On the right Archie and Cosmo combine well to drive the play forwards, but the Eagles have probably got the upper hand in midfield right now and keep trying to slide the killer ball behind our defence. Some good play out wide by their Number 12 ends up with a driven shot well saved by David. Then another interception leads to a snap shot from distance which threatens to loop over David’s head. But he scrambles back and makes a great (and painful) save.

Soon the Strikers are back on the attack Pete and Bahador combine slickly to take the play down the left wing and we win a throw in. Then there is a bizarre incident. Pete gets the ball from the throw in. He takes it to the byeline and crosses to the penalty spot. Cosmo is waiting and he smashes the ball into the roof of the net. 1-0 to the Strikers and the boys are off celebrating.

Then as the teams re-group the Eagles’ linesman calls the ref over. Offside !  Who? Where? From the throw-in? From the cross? With a man on the goal line? Check the video. See if you can spot it. Anyway the ref accepts his call and the play is called back and the goal disallowed. We know the officials can only do their best, but after having had two goals disallowed last week this is getting to be an unpleasantly regular experience.

Still the boys shrug off the disappointment and re-apply themselves. Josh foils another Eagles foray and the ball breaks to Bahador who twinkles his way past the on-rushing opposition. He slides the ball inside to Reece who slots it forward to Pete. Some quick interplay with Alex S and the ball is chipped up for Archie to head on to Bahador who is bursting down the left.  Bahador races the gigantic full back who is twice his size and only a last ditch tackle prevents him getting into the box. That was some fantastic one touch football. The gaffer is beaming !

We’re looking comfortable now. Knocking the ball around with confidence, making the Eagles chase for everything. James F is busy and inventive and Leo keeps threatening to do something special. The sun is shining and everything is well in our world. This is usually where things go pear-shaped. And right on cue a move breaks down and the Eagles counter. The ball is lobbed over our defenders and the Chesteron centre-forward has a clear run on goal. Rats ! Our guys are scrambling to recover as the Number 12 bears down on David. Amazingly, Henry L comes sprinting across out of nowhere and closes him down. He veers left dribbling in and out as our players flood back and try to re-group. The Eagles are queueing up to shoot. There is total pandemonium. Josh and their second striker are poleaxed. The Chesterton supporters are ringing out with cries of “Shoot, Shoot, SHOOT !!”. I can’t bear to look. The ball is pinging around like a demented pin-ball machine. It’s played back and then, thankfully, a rather tame effort drifts wide of the post. Panic over, deep breaths, think calm thoughts, relax. Phew! Great defending - it was all under control. (Yeah, right!) Anyway that’s the first half, 0-0 and we wuz robbed.

After the break David comes out of goal and Alex S pulls on the goalie’s jersey. With promotion at stake the Eagles have been instructed to turn up the heat and are soon bearing down on us. Alex deals well with the first strike on his goal. There is a big struggle going on in midfield. Jon is having a great game at the heart of it and combining well with Bahador and Leo. There is a terrific phase of close passing as we proceed up field bringing Henry L and Archie into the fray as well.

Time for Chesterton to bring out their secret weapon. They have a throw-in and the defence watch with interest as the player takes a 15 yard run up. The throw is phenomenal  and lands in our six yard box where an Eagle forward launches himself backwards. The ball takes a massive loop off his head and lands beyond Alex in the back of the goal. We’re all a bit stunned and perplexed. How on earth did that happen? Meanwhile, the Eagles are going mental, as well they might. 0-1 to Chesterton....

The atmosphere changes now. Things had been a bit sleepy in the sun, but now the Eagles are buoyed up and the Strikers have a sense of urgency. There’s nothing in this game for us, but we don’t want the Eagles lording it over us on our own patch. A snap shot from the Eagles is gathered by Alex and he launches a counter attack. James F vollies on for Cosmo to chase but this time the defence clears.

Just when we think things have stabilised another freak goal. As a Chesterton defender is closed down by David, he lobs the ball forward from just inside his own half. Freakishly, it takes a massive bounce off the penalty spot and loops up and over poor Alex. No one can believe it. We’re two-nil down to a couple of comedy strikes. Time for action and some proper football, surely?

The NST fans are not disappointed. As the Eagles probe our defences again, David heads clear. The ball is picked up by James F, who hurdles the first challenge, beats the second player and sends Cossie off bursting down the wing.  Cossie beats his man, cuts inside and crosses. Pete takes one touch and lashes out with all his strength. The ball screams past the goalie. You Beauty !!! (to nick a catch phrase) That was a proper goal, worthy of match of the day any weekend. Come on NST !

