I genuinely thought I’d conceded the league at Christmas choosing to prioritise my Achilles recovery, but 7 games unbeaten and a bit of luck found me within 2 points of Gary W.

I had first pick and the team selection was the most intense I’ve experienced so far. Teams looked even, and the game panned out that way. My team wore Yellow, Gary’s White.

Whites took the lead with a precise finish from Pete down the left flank. And it had been coming. After that both teams had a few long range efforts either skied or neatly saved, then I nearly beat Bren on his left side, if not for a great save.

The game was in the balance when a bit of misfortune went against us. Jay pulled up with a nasty foot injury, but what seemed like a negative quickly turned positive as Mr hop-a-long had a great 1-2 with myself and I slotted home. To my surprise he wasn’t happy that I’d passed to him. (I can see why now, turns out he snapped his metatarsal, speedy recovery mate)

At this point Bri offered to swap with Jay in goal but that was quickly vetoed, and within minutes this decision paid off as Dave laid the ball off to me in a prime position to shoot, I decided to double down on my previous decision and again passed to Jay, who slotted home. 2-1, and the hope set in. As they say, it’s the hope that kills you.

Whites pushed on from here. Gary W with a neat one-two, left me for dead and calmly finished first time to make it 2-2.

Whites got the winner from a great team transition to find Neil open to slot home. With 15 minutes to play we tried our best to get back in it, left ourselves open and Jay pulled off a great save. On the other end, we couldn’t quite click as a team in the final third whilst Neil turned into prime John Terry getting his body infront of everything!

Controversially, Gary P decided to call the game whilst I was mid swing of a corner, but I think the best team won so all’s fair in the end. 3-2 Whites.

Overall a very spicy game and I have to give the man of the match to El capitano Gary W.  An honourable mention to Pete who I thought was unplayable tonight. But with immense pressure on him I thought Gary selected a great team, lead the press, was increasingly vocal & left me on an island for his goal. He now has an assertive 4 point lead at the top with 3 games to go.

Next week it’s round 2 of the battle of Roxburgh, where I’ll need to throw the kitchen sink at it!