Another stonking performance from Cambridge South 3rds saw them complete a hat-trick of pre-season victories in their final friendly against St Neots 5ths at Coldhams Common Astroturf.

The match started inauspiciously (and late), with James R forgetting the shirts and Wilco forgetting his keys, resulting in a mercy dash by the captain, Neil, to collect the stranded Wilco from Cherry Hinton while James headed back home for the shirts. With no keeper available and Neil consequently making his debut in the role, the omens weren't looking good.

However, a bright start by South saw Matt play in our very special guest star, Rob Barton, for the opening goal after just five minutes. Unfortunately, that was also pretty much Matt's final contribution to the game (and the first half of the season), as shortly afterwards an acrobatic tumble saw him land on his thumb and consequently depart the field with torn ligaments in his wrist. Although now in plaster and unable to drive (following close questioning, the captain has grudgingly accepted that this also means unable to play hockey), fortunately it's Matt's left wrist that is injured so he won't be completely stuck for something to do while stranded at home in Longstanton over the next few weeks!

Down to ten men, South regrouped and continued to press the attack. Lively performances from forwards Rob and Simon, and excellent work on the wings from James R and Michael, had South looking dangerous every time they pushed forward. However, an unfortunate concession of a penalty flick by South, skillfuly tucked away into the side netting by St Neots, levelled the scores, largely against the run of play. Undaunted, South continued to look the more dangerous side and hard work from the whole team was rewarded by two more goals for Rob before half time.

A beetroot-red South side gratefully reached the half time break with a muffled pep-talk from their goalkeeper-captain, who hadn't been able to figure out how to remove his helmet and was reduced to trying to squirt water into his mouth through his face grill. The message seemed to get through (or maybe no-one listens to the captain anyway) as South started the second half as they finished the first. St Neots replied with their best period of play, opening the second period scoring after a save from Neil was deflected up in the air and, with the goalkeeper still looking around wildly for the ball, fell straight to a St Neots player to tap into the goal. Further pressure from St Neots almost brought an equaliser when a fast lifted shot through a crowd of players was narrowly deflected wide by an instinctive outstretched foot from the South keeper.

Having weathered the storm, and despite having played almost the whole match a man short, South responded to finish the match strongly. A selfless holding job from Wilco, occupying central midfield mostly by himself in the absence of Matt, and backed up by James B stepping forward from central defence, gave South a strong platform to attack. Full backs Dave and John were also quick to get forward and offer support, while Ky cleared up at the back. Out wide, James R and Michael linked excellent with Simon and Rob, playing triangles around the St Neots defence and repeatedly driving to the byline and into the D. The game was finally made safe by a goal from Simon Ta, before our Duracell-driven glory-hunter, Rob, rounded off the afternoon with his fourth and South's fifth goal.

An excellent result for the Thirds, completing a clean sweep of the pre-season friendlies, only diminished by the cruel blow of losing their Vice-Captain for the first half of the season and lesser ankle injuries to James R and Potts. As long as everyone avoids further injury, the Thirds go into the league fixtures with confidence for a promotion push.