Now we’re on a surge. James, Cosmo and Pete combine again to turn defence into attack, but the Eagles hold their lines. There is panic in the voice of their supporters now as we turn the screw. Jon’s on the ball, Tom has a crack, something has to give soon. But the Eagles are still dangerous and try to pick us off on the counter attack as we press forward. There is chaos in our defence as their Number 3 dribbles into the box, but he shoots just wide under the close attention of Henry, Josh and Leo.

Then the killer blow. A throw in. A run up of 15 yards. Can you guess what’s coming? Yup. A back header, mis-kicks, mayhem, another looped deflection and the ball is in the back of the net. We all sigh. Sometimes you just have to accept it isn’t going to be your day...

There is still time for David to send Cosmo on one last lung bursting run in on goal. But he’s judged off-side and as the play moves back into our half the ref blows a long whistle to signal the end of the match.

So well done Chesterton and congratulations on promotion. Kudos to the Strikers for the best goal of the match. And we’ll be back next season looking to take our game to the next level.

Squad: Alex S, James F, Pete, Cosmo, Tom, Josh, Bahador, Jon, Sam, Henry L, David, Leo, Reece, Archie.

Scorer: Pete

Video Highlights:

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What a roller coaster season. So many thrills and spills, despair and frustration, excitement and entertainment in equal measure. (and some cracking bacon butties from the camper van !) So well done and many, many thanks to Judy, Roger and Phil for all the time and devotion they have given the lads. And our thanks to Bob for donning the black shirt so regularly and willingly and to all the helpers for their great work in the background helping with the arrangements and preparations, running the line and so forth.

Big thanks also to Andy, Emma and Peter for all the photographic work they have done to spice up the match reports and gallery. Finally, and most of all, thanks to all the parents and friends who come and cheer the team on, especially at those horrible winter away games! (Anyone remember, Saffron Walden away? Uuurggghh!!) The games always go much better with enthusiastic supporters. Next year we change our name to Shelford and Stapleford Strikers - so get practicing with your new chants, Annie !

No one was really looking forward to this one. After a tough match against Ely in Sawston it was time for the return fixture. Whispers on the grapevine suggested their last match had a number of “interesting” discussion points. So it was with some trepidation we ventured North. The path to the ground takes you through the Ely City stadium and a few of the gang took the opportunity to sit in the manager’s dug out and soak up the atmosphere.

Then on to the match. 

We get off to a flying start, no hesitation and taking the game to Ely. Henry and Leo play a quick on-two and the ball is fed out to Jon who lobs it into the box. Cosmo - back to his sharpest form - runs on to it and side foots it smartly into the bottom corner. The Strikers lead 0-1 and are bursting with confidence.

The next goal comes soon after. Sam fires a great ball into the box. Jon controls the ball well and chips it between two defenders for Cossie to finish coolly. 0-2 to the rampant Strikers. This makes a welcome change from our normal approach of giving the opposition a two goal head start. The team must have had Weetabix for breakfast.

Inevitably, Ely strike back. They are a feisty side who have done well this season and are not likely to take the deficit lamely. Employing similar tactics to the Sawston fixture they lob  the defence and rely on the pace of their forwards. There’s a long chase and Sam is hustled off the ball allowing the Ely striker the chance to shoot. He drills the ball past Pete to make it 1-2.  There is a similar strike for their second and at half-time the teams go in all square at 2-2.

For the second half Pete is sent up front and Alex S goes in goal. Early in the second half Cossie is on a hat-trick. The ball is fed through and he smashes it home to grab the lead back for the team and gain his triplet. So it’s 2-3 and the Strikers’ ascendancy is re-asserted. But as is the way with best laid plans, they go awry. Ely strike back claiming two goals and now the Strikers are in trouble losing 4-3.

The boys are desperate to get back on top and frankly deserve to be ahead on the balance of play. There are some dodgy line calls and a disallowed goal. Then Pete scores and we’re back on terms 4-4. It’s the final push now. Can the lads snatch a fifth goal?

Tom smashes a thirty yard screamer and we’re all willing it to go in but he’s frustrated. Then there’s s great corner and some dispute. Henry heads the ball, it’s deflected off one defender “on the line” and then cleared away from the other post by another. Despite the protestations of the Strikers the ref fails to award a goal. 

