It’s always a pleasure making a cameo appearance for CSHC. None more so than for the mighty M6s, the team (kind of) were it all began for me. What was less of a pleasure was Captain Andy T delegating the job of writing the match report to myself. Maybe he assumed that being a Uni fresher I have little work do to (a fair assumption). Maybe he wanted to make use of my essay writing skills. Or perhaps Captain Andy picked the youngster because I’m the only one who can actually remember what happened (most likely). Nevertheless this might be my first and last report of the season so may as well enjoy it.

After consistently raining all day, a break in the weather just in time for the M6s 4:30 pushback left conditions dry but the pitch nice and wet, perfect for smashing the ball around. The lads had every reason to be optimistic going into this one. They sat comfortably mid-table, had a few recent wins under their belt, and striker James Yu was on a hot scoring streak.

Unfortunately problems started to occur before the game had even started. Keeper Mike G had to pull out after injury from his previous game. Not to worry though, as the M6s have a more than capable reserve in the form of Jo Dant. Further problems came after Chairman John Greaves pulled out of the squad at last minute claiming he was “injured”… just didn’t fancy the rain I think!

The game started evenly with the score staying 0-0 much of the first half. The majority of action was admittedly in South’s half but the boys battled to keep the scores level. Late in the half a procession of short corners unfortunately led to the first goal; a scrappy finish from the P spot. Soon after another short corner was buried well by Ives.

Going into half time at 2-0 seemed slightly unfair. The boys had stayed calm in defence and kept their structure well. Unfortunately, it was just the lack of chances created at the other end that made the difference. Jo Dant offered some considered reflections at HT before they headed out in search of a goal in the second half.

Second half south came out stronger, with midfield four Marshman, Wilko, JBL and Dan I-F working hard in both attack and defence. This was rewarded with South’s first PC of the game. James Yu threatened to add to his tally this season creating some great chances but credit to the Ives’ keeper for making some equally great saves. As the game went on some very tired legs were visible which meant at times the defence were exposed to counter. This was evident for Ives’ third and final goal with their striker having a clear run into the D. One to forget for South.

Overall some great positives to takeaway. Only one goal came from open play and perhaps with a larger squad, rolling subs would have made an impact. Nevertheless a great effort by the lads against one of the strongest teams in the league and overall a game played in great spirit.

MOM deservingly went to new boy Will for a sterling game in defence despite claiming he’d never played there before. He showed great composure all game and made some crucial challenges around the D. LOM was more tricky as everyone had a pretty decent game. But ultimately Lemon goes to Captain Andy T… “Cos’ it’s tradition”.

Well played gentlemen. Thanks for having me. And good luck for the rest of the season, however that may look!