Owen vs. Munro (Senior). A match up that replicated a pairing of only a couple of years ago. And with a drubbing in both legs for me, a cold sweat and sleepless nights have been regular for me since the draw was made.

With Young Nutter and Ross not managing to make it over the first challenge of the night and turn up on time (Young Nutter at all and Ross acknowledging his tardiness) numbers were slightly down but still uneven. After winning the coin toss, I had the task of choosing first pick over extra man - always a difficult one! Scanning the cumulative lack of talent jumping out from the picking board, I went for first pick and so sentencing my team to a night of running.

The early exchanges in the match were equal, with the ball being moved around in midfield nicely by both teams, but no penetration could be found. With the strikers on both sides, Gary and Jonny, feeding on scraps. It was therefore no surprise that the first goal came from midfield. On the 15 minute mark the ball fell to Andy E on his favourable left foot and with space in front of him he took one touch and riffled it into the corner. 1- 0. With one man less, the yellows sat in to absorb some pressure, take a breather and the back 3 excellently marshalling any threats.

With Paul offering to go in goals, I trusted him with the gloves and slotted into the right back position. Would I come to regret this decision? Only Mark can tell me!

As the game progressed, the game began to stretch. Ali also came out of nets so both captains were out and hoping to influence the play. Ben became an effective out ball on the right for the Whites and Jay was involved with several effective counters from yellows. With bodies out of position from one of those attacks a loose ball was plucked out of the air by the ever-lively Jonny and from distance he beautifully guided it into the bottom corner with pace. 1-1.

And within a few minutes the tables had been turned and whites using the counter attack with great effect. Chris closed down in midfield and drove the ball forward sliding a pass into the forward charging Ben who slotted nicely past the on rushing Paul. After a 'discussion' between Mark and Paul about the finer points of goalkeeping, the gloves were literally off. 1-2. Yellow heads dropped with this goal and some of the effective running and counter attacking slowed down allowing Whites to get on top and a few half chances followed. But as always has been true in a tight game, one good attack was enough to draw the scores level. Jay with a run down the right making it to the bye line and pulling the ball back to the lightning quick Gary who appeared in exactly the right spot to tap in from 2 yards.

Both sides now going for it. Richie pushed further forward from his new Centre half position leaving gaps behind put providing flair to find the killer pass in the attack. This inevitable lead to chances at both ends. Myself and Jay both struggling to get it out of our feet before being closed down by Noel, now in charge at the back for whites, and Jonny and Blake with efforts to sting the hands of the now in goal Steve for the yellows.

Then, controversy, Andy did his best juggler impression and dropped the ball whilst attempting to take a throw in - what a spaz - the Whites played on, the Yellows stopped for a re-take. The ball was rushed up the other end unopposed and ended up in the net. A foul throw was eventually given, but not to the satisfaction of all :-/

8 minutes left was the shout and a chance for another twist. Typically, Gary picked the ball up in his own half and sprinted down the wing. This took Phil so much by surprise he 'inadvertently' slid from the half way line feet first to try and intercept. But it eventually ended up at the feet of Jay who coolly slotted his first of the season. 3-2.

There was still time for Jonny to have one cleared off the line with Andy doing a lovely little dance move to back heel it to safety.

Another close and competitive game! The standard this season has been excellent. What a wide-open league we have install.

A win for me this time but far from Captains cup safety with a slim one goal advantage.

MOM - could have gone to any of the Yellows attacking four (yes, including me :D), but this time it is Gary for his continual tracking back and making up for the fewer man.