So here it is, Merry Christmas everybody.  Having fun? 

We certainly are.  The M6s is a great team to play for at the moment and I, for one, are loving every minute of every game. 

Today was a nice friendly, a balanced game, with ... blah blah blah ... great finishes by Jordan x2 and James (the new "JJ" anyone?) ... blah de blah ... cracking save by Miles ...  blah blah ... midfield dominance by AB and JB ... blah blah ... blend of youth and ... blah blah ... other great stuff ... blah yawn.  Blah.

You get the idea.  But enough of that mundane stuff.  What people really want to know is which Christmas related artefact would everyone who played today be and why?

Well let's dive right in and find out!  In alphabetical order then...

Alex - That special present.  Everyone gets excited when they see Six Slices appear under the tree (OK under the floodlights).  He holds almost unlimited potential.  On the pitch, just like the present, he can surprise and delight you.

Andy - Holly.  No not because of his youthful spikey hair, it's because he is an all-year-rounder and someone who is ever present.  Look carefully at his cheeky smile and his dimples are like red berries.  A Christmas, and a club, legend.

Dexter - Christmas lights.  Is cool enough to attend the annual switch on event on Market Square.  He is tall enough in fact to reach any light switch.  Can turn on the sparkle on the pitch instantaneously.  When he dazzles you simply can't take your eyes off him.

James M - Rudolph.  Let's face it Christmas wouldn't happen without him.  Sets the defensive tone, leads the way, and pulls the whole team forwards.  Is my player of the season so far (but there a long way to go). 

James P - This year's Panto.  Bright and affable, always fun and makes anyone's day.  Smarter even than Buttons.  Has the skill and hockey nous to perform and thrive in any situation.  Oh yes he does!

Jan - Christmas pudding.  Rich and deep and an absolute staple.  It's just not the same without him, and when he's missing something is not quite right.  Occasionally comes up with a thrupny bit.  

Jordan - Baubles.  Well the whole tree really, but I think baubles could be a great nickname.  Highly capable.  Comes alive when needed and his finishing can be top-of-the-tree angelic.  An all-round star.

Miles - Elf.  As in the movie.  You know, Santa is in trouble, help is needed to save the day, and so someone reliable must step up to the plate.  What a hero.  Even before the opponent takes that strike, you already know Christmas is saved.

Paul - Christmas cracker.  Like the jokes he's been around for years but still evokes a smile.  Can pair up and 1-2 with any adjacent player no matter where he is situated.  Always delivers a snappy performance.  Might look good in a purple hat.

Rich - A fine port.  Rich but name and rich by nature.  Deceptively strong.  Fortification at its finest.  Always adds a touch of class.  Is it just me or can you imagine him winding down post match in a smoking jacket with a crystal decanter?

Rob - Christmas cheese board.  Vintage cheddar, a strong blue or a melting brie.  You never know what you get.  Sometimes it's nutty, sometimes a pickled onion.  A decent deputy, who always hits the spot.  Look, you try writing this drivel!

Sandy - Father Christmas.  Comes from the north and steers the sleigh with gusto and guile.  Works very hard this time of year (hockey season) for everybody.  Remains cheerful and holds the respect of the crew.  Has a bit of a beard thing going on as well.

Stu - Christmas works quiz.  Intelligent and thoughtful, always causes everyone to raise their game.  Asks challenging questions of himself and others.  Sometimes hard questions.  Sometimes you have to pass.  Other times you think "oh yeah, that was a good one".

Wilco - Brandy.  Perfectly drinkable twenty-five years ago and not a hint of starting to go sour.  In fact, he has aged miraculously well.  Has a long reach and his tackles warm you to the core like a swig of Rémy Martin or a freshly logged fire.

There are, of course, many more.  So if anyone else in the squad wants "in" let me know and I'll add you to the festive fun collective!  There's still no tinsel, snow or turkey, so we've hardly started...

Back to the hockey, here's looking to the future.  It's only just begun...