We arrived at Long Road for the graveyard shift, a 4:45pm push back. 

Our team were in good spirits after the heartbreaking 5–6 loss in the last game.

Captain Jim had two aims for us.
The first was to tighten up the defence and keep a clean sheet. This involved a tactical change in formation.

The second was for us to avoid any cards. When I say “us,” this whole section of the team talk was aimed at Gando, who at that moment in time was joint top of the coveted naughty step leaderboard.

South, in the first half, controlled virtually all the play. We implemented the press to near perfection. The Newmarket players were at each other’s throats as they continued to resort to shelling it down the line, only for it to come back towards their D moments later.

Distribution and passing play were all looking promising — from the assured long-range passing of Rob and Ali to the dynamic down-the-line play of Alex and Tom. The solid positioning from our screens Jim, John, and Andy, and the creative runs from our inners Gando, Pearson, and Ollie, meant we were creating plenty of genuine opportunities for the forwards Will, Charlie, and myself.

Eventually, a first goal was scored by us through a Gando special short corner.

We ended the first half 1–0 up, but it really felt like we could’ve had three or four more goals on another day. Despite the low conversion rate, we had, up to that point, fulfilled Jim’s pre-match asks of us.

The second half became much more open. Having worked hard in the first half, the lads were clearly feeling a little tired, and the positioning was a little out of sync between the lines. George T was called upon to make some saves, including a heroic one off a volley — some serious talent on display from both parties.

We scored two more goals from short corners: a deflection from myself (can someone teach me another way to score a goal?) and a slap into the corner from Charlie.

Jim, being the lovely bloke that he is, had to remind the opposition of their less-than-pleasant communication in front of the children. The opposition made up for it by putting on a little class for the children on the sideline on how to count!

The clock was dying, and with the ego that Gando has, he could not possibly settle for joint honours on the naughty step any longer — he needed to have the spot all to himself.
So, after already having a couple of warnings, the umpires finally gave him his green card. Congrats to Gando on his number one spot, and I’m sure (unfortunately) there will be more to come!

Jim’s PoM apple — the biggest I’ve seen (though apparently not bigger than the ones Alex grows in his massive back garden) — was awarded to the man who has an appreciation for the finer things in life. Ever since he hired his own personal butler, he seems to have had a weight lifted off his shoulders and has really made the CB position his own, which I’m informed he absolutely loves. Well done, Ali — we look forward to your next Google review.

 In Other News

Our very own superstar striker, Ed Creedy, and his wife welcomed their first baby girl last week — congratulations to them!

Jonny Camp, the midfield engine, came to support us after breaking his ankle last week. All the best for the surgery, and we hope to keep seeing you on the sideline during your rehab!

Miles Woodfin (traitor) has been selected for the Talent Academy. Apparently, he’s the talk of the league ever since he moved to Nomads. Massive well done to him — and we look forward to putting a few past you in the return fixture!