And then the final whistle and 4-4 at the end. It’s been a very trendy score these past few weeks and the game today has been every bit as exciting as the shows put on by Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal recently. Well done all.

Scorers: Cosmo (3), Pete (1)

Coulda, Shoulda - Strikers Near-Ely Win

Ely have a great recent track record after a so-so start to the season which featured several thrashings from the top teams and they now look like serious contenders for one of the coveted “Top 4” places. They visited the Strikers having won five of their last six games and the lone defeat was a close 2-1 against championship certainties Mildenhall. So it was with some trepidation that we welcomed them to our home ground at Sawston Village College.

After the recent poor starts where the team have conspired to concede multi-goal leads before getting into gear, Judy was looking to keep things tight for the first 15 minutes and then look to be a bit more ambitious once the team was “warmed up”

Your reporter arrived 10 minutes into the match to the sound of raucous cheers and shrieks of delight as the Ely net billowed in submission. The joint was rocking with dozens of young cheer-girls celebrating Leo’s awesome strike and urging the lads on. What a glorious, fabulous atmosphere - marred only by the score 2-1 to Ely - boo! Looks like the concentration required for the tight opening fifteen minutes must have been wandering - directed pitch-side perhaps?

The fantastic atmosphere was inspiring some great endeavour on the pitch and the Strikers, charged up with adolescent hormones, were racing around the pitch to great effect. David, rested for the first quarter was subbed on to chants of “We love you David !” from the girls and immediately set about the Ely defenders. The Strikers surging with confidence despite the score were pressing Ely back into their half and creating lots of chances. The Colts however, were no mugs and also looked threatening playing the ball over the top of our defence for their speedy attackers to chase. Generally though Owen and James F were looking pretty steady at the back and anything which got through was gobbled up by Pete playing in goal. On the right of defence Archie was having an inspired and combative game and over on the left James O was doing equally well, until subbed off due to illness.  How had Ely nicked those early goals?

Despite the ebb and flow of the game and some great play by Leo and Jon there was no further score in the first half. The closest we came was a stinging strike by Cosmo from outside the box when the ball came loose from a corner. But the Ely keeper dealt with Cosmo’s effort well. That would have given the girls something to shout about - instead they sang happy birthday to James F !

So the half-time whistle is blown and the Strikers stroll off in arrears but surely confident that there are good things to come in the second half? 

There is much discussion about the formation for the second half and whether or not Owen should be given a run up front to pose the Colt’s defence a bit more of an aerial challenge. In the end Judy opts for caution, partnering Pete and David up front and keeping the central rearguard intact. With instructions to calm down the pace and  pass the ball around the boys are sent back out for the final session. 

We have the kick-off and following instructions the boys are passing the ball around in a very measured fashion just like a pro team. Leo pops the ball over the top creating a chance for David to chase. He hustles his way past the defenders and is one on one with the goalie but the ball spirals wide much to the despair of the home crowd. The game is definitely going NST’s way now although Ely continue to look dangerous on the break. Their number 9 looks particularly sharp and forges a few good opportunities. Fortunately, the defence is alert and Alex S is on top form whenever the final line is breached. On one occasion as the Ely forwards bear down on goal he bravely dives at the feet of the onrushing attackers to snuff out the threat. 

At the other end NST continue to carve out opportunities. At one point the ball is cut back to Henry L creating a golden chance at the edge of the box, but Henry’s shot goes wide. Then we finally get the breakthrough we’ve been anticipating. Pete buries the ball in the back of the net and it’s 2-2 at last. Buoyed up by their success the boys continue to press the Ely goal. A free kick from Leo launches the ball dangerously into the box and David is unlucky to head over the bar. Back down the other end there is a break away chance down the right and as Ely prepare to strike only a last minute interception by Alex M prevents a certain goal. 

Then there is a massive lapse in concentration which sees the Ely right winger unmarked. He drives to the bye line and puts a stunning ball across the face of goal. The two Ely forwards in the six yard box conspire to miss when it would have been easier to score. The home supporters are left gasping at the let-off, while the visitors can’t believe their bad luck.

Judy re-jigs the team moving Owen up front and pulling Cosmo into the back four alongside James F. Reece moves to left back and Henry L to right back. The game continues at a furious pace with incidents at both ends. A couple of Ely players have to be carried off with injuries as players collide. Then Reece is pole-axed by the Ely centre-forward’s knee as he heads the ball away from goal. There are bodies everywhere! Luckily everyone seems to be back on their feet after a brief recuperation. 

