Basically to summarize, the 4s had their game cancelled but I found out my old club had an opponent bail on them as well! So I put two and two together and phoned Jan to help with the maths! Jan put the plan together, so a massive thanks to Jan. I went to the pub to celebrate with the Walden club captain.

But with the plans for the weekend thrown up in the air earlier in the week, the club had number of weird doubles up. Me, Jimmy, Joe and Seb manage to get more than one game, me finding a game out on pitch. I didn’t realize how large it was and just how much running was involved. But loved it all the same!

The game itself was a good contest. Saffron Walden managed to get a team from their 5/6/7s together and turn up in huge numbers allowing them to sub the whole team in one hit. But us South boys didn’t fear a thing. Because we had a secret weapon; turns out it was me, a goalie playing outfield. Jesus!

The only reason I got a game at all was because JJ couldn’t get his car to start.

The 4s probably had the best line-up I have ever seen (not including myself). There was a good mix of experience and pace, the team carrying a real threat from its front line.

Now I’m not the best with remembering things. I can’t really remember too much of the game but the noteworthy things I can remember are all goals came from short corners, which doesn’t do justice to the game as it was a very offensive match from both teams.

I got a green card for kicking a ball away. Apparently I shouldn’t have done this. James Hayes got a card from taking a player out brutally, apparently he shouldn’t have done that either. Nev missed about three open goals at the back post; apparently this never happens.

Mikey had a great game in goal; apparently this is normal.

Jimmy scored a hat-trick of goals; apparently the third was a brilliant turn past one defender, turned on the afterburners to get past the second, slipped it to Nev who returned it to Jimmy to finish. Wonder goal!

Joe scored a single goal; apparently he took it around three defenders and on to his reverse to firmly plant it the the roof of the net to the amazement of the crowd (that was gathered compliantly outside of the fence due to Covid).

Jamie got in on the act too, apparently with a mid-air reverse shot after the keeper saved twice.

I really, really believe this 4th team will be a serious force when it comes to the league and hopefully they will win it.