Yet another week with low attendance, with some players performing the hokey-cokey on the check in poll, left 10 players attending to make it up to 5-a-side. In the changing room Gary told us that Jay and I would be captains. With only 8 players to choose, we were out onto the pitch in record time!!

As per the new ruling, the pitch was shortened and this was to be our first match as captains, counting towards the league.

The match started and while both teams had early chances it was the Whites that netted first with some neat play from Gary W to square it across to Harvey to make it 1-0.

Shortly after, Jonny won the ball back in a left back position, ran it forward a few yards before unleashing a long range effort which caught me off guard and beat me down to my right at the near post… 1-1.

Having started in goal, my original plan was to rotate the GK duties evenly across the match, however the team were playing well and at this point not showing TOO many signs of fatigue. So I changed my tactic slightly to "I'll come out of nets if someone else needs a break"

Both teams continued to move the ball quickly and create chances but the next goal actually came from myself in a sweeper keeper position. Gary P laid a pass off to me in the middle of the pitch and I hit a low shot which fortunately beat the keeper put us 2-1 up. (3 goals in 2 for me!! I'm going for my record!!).

Gary P got another shortly after to make it 3-1 and put a bit of breathing space between the teams.

Jays Yellows continued to battle on and didn't make it easy for us to break them down. Creating some decent chances for themselves too. Chris hit a volley which I got a hand to, but nearly broke my wrist to go with it after saving it. Long range efforts from Pete and Jamie also. I hit a few clearances which unintentionally hit Jay as he closed down in on goal. He exclaimed that I was doing it on purpose (jokingly of course) before unleashing a vengeful point-black screamer of a shot straight into my gut….ouch!

Fortunately we managed to hold on to our lead, with Tom getting another goal right at the end of the match. 4-1 finish!

I thought it was still quite a good game for 5-a-side, but we desperately need to bump up numbers in the coming weeks!!!

MOM - I can't really fault anyone on either team as all played well. Saying that I did have to remind Gary that he was wearing the number 9 shirt after firing some shots well wide of the mark, only to inspire him to respond with his goal. I'll have to give MOM to Harvey though, didn't stop running all night and bagged the first goal to get us going.