A decent turnout for this game compared to recent weeks. Thankfully Bren made it just in time after hurtling down the M62 back from Leeds, making it 14 players available for selection. 

I had already decided I’d be in goal this week, I had time in the changing room to ask Bren if he had any goalkeeping tips, “Just get in the way and try not to use your face”. Great advice, but I'm not sure he follows it himself as he saves it with his face most weeks! However sound advice that would prove useful later. And by the way, If you ever need any goalscoring tips Bren, you know who to ask. ;)

Dave and I were drawn to pick in the Captains Cup 1st round. Dave won the toss and had first pick. Knowing I was in goal for my team, meant I wouldn’t be picking Bren so Dave had the luxury of leaving him till last pick…or so I thought: Dave studied the board for 5 minutes and then selected Bren as first pick, good start! :D

Yellows made a bright start to the game, with Andy giving the yellows the lead after some good teamwork down the right between Jay, Tom and Blake.

The whites started to dictate the play though. Shot after shot, Neil top corner, Dave and Jonny all having a pop. Bren’s advice working a treat for me. Goal hanger Richie missed an open goal with his sliding shot and Gary’s attempt from close range looked a certain goal but for an impressive reaction save off my elbow and over the goal.

However, a goal did eventually arrive for the whites, a misplaced pass from Andy, intercepted by Richie, put Dave through to tuck into the corner. 1-1.

From the kickoff, we were right on them again. Jay racing forward towards Neil, pressured him into a pass back to the keeper. Bren attempted to clear, but the ball hit Neil, into Jay’s path and he slotted it in. 2-1. Superb work from Jay.

The whites came back again from a corner, with the ball being dropped front center of the goal with Richie reacting first to put it in the net. 2-2.

Whites continued to create chances and it was Dave who scored again to put them into the lead, a toe banger that swerved just inside the post. 3-2.

The yellows upped their attack, piling on the pressure for the final 10 minutes in search of an equaliser. It was all in the whites half. The best chance coming right at the end. A quick corner, found Cush unmarked at the back of the pack. His downward header was on target, bottom corner just inside the post but safe hands Bren got across the goal and caught it. 

Final score 3-2

Well done Dave, best of luck in the cup and many thanks to my team for their efforts.

MoM - I thought Jay had a great game, I appreciated his efforts to get back to cover and it was his hard work that lead to his goal. But I am giving it to Bren this week. Dedication to get back from Leeds to play, passed on his goalkeeping knowledge to the younger players and held his nerve in the final 10 minutes, making a great save to keep out Cush’s header and secure the win.

Final mention to Neil, who has bounced back from his 13 game winless streak and leads the recent form chart with 1 draw and 4 wins. His dream of finishing in the top half now looks a possibility. Good job bro! ;)