I won the toss so elected for first pick. Paul and I laughed at the fact that being the oldest and probably the worst players there at least we wouldn't be last picks on this occasion.

We both elected to start in goal and let the youngsters do the running. It was great to see Mike making a return after almost a years lay off through injury. I hoped I wasn't going to regret not picking him as with his obvious recent weight loss he was looking like a lean mean defensive machine in the early stages of the game.

The early stages of the game was a tight affair with both teams battling it out in midfield and not giving an inch. I felt that the yellows just edged the first 20 mins or so without really creating many clear cut chances. We finally got the breakthrough with a well taken goal by Jonny. That signalled a fightback from the whites who started to exert more pressure and eventually Dave broke threw on goal and deftly chipped the ball over my diving attempt it was all square.

The whites looked far more threatening now and I just managed to tip the ball on to the bar after a vicious shot from Andy Eyres. We replied with some great work from new signing Matt Balnaves (what an exotic sounding name - nothing like his play) who passed the ball to Gary who couldn't quite re-direct the ball into the net.

By now my goalkeeping was looking increasingly suspect with a couple of easy takes badly fumbled. Mark very diplomatically suggested he had a turn in goal - I don't think he could take any more.

I thought the game looked pretty fast when I was in goal. It just got a hell of a lot quicker when I was out there. I started cursing under my breath the loss of the old arses last season now to be replaced with a bunch of whippets. I suppose not having played for 4 weeks didn't help much either.

I digress. The whites started applying more pressure and with 15 mins to go Chris scored a well taken goal. This was followed by a great save from Mark to keep us in it at 2-1.

The yellows really stepped up for the last 10 mins and we forced several corners without amounting to anything.

Eventually we ran out of time. What an excellent game that was. I thought both sides were evenly matched but the whites used their extra man to great effect. Well done Paul.

Difficult to pick a MOM for me. Matt was outstanding in midfield and Ross had a great game at left back, always making himself available as an outlet for the keeper. However for his resolute defending on his return I would have to give it to Mike. You kept us at arm's length and we only really had half chances.