would have been justified for a card to be issued.  Likewise your verbal reaction could have justified a card had the umpires not been sympathetic! :-)

Do let me know if you (or anyone) want to chat about this game or any particular incidents.  It was a good, competitive game!