In the run up to bonfire night, one of the most stressful periods of the year in my job, I really didn't need the added pressure of choosing this week. However, given the fact that the Stato of the club is my elder brother, Gary, it was his decision that Myself and Tom would be captains this week. Real dick move, bro.

Tom lost the "coin toss" which gave me the advantage of first choice of an even 7 sided team. Given I'm not the most, shall we say, athletic(?) My theory was to have as many runners as possible to try and use the space on the field. Teams were as per the team sheet.

Onto the game and, except for a few early chances from the whites, my yellows were dominating the game I thought. Mark and Cush were working the ball well from the back and the midfield trio of Jonny and Gaz x2 were supporting the clubs newest striker Nick up top to create lots of chances. 

Unfortunately due to Tom having picked Bren, whom has returned to form, we were unable to break the deadlock. I myself had also made a few saves, most notably denying Jay who had tried to rifle one in the corner (I'm sure he told me he was already celebrating that!). 

With the ball being worked from end to end, but still at 0-0, I was left with a conundrum of how to change the game. I had thought that I could have swapped with Nick however Gary (not the shit one) pulled up with a muscle injury so he swapped with me. Shortly after this, and still in my head trying to figure out what to do tactically, a long ball was played from the White's defence. I completely misjudged this and it fell to Dave. Dave was able to take the ball forwards a few yards and slot it through to Blake who scored. 0-1, shit.

After settling into the game, I had tried to bolster the attack and rotated the formation a couple of times, even coming close myself with a header. Bren again with a world class save from Nick I think, down to his right to push one around the post. We just couldn't get the goal. 

A funny moment to note was right at the end of the game, a few players on Tom's team had called time, and given that no one had actually set the timer (Andy E where were you?!) I also called time without realising that it was just as my team were attacking. Doh!!! ...A grateful Harvey shouting "CHEERS NEIL!" with a cheeky laugh! Ah well.

A tough match with little real incidents of note. A great standard of football from both sides, evident by the score line. A loss of only 1-0, all to do in the return leg!!

Well done Tom... It ain't over til it's over!

M.O.M. - Not you Richie. Good quality from all but I'd have to give it to Blake for scoring the only goal to win it for his team. Was also solid in heart of midfield too. Even if he did get embarrassingly nutmegged by me, of all people!!!