The Strikers are desperate to finish off the game with a final goal and continue to assault the Ely defences. Archie has a glorious chance, but just loses control at the last second. Pete goes close and we have numerous corners, but the Colts seem to be able to resist it all and continue pose a threat on the counter attack.  

In the last few minutes we throw caution to the wind pressing for the vital edge that will bring victory. Henry L ventures forward and is rewarded with a pass across the box which finds him unmarked with a clear sight on goal. As Henry shapes up to bury the ball,  an Ely defender desperately slides in and the ball is sliced wide. The brave defender stays down however, seriously crocked by the collision. An ambulance is called and the lad is shipped off to hospital for a proper examination. (Update: Report from the Ely coach says hamstring and possible broken toe on another player. Get well soon lads. )

The last few minutes are played out and the ref blows the long final whistle drawing an exciting game to its final conclusion. What a barnstormer! This game had everything, spills, thrills, goals, injuries, ambulances - cheerleaders. What more could you ask for? ( Mildenhall to beat Whittlesford of course! ) 

(Edit: And they did ! So the Strikers are still in fourth place) 

Man of the Match: TBA

Squad: Alex M, Alex J, Alex S, Owen, Pete, Leo, James O, James F, Henry L, Tom, Reece, Jon, Archie, David, Cosmo.

Scorer(s): Leo, Pete

And so back to Haverhill to face the Hawks who had just won two in a row after being eliminated from the cup by Witchfield Colts. The Strikers were looking to build on last week's win after the disappointment of recent results against the table toppers. New signing Jon was on display and Reece was  back in the squad after a promising debut last week. Archie was captain for the day.This was a competitive match with Hundon showing much improved form since our last meeting. In the end a cracking strike by Owen secured the points for NST and made the journey well worth while.

Do ya feel lucky ?

No debut nerves here.

 Our resilient defence stands firm

 Nice gloves !

Man of the match display

 Ace goal scorer

 Well played all.

Squad: Alex S, Owen, Pete, Tom, Cosmo, Reece, Jon, Archie (Captain), Josh, James F, James O, Henry L, Bahador, Alex J.

Scorer: Owen.

Man of the match: Henry L

At last a chance to celebrate and to get rid of all that dreary music. I hear their goalie was in great form and saved about 20 shots !

I'll try and get a report from Judy but feel free to add snippets to the comments - anyone you think played well or incidents of great skill. ( must be loads of those ! ) If you scored please describe your goal for us.

A great feisty debut from Reece and a first win for nippy Bahador in NST colours.

Squad: Owen, Alex S, Alex J, James F, James O, Reece, Henry L, Cosmo, Tom, Sam, Archie, Pete, Bahador, Josh. 

Scorers: Cosmo, Pete, Henry L, James F

Man of the Match: Josh

Having drawn with Lakenheath in a tense game only a couple of weeks ago we knew this was going to be a tough match.  Lakenheath have scored 27 goals without reply in the two games since we met them !

Owen, captain for the day, lined up as centre back alongside James F with James O as left back and Archie on the right. Alex M was protecting the defence and the midfield consisted of Bahador, Tom, Alex S and Henry L with Sammy as the lone striker. David was goalie and Cosmo was the only sub with both Alex J and Henry W struck down by bugs at the last moment.

Lakenheath have the kick-off and are soon on the attack winning an early corner. The kick is driven dangerously across the face of goal and a shot from close in is blocked on the line brilliantly by Alex S. That certainly saved a very embarrassing start to the match !   NST are quickly back on the offensive though with Tom slotting a ball through for Sam to chase but the ball is hacked away by the blues' defence and Lakenheath build again.

The game is pretty open. Henry L is working hard all over the pitch helping out the defence and then pushing forward with the attack. At the back Owen and James F are composed and unyielding down the middle with Archie industrious and tenacious in the tackle on our right hand side where the main Lakenheath threat has been coming. 

The home team are playing some attractive passing football and look the more likely to score, but NST are holding their own. Over on the left Bahador is looking lively and quick off the mark - backed up with great teamwork from Alex S and James O. Although we don't look in too much trouble at the back we haven't quite got a cutting edge up front. Sammy is chasing tirelessly but the balls through are leaving him isolated and with too little support to really make an impact. Then Lakenheath strike. They work the ball down our left hand side and get a cross into the box which is well finished to make it 1-0.

