The day had finally arrived, the 2nd leg of the Captains Cup final. As I have first pick this time, much of the build up to the game, in my mind, had centred around Jason's availability for the match. It was a blow when Bren reported Jas won't be able to make it in time. Ed having just came back from China had no idea it would be the final whilst Dave, Paul forgot they had a game of football brought their running/hockey trainers - Chris thought he can just play with one boot! As he was on my team I offered my spare boots as a pair instead of the same foot he brought. As the lineup was announced Ed's team was wondering why the average age of the whites was plus50!

The yellows started the game well with some quick passing and had a few decent chances at Ed's goal but the game turned on its head when Dan ?tried to dodge a cone? twisted his ankle! The yellow now down to 6 men, the white took advantage a few minutes later, as Dave scored on a 2v1 against Gary P. With 50mins still left to play I was thinking it's going to be a long night but Dan opted to go in net and Bren was asked to play up front to show his pace against Laurie and Paul - he did manage to get in behind them once - I think Laurie felt his hamstring chasing after Bren.

Andy tried his best to shoot on sight whilst Dan was in goal but he made a good save on his near post. I tried to tell Gary P to swap position with me but he can hardly make out what I was trying to say as I was shattered. Dan seen me in defence, thought he could play better with one badly swollen ankle asked Bren to go back in goal and he was right - had a superb game at the back despite his injury against Nick who apparently would have been up close to 24hrs prior to the game!

It was a great game overall, full of actions. A great chance came for the whites to extend the lead when Harvey had a cross/shot volley from right mid which he said apparently was going in top bin but Bren said no. The yellow got back in the game from a corner which Jamie air kicked and bounced off Andy's standing leg into the goal. 1-1! Thanks Andy you kept your word from the end of season do! Admin later ruled out an assist by me as it was an own goal. The whites continued to hit posts and crossbar - Bren saving another of Andy's shot to the post and rebound into his arms, Harvey had a header against the crossbar, Nick played a neat one two with Dave but his shot was brilliantly saved by Bren, diving one way and stuck out his other arm to tip it over the bar. They finally gone in front again after two headed flick on, with Andy 1v1 against Bren (assisted by Dave).

The yellows had chances too as Ed pulled off a few great saves from Pete and Jamie, Neil blocking a shot off the line. We equalised by Jamie running over a through ball by me with Ed this rooted to the spot. 2-2! (assisted by Gary P) Jamie realised there was a trend here - he can help the team score by not touching the ball at all! The yellows now having the better of the ball got in front in the game for the first time, Jamie through on the right and he calmly put it passed the on coming Ed (assisted by Gary W). With the last 10min to play Paul offered Ed the chance to come out to try affect the game like he did in the first leg but with 5mins to go we broke the press with everyone on the yellows had a touch, 3v1 against Neil and the ball was squared to Jamie to roll it in to an empty net (assisted by Gary P). 4-2 final score!

As no one bothered to bring the cup there was no presentation, I will keep this short - Well done Ed for making the final it was tight over the two leg. Thanks to all my team mates along the route to the cup win but especially to this team in the final, a brilliant effort with a man less, overcome injuries and showed resilient for coming back from a goal down twice! Should mention Chris too, had a great game at the back, playing on the left side and almost got an assist! I attended my long overdue pub night, I would have even if I lost btw. I will keep talking about winning the cup as long as Ten Hag still does! Speaking of, whilst at the pub Bren and Dan put their best case forward for MOTM but as always attackers get all the glory so it will go to Jamie for his 4 goals involvement!