A very cold and windy Wednesday seen 14 players check in to play what would be the last game of 2023 which offered league points. Presumably the majority of the squad were out getting their last minute Christmas shopping done!

As I drove to Gary's to pick him up, the dreaded text popped up to say that it was a first round Duffers Cup tie tonight, due to no availability of captains, and that Myself, Laurie and Andy E were in the hat to be picking. At this point I did debate whether to not pick Gary up as punishment for this news...Bastard. 

In the changing room, Gary asked a few other players to draw from “the hat”, then announcing that Andy and I had been picked, with Andy getting choice. Everything was going wrong. 

Andy also wasn't impressed with the news to be picking but did say that he at least had enjoyed his tea without it being ruined by the news!

Teams as per the match page. I noted that Andy had a lot of attacking players so opted to have Blake and Cush at the back with Nick S sat in front in more of a free role to counteract this. 

Conditions proved very difficult for players on both teams, a slick surface and sideways rain hindered first, second, third, fourth (and fifth) touches for all, with Andy's team playing against the wind in the first half. 

Despite early pressure from the Whites, it was the Yellows team that broke the deadlock, with a goal from Nick S. 

As the game went on, Andy's team did press us, with Nathan, both Garys and Tom all having chances to equalise. It was my team that got the next goal, again coming from big Nick in midfield. Boss.

Following the half time switch of ends, and with the wind now against us, my team worked tirelessly to keep the clean sheet, playing out from the back where possible to help James up top. 

Nathan did pull one back near the end, tucking the ball down to my left to make it 2-1. 

My team thankfully held on for the win, and an exit from the Duffers for myself, at the first time of asking. Merry Christmas me!

In all, it was another competitive game played in good spirits, given the conditions. 

Best of luck in the next round Andy. 

M.O.M. - a very difficult decision to make because every single member of my team played outstanding. Blake and Cush bossing it at the back, Nick for the goals, Dave's tireless running, James up top holding the ball up and pressing high. However I will have to give it to Brian. Another fantastic display, mucking in, the blocking, the running and one of the highlights of the night, if not the season, a fantastic arse-over-tit somersault moment, winding himself (nearly fly kicking Nathan in the face) and then turning into Prime Ronaldinho for all of 3 minutes. What a performance.

Merry Christmas lads.