Lakenheath continue to probe but even when the ball makes it past our defenders David is in great form and deals with any trouble. Judy swaps Cosmo for Tom and he is soon involved in the action. James F  clears and Alex M  cracks a quick ball forward for Sam to chase. Henry L takes over and  steers the ball across the edge of the box but Cosmo is just hustled out of it. The drizzle is starting to get heavier and the weather colder but we are soon overjoyed as Alex M goes on a little foray. He picks the ball up in midfield and runs down the right. The Lakenheath defence melts before him and he cracks the ball across the goalie for a sublime finish which leaves the ball nestling in the back of the net ! It's our first decent attack and we've got a goal. Fantastic! 1-1 and we're back in the match.

Rejuvenated now the Strikers find fresh legs and press back on Lakenheath. We win a corner after some good work by Cosmo and Sam, but the kick is cleared away. NST are stroking the ball around confidently now and looking good. Then disaster nearly strikes. Lakenheath win the ball deep in our half and play a quick one-two  to round our defence. Their centre forward gets his foot on the ball and pokes it past David but it hits the post and rolls along the line for Archie to clear. Phew that was close ! Thankfully the ref blows for half time and we all get a chance to catch our breath.

After a breather the match restarts. Alex M is in goal and David has been given a run in midfield. This seems to be a cracking re-organisation. With the wind and rain behind them NST are well on top pressing deep into the Lakenheath half. A great ball through from Cosmo sets Sammy off down the pitch; he clashes with a defender in the box and ends up on the floor. The ref waves play on - probably would have been harsh to award a penalty for that - but we've seen them given... There is a period of sustained pressure with the boys knocking the ball around well. Now, if we could only get a finish on one of these balls... Lakenheath are reduced to hopeful punts forward and Owen and James can deal with those all day long. 

Just when we're thinking this is going to be our game after all, disaster strikes. Our defence dwells on the ball too long in the box and is dispossessed. Before we can recover, the ball is in the back of the net and we have a mountain to climb. 2-1 to Lakenheath. The boys continue to plug away but Lakenheath are buoyed up by the goal and have recovered the touch which had temporarily deserted them for the opening 15 minutes. They look assured and don't need to chase the game. They work the ball well and are unlucky when a curler hits the post. Soon they are on the attack again and when the ball comes in sharply from the left  there's a clash of bodies and the ball is scrambled over the line from two feet out. That makes it 3-1 and now our legs are starting to get weary and we've only got one sub.

Nonetheless, the Strikers continue to chase the game. David is all over the pitch and Archie is showing great energy. Alex and Bahador are still creating opportunities down the left, but then a terrific dribble by a Lakenheath attacker puts the game beyond doubt when he slots past Alex to make it 4-1. There's  a big cheer and tremendous ovation from home crowd - apparently he had 50 shots last week and couldn't buy a goal - so glad we could oblige !

The game has been killed off but the boys keep going. Tom shows some dazzling footwork in midfield and Archie has another dynamic burst down the right but in the end it's all for naught. As the drizzle gets heavier all we want is a warm car and bacon butties back home. Eventually the ref blows for full-time and with a quick three cheers and shaking of hands all round we're ruefully on the way back hoping pondering on what might have been. 

Well done Lakenheath and bad luck Strikers. 

Squad: Archie, Alex S, Alex M, Owen, Cosmo, Tom, Bahador, James, F, James O, David, Henry L, Sammy.

Scorer: Alex M (1)

Regretably the blog editor has eaten my match report and I really don't have the time to write it again so.....

Well done Mildenhall - you were ace in the first half. A very classy third goal. Great second half from the Strikers - didn't get the reward you deserved and a bit tough to overcome a 4-0 defecit. Well done to new signing Bahador - showed some good promise - shame your initiation was against such tough opposition. Cracking second half for Archie, I thought. Nice goal Pete and excellent spells in goal from David and Alex M despite the score.

Shame about the penalty - but it wouldn't have made any difference.

Squad: Owen, Leo, James F, James O, Alex M, Alex S, Tom, Bahador, Josh, Pete, Henry W, Henry L, Cosmo, Archie, David
Scorer: Pete (1)

The visit from Lakenheath Youth would be a real test for the Strikers. After losing their opening 3 games Lakenheath merged with another local team and have since taken all available points in the league. With a reputation as a robust and feisty outfit we went into this fixture with some trepidation. Their travelling fanbase exceeded the home supporters two to one and the match was conducted with real atmosphere and edge.

