This was the second game for Nick and I as Captains, after I had won the first game 2 - 0 when Nick had had first pick. This week I had choice and opted for the extra man, based on the 15 brave souls who had turned up (nice to see Harvey making an appearance after so long absent with injury).

As an aside from the main action, it was also nice to see Dave G on the touchline after his knee replacement earlier in the year. I know Nick really appreciated all the advice Dave gave him and his defenders during the game. Let's hope he can make many more such appearances after his second knee operation in early January - there's a wealth of experience that we (as defenders) can all benefit from. It's also great to see The Ayres producing another future member of the club (congratulation to them both), and I look forward to seeing Lucas on the pitch in 15 years' time (although if he's anything like his dad I won't get a pass all night!).

Anyway, the sides were selected and under constant heavy rain the game started. It was obvious from the off that many of my team were still in Xmas mode, and I watched in disbelief as Andy S danced around the ball early on, and Paul H stood and watched instead of the normal good kicking he dishes out! To say most of my selection had a poor game is an understatement, and the cry of 'that was a good first touch' was not to be heard. Mac spent the game slowly cruising around with little effect, obviously practicing for his real cruise next week. (P.S. has anyone thought to warn the cruise ship to take on additional supplies?).

Nick's tactics were clear from the off, 6 men in defence and Chris playing the lone headless chicken role up front, a tactic that paid dividends with a 2 goal lead after some sloppy defending by Neil. A third goal from Blake, and but for some heroic goalkeeping by Kenny we were out of the game, and I was out of the Captains Cup. Kenny put his life and his stomach on the line for me and the team - one of the few good performances from my team all night. However, a slight change in formation and 2 goals from Gary and we were in with a shout, until the INCIDENT!

I drove a powerful shot towards goal. Dave W stops in on the line with his thigh and then clenches his fist and sweeps the ball away from the goal with his hand - PENALTY!! But no, Dave claims it was ball to hand, the final whistle goes and the game is lost - unbelievable. After the game Geoff did a very passably impression of Arsène Wenger - 'I did not see the incident so I cannot comment' and I spent the night with my eyes open, because every time I closed them I replayed the penalty in my mind!

So, the final result goes into the records as 2 - 3 but I progress to the Captains Cup based on goal difference. We retired to the clubhouse for a hotpot supper and the last 10 minutes of the Liverpool game, where I had the dubious pleasure of watching Benteke miss a sitter when clean through on goal, obviously he's been watching Gary play! I'll close by wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous New Year.