Upon waking on Sunday 6th Feb – the collective Cambs South Old Guard/Masters/Injury Collectors, two things came into focus:-

1. blimey it is HAMMERING down with rain out there
2. why in the world did they agree to play again today.

News only got better when checking keen Jan’s messages it became apparent we were down to the bare 11… hmmmm.

A rallying cry sent out the masses “come all; old or not, join us at the pitch for a battle against those others in purple from the Walden”

Who in their right mind would agree to that at 10am on a Sunday (see point #1 above)? Thanks to those who had nothing better to do and popped along. ;-)

At the pitch bodies emerged from cars and changing rooms as the rain subsided and the sun made a show of attempting to put on a performance. The first encounter with the oppo was of the verbal confrontation, on ‘who is the most exhausted from Saturday’ and ‘who is carrying the most injuries’ – on this war of words ended in the probably predictable stalemate, there were no winners.

The South were slightly confused and worried as the Walden lot went through not only a run but an organised warm up! Hang on a minute… I thought this was for fun. We weren’t caving though, a few smashes at the keeper, that’ll do.

There might actually be something in the method for SW as they dominated the first 10 mins, with some excellent pressing and slick passing. And were only denied a goal by excellent defensive play from the home back line.

After settling into the game a bit South were able to string a few passes together and started to get a foothold, and put together some attacks of their own, and managed to grab a goal. A swift 3 pass move from D to D from Dan to Nev and a glorious through ball to Owen allowing him to get round the keeper and pop into the open goal.

The next event was for Pete to defy the odds and miss an open goal chance at the back post. Heads in hands moment – but no worries this sort of situation only happen once a game.

Half time 1-0 to the good guys, with the squad swelled to a healthy 14 - again massive thanks to all, we might put something special together here.

Again SW cam out the blocks strong but the reinforced back line continued to repel the increased pressure and inventiveness by the visitors. Overall South were more inclined to sit back a bit, take the pressure and attack on the break.

(I’m sure I’ve got the right events here just not necessarily in the right order)

Cut and paste from above

The next event was for Pete to defy the odds and miss an open goal chance at the back post. Heads in hands moment – but no worries this sort of situation only happen once a game.

Second for South was a bit of a messy goal mouth scramble affair with everyone having a whack until the ball eventually fell kindly for Owen to poke in.

Nev went on a mazy crazy run dinking past every defender and with just needing to lift over the keeper he managed to ‘get a bit more on it’ and nearly launch it over the fence!

SW then got the goal their excellent play richly deserved to make it 2-1 (easier to say that when you 2 up!).

But there was enough time for…

The next event was for Pete to defy the odds and miss an open goal chance at the back post. Heads in hands moment – but no worries this sort of situations only happen once a game.

Well we all thought it was Pete but were shocked that it was actually one of the visitor trying to replicate the miss…

A great game played with excellent commitment and good nature from both sides. We’ll all look forward to the return fixture.

Also big thanks to Jay/Jay & George for umpiring duties.