We didn't start on our usual pitch due to some problem with the goals and ended up on the next one over which had a definite slope. The Strikers started playing uphill into the wind and sun. I presume we lost the toss!

Judy had set the team up to be mean and David who was injured earlier in a rugby match opted to stay in goal for both halves. James O, James F, Sammy and Henry W lined up in front of him looking to preserve that excellent defensive record. Midfield was Tom, Leo, Alex S and Owen. Up front we had Pete and Cosmo. Archie, AJ and Josh waited on the sidelines. Lakenheath were soon on the offense and showed why they had such a good track record. They were very mobile and passed well, taking advantage of the slope and pressurising the NST defence. A little chipped pass saw a Lakenheath attacker in on goal but faced with David he put the ball wide. The warning signs were there - it was going to be a testing half.

Although severely pressed the boys performed well keeping the blues at bay. Leo was excellent on the right ensuring that defence was turned into attack and that it wasn't all one way traffic. Unfortunately, the Blues defence was pretty mean as well as Cosmo and Pete found out in the early exchanges. As Lakenheath continued to pile on the pressure they forced the ball out wide and crossed in for an acrobatic finish by their centre forward. Unfortunately for the lad, he was ruled offside despite the protestations of some of the supporters. Judge for yourself in the video clip.

Spurred on the Strikers hit back probing the Lakenheath back four but without success. As the ball came back, another ball over the top put their centre forward through. This time he tried to lob the keeper, but David was too smart for that and gathered well. Soon he was back on the ball and this time put the ball over the bar. Many sighs of relief and furrowed brows in the NST contingent! As we pushed back with some good tackling by AJ the ball ran to Leo who crafted an opportunity for Cosmo, but the Blues defence were quick to react and snuffed out the danger. As Lakenheath threatened our goal again the ref blew for half-time. Phew! A tough half and despite the prospect of the elements and the slope on our side for the second half, I think if Judy had been offered a draw she'd have snatched your hand off ! 

Cosmo had to leave at half time and Alex M has arrived, so Judy has some different options to play with now. After a break the lads are soon back into the fray. The slope and wind are definitely helping and the Strikers are more like their usual, assured selves. Josh is moved back to defence for the second half and James O pushed up front. Tom and Owen are working well in midfield and carve an opening for Pete, but despite his great footwork, Pete is outnumbered and the opportunity passes. Back up the other end, the defence is robust with Sammy and James F snuffing out the danger. When the ball come free, an opportunistic pot shot is well handled by David.

NST win a free kick and the ball falls to Owen who has a dangerous-looking long range effort gathered well by the Lakenheath goalie. We are back in this game now and the pressure on Lakenheath continues to build. Pete is having a great game down the centre and when Owen slots another ball through for him, he's in on goal and it takes three defenders to stop him. Then Tom pops up with a crafty back heel to put Pete in on the edge of the box and although he feeds the ball to Leo there is no way through and Lakenheath are soon back up our end. Josh and Henry W see the danger out. As the ball swings back up yet again Owen bursts through and coolly slots the ball past the keeper despite the close attentions of two Lakenheath defenders. We can hardly believe it ! 1-0 to NST.

The game continues at a thrilling pace. Neither side is comfortable.  Archie now playing forward left battles well against the tough Blues defenders but the ball is soon back up in the NST half. James F makes some excellent last gasp tackles just when Lakenheath seem to be breaking through and Josh clears the lines. We're into the last few minutes and victory is so close. Alex M is on adding some composure to our midfield. A last defiant push by Lakenheath threatens our goal. Sammy and James F converge on the attacker who launches himself into Sam - There's a melee and the result is......Penalty ! Aaaaargh, surely not? But it is.

We can hardly bear to watch. David has played a blinder. Can he keep out just one more shot? The ref blows and the striker smacks the ball goalwards. David saves ! But our cheers are strangled in our throats as the attacker pounces on the rebound and buries it in the back of the net. What a cruel game. The remaining minutes are played out at a nail-biting and frantic pace until Bob mercifully blows for full time.

