Arriving at the changing rooms I was met with the surprise of being chosen captain to pick teams against the experienced Harvey Baird, with over 200 appearances to his name. With the unfortunate loss of Bren before kick-off, one team would field an extra player and Harvey was gracious enough to allow me the choice of either the extra man or first pick. Deciding on the extra man, the teams began to be chosen. With full confidence in the squad selected, my only worry was that in my inexperience as captain I may have picked a few too many defenders!

The game started in the worst possible way for the yellows, as Tom took full advantage of an early defensive error, laying the ball off for Andy to score within 30 seconds. Despite the initial disappointment of conceding an avoidable early goal, the yellows picked their heads up and went in search of an equaliser. Super Ed - who put in a tireless shift all game - nearly levelled when he towered above the white defence, only to see his header thunder off the woodwork.

That scare seemed to spark the whites into action, and from that point they began to play some lovely football, forcing a number of saves from Reuben in goal. But the yellows stuck at it, and were eventually rewarded through a lovely passage of play. Mike Vicary came short to receive the ball from the goalkeeper, took a touch forward before spotting Jamie Hives on the far side. With a masterful switch of play, Jamie took it down, pushed forward and smashed it into the corner. Game on!

Just as the yellows were finding their feet, the whites showed their quality. Jonny began dictating from deep, while Andy, Gary P and Gary W combined to carve open chances. At one point Reuben took a thunderous shot square in the plums to keep the score at 1–1 - a heroic but painful save that had everyone wincing. The pressure eventually told, though, and Gary Wong soon made it 2–1 with a sharp finish from close range.

The yellows dug in, with Brian M especially heroic at the back - throwing himself into every challenge, a brick wall in defence - until an accidental stamp ended his outfield display. He soldiered on in goal as Reuben stepped out, but the whites wasted no time capitalising. From a corner soon after, the ball fell kindly again to Gary W, who smashed home his second of the match to make it 3–1.

To their credit, the yellows didn’t fold. They nearly pulled one back immediately when Reuben chased what looked a lost cause, sprinting round Neil who was shielding the ball out. Snatching possession, he drove into the box and drilled a shot across goal, only to see it cannon back off the inside of the post. Agonising.

The game settled into an even contest, with both Harvey and Brian producing fine saves at either end. Neil, as disciplined as ever alongside Jonny, frustrated the trio of Jamie, Mike and Dave, despite their clever interlinking play. The three of them worked tirelessly in midfield and attack, stringing together some great football and constantly looking for a breakthrough, but the white defence held strong. Up top for the whites, Tom remained a constant nuisance, holding the ball up superbly and keeping the yellows pinned back. Special shoutout also to Andy, who had a stellar performance of his own - and in the space of just 10 minutes managed to nutmeg two different opponents, much to the delight (and despair) of those watching.

Late on, Gary Parker broke through on goal determined to score after his earlier misfortune, but Anthony, ever alert, executed the most blatant tactical foul you’ll see all season. A quick apology and handshake somehow spared him a red card - and the yellows a heavier defeat.

As so often happens, the final word went to the tireless Tom K. With seconds remaining, he picked up the ball on the right and coolly slotted home the whites’ fourth, sealing the win his performance deserved.

Final Score: Whites 4 – 1 Yellows

A great game played in good spirits. Thanks to Harvey for being a top opponent - until next time!

Man of the Match: Gary Wong - for two decisive goals and a tireless display in the middle of the park.