I hadn’t played in 6 weeks due to work issues, baby issues and generally being a washed up tired balding 38 year old. As usual, I had to pick on my first game back after a spell out. I had no time to warm and I cannot walk properly this morning.

I won the toss with my usual heads call. I immediately picked Gary for this pace, energy and eye for goal. Johnny then went straight for Dave O. I usually make it a point to pick family first but Dave snuck in the changing room last minute and I didn’t see him at the bottom of the list. I wondered if this would come back to haunt me? After picking Chris for more legs and Phil for being the best player in the club, I looked at both teams and thought this was a fairly matched game. Richie, looking over my shoulder at the picking board, had a different opinion. “Are you on crack? You’re gonna get battered!” he laughed. I wondered if that would come back to haunt him? Just then I heard a shriek from big Paul Hackett “F*ck, F*ck, b*ollocks”. He had forgotten his boots and proceeded to put on his work shoes

We were wearing Yellow and for the first time I was wearing my Dad’s No 6 shirt. What a proud yet sad moment for me. After arranging the team, I had a quick look at the opposing side and identified young Johnny as the biggest threat. I jogged over to Phil and said “Don’t make it obvious but when you get the chance…..take him out” Phil nodded with a ruthless stare. Paul Hackett offered to go in goal. I thought this was because he was wearing his work shoes. Then I realised he had his boots on. After being a little perplexed, I was happy for him to start in goal until he recovered from his stroke. The game started well. It was close but the Whites were on top. We maintained a high work rate and a good structure and eventually got our chance. After some neat play from Chris on the left, he slotted a great pass to Mark who calmly finished in his typical understated fashion.

The game continues in Plus30 style, some good simple football and a good graft put in by all. Sometime in the second half,Phil managed to execute my command. After booting Johnny in the calf, he proceeded to give him the old cramp treatment and get him back on his feet. The young fast athletic Johnny decided to go in goal which forced the fat slow bald Richie into centre midfield. A master stroke by me……..it wasn’t. Shortly after, Richie used his cultured right foot to whip in a delightful cross. After an equally good run, Dave O headed in. 1 all with the Whites still slightly on top.

At his point I would have settled for a draw but with Chris and Gary upfront, there was always a chance. The Whites were becoming increasing frustrated. Neil was a colossus at the back and seemed stop every long ball and threw ball. Paul Hackett came out of goal and executed his typical hand ball. He must have thought he still in goal. Eventually our one chance came, Gary (or it might have been Phil, I cant remember) whipped in a low cross that was heading straight for Chris’s toe. Jase had no option but to try to intercept. He guided the ball perfected into his own net.

Due to my lack of fitness, the last 10 minutes were a blur. All I really remember is Ross, under no pressure at all, producing 3 or 4 exquisite long passes to Phil. Thanks for that Ross.

The game ended 2-1. A hard fought battle. The Whites will argue they deserved more. I’m just glad my season is up and running. MoM Neil. A big thank you to my team for their efforts