First of all, I would like to wish all of you a very Happy and Prosperous 2018! What better way to start of the Plus 30 Calendar year that with a bit of sibling rivalry?! 

Myself and Gary were chosen as captains for this night, although it surprised a few of you after the game, I actually had first pick as the sides were even.

The game started, I went in goal (as has become common courtesy for Captains - take note Gary!!!  ), I had a sturdy back 3 of Doc, Harvey and Young Nick in front of me and looked to dominate possession of the play in the middle of the park, with Mac providing them with a Target man up at the top of the pitch.

Unfortunately, I had not thought that Gary would start himself as a Defender and this unfortunately, took Mac out of play with him being man-marked by Gary and Dave Woods.

Nevertheless, my team had produced some good attacking play through the creativity of Richie and the link-up play of Nick Evans & Ali.

However, with this play, we did leave a massive gap for Gary's team to hit and they did this twice in quick succession. Dave Owen leading the charge, being backed up by an in-form Sylvain.

2-0.

We switched ends at this point, as we had agreed before the game, due to the windy conditions.

Doc and I also switched positions as he had politely volunteered to go in goal. This allowed the midfield to push forward in numbers more and support Mac. More chances were being created and it felt like we had definitely gotten hold of the game. Laurie made some fantastic saves in goal for Gary's team. Finally, after a bit of a scramble in the box, the ball fell nicely for Mac who calmly slotted into the bottom right corner of the net.

The next goal was crucial. Either it would put the result beyond our reach or it would allow us to get something from the game. After some end-to-end play, the ball fell to Sylvain, who unleashed a thunderous strike past Doc into our goal. 3-1.

In the closing moments of the game, the ball had been kicked high into the air and was falling to myself, closely marked by Gary. Now anyone who knows me, would predict that I was usually hoof the ball up to the opposite end of the field. Not this time! I attempted a first-time pass back our goalkeeper, but unfortunately didnt quite catch the ball as intended. This left the pass short and Gary was able to capitalise on my error and make it 4-1.

Full time. Neil 1:4 Gary

Well done Gary, you may have won the battle but not the War! See you in the second leg.

M.O.M. - Laurie: He made some good saves on the night, but at crucial moments where it could have swung the balance of play.