On the night after the heartbreak of the derby, I needed something to keep the spirits up!
17 players braved the cold to turn up to play. And so, as the 7:50 call came, Andy Smith and I were chosen to play our second leg against each other in the league.
Being 3-1 down from the first leg, I knew that I needed the goals, but I also had in the back of my mind my Dad's tactics in his 4-0 win a few weeks ago (i.e. choose a strong defensive team and you might surprise yourself!!!). With this in mind I thought it wiser to opt for the extra man over having first choice.

The teams lined up on the pitch. I chose start myself as Goalkeeper, with a back 3 of Nick B, Geoff and Dave W in front of me. My midfield consisted of Gary and Mark in the centre, Alan and Phil on either wing with Ali as the lone striker in front.
The whites lined up with Laurie starting in goal, with a back line or Nick E, Bob and Andy S, midfield of Blake, Andy E and Noel, with Dave O as the forward player.

My team started well, defending solidly and quelling any danger that the whites threw at us. Geoff played outstandingly well in keeping cool, calm and collected on the ball, looking to put the team on the counter attack. We pressed the goal well, testing the White's defence with good passing movement and shots coming from the centre and wide positions. After about 10 minutes Ali passed the ball across the face of the goal for Alan to put us 1-0 up with a finish into the bottom left corner of the goal. Perfect start.
Not long after, we got another. Now as I was at the other end of the pitch, it looked to me as though Alan had got an assist, as well as his earlier finish, but it has since been brought to my attention there had been a 'Kolo Toure - esque' stray pass amongst the defence of the Whites that fell to the feet of Ali and he thundered home a second. 2-0.
At this point, it was 3-3 on aggregate, and I thought, if we could get a third, it would be the cherry on the cake and I'd be through to captain's cup.
With us 2 up, the Whites pressed us, with the midfield really testing the backline of the Yellows. With approximately 15 minutes left Andy Eyres picked up the ball in the centre of the park, took a few steps and had a long-range effort which had me wrong footed and was tucked in the left had corner of my goal. 2-1.
The remainder of the match was tense with the Whites pushing for the late equaliser. But the buzzer went and the match finished.

FT: Yellows 2 - 1 Whites

Thanks to the Yellows for the efforts, every one of you deserved the win.
My man of the match is Geoff, completely bossed our end of the pitch. Well done!

Finally I'd like to wish Andy Smith all the best for the Captains Cup.