What a roller-coaster ! The whole team has been terrific. The defence was fantastic with Henry W and Josh playing a cracking game on the wings and Sam and James F holding firm in the centre. The midfield played its part too with Leo's tireless running, Owen really strong against some "robust" challenges and a classy goal, Tom slotting some crafty passes and AJ getting really stuck in to the toughies. Alex S ran his heart out and James O and Archie were industrious and persistant right the way through. Cosmo and Alex M only had a half each but contributed fully and David kept the team in the match at times. Pete kept the Lakenheath defence on their toes, but in the end the man of the match award went to James F for his tenacity and last ditch challenges keeping the Blues at bay. But this was a great team performance and the boys were unlucky not to take all three points.

On the balance of play a draw was probably a fair result, but then Bolton should have beaten Man U yesterday. Since when has football been fair? This was a terrific match played by two excellent teams, but the real winners were Whittlesford who can go second if they win their game in hand. Stay tuned footy fans. It ain't over until the fat lady sings.

Squad: David (Captain), Alex M, Alex S, Leo, Tom, Owen, Josh, James O, Archie, James F, Henry W, Pete (Vice-Captain), Cosmo, Alex J, Sammy,
Scorer: Owen (1)
Man of the Match: James F

So the decorations are down, the tree put away for another year, turkeys around the country are gobbling cheerfully again and it's time to run off some of that Christmas fat (well, at least for the younger contingent). This week's fixture is against a Waterbeach team who've been on a bit of dismal run after a good start to the season. We beat them 4-1 away, so after our painful experience against Milton, we're looking to get back into winning ways.

The starting lineup is Alex M in goal, the back four is James O, David, Owen (Captain) and Archie. Midfield dynamos are Leo and AJ with Pete and Alex S on the flanks. Cosmo and Josh start up front. Tom, Henry L and James F start on the sidelines. Waterbeach only have a squad of 11 so hopefully that will be to our advantage. We start kicking up field and into the wind. The Strikers are quickly into the attack with a couple of shots from Cosmo well saved by the Waterbeach keeper. Generally though the early play is fairly even with equal pressure from both sides. We're still getting into our stride and some of the players are taking a while to find their touch after the long lay off. Alex M has a scare when a Waterbeach strike hits the post, but from the next attack Leo slots through a ball for Josh to run onto and Josh picks his spot leaving the opposition goalie no chance. 1-0 to NST and we're on our way.

The defensive line is proving to be its usual excellent self and every Waterbeach attack is repelled by our stalwart defenders. David and Owen are cleaning up everything down the middle and James O and Archie are closing down the wings brilliantly. There's no way through for the Colts and as every approach breaks down it becomes a launching pad for the midfield counter attack. AJ is scavenging in the heart of the pitch and feeding the ball to Leo who is finding some brilliant angles for the attackers to pursue. Cosmo and Josh are after every ball and Cosmo is unlucky not score. Meanwhile Pete and Alex S are doing great work on the flanks turning the Waterbeach defenders inside out and creating lots of chances.

Soon Cosmo gets his reward when we win a corner. Alex S pings the ball in and Cosmo bundles home the loose ball. 2-0 to NST. "Not one of my best." he says after the match - but they all count. Although we continue to apply pressure and Tom, James F and Henry L get a run out, we don't add to the score before half time. This is in no short measure due to the valiant Waterbeach goalie who is playing well and keeping our strikers at bay. At the other end Alex M has dealt well with everything which has come his way - but to be frank he's had little to do and will be looking forward to a warming run around in the second half !

Bob blows for half-time and the boys troop off happy with the first half's endeavours.

For the second half Alex S swaps with Alex M in goal and the boys have the benefit of the down slope and the wind at their backs. We're soon on the attack with Pete working hard down the left wing and James F pushing forward on the right. It only takes a few minutes for Pete to score a freak goal with a "talented" (his words) lob of the goalie and it's 3-0 to NST. In fact Pete is having a bit of purple patch. Receiving the ball from Owen on the edge of the centre circle he outpaces the Waterbeach defenders in the race goalwards and blasts the ball past the goalie. 4-0 to the Strikers.

Waterbeach are pinned back now and NST are dominant with our attacks coming waves. Tom slips the ball through for Cosmo who gets one on one with the goalie, but the goalie does well and makes the save. Soon after James F has a great run down the right wing beating a couple of players before delivering a  sublime cross into the box. As the Strikers queue up to finish the move off, the ball evades them all except Archie racing in at the back post but he's off balance and stabs the ball wide.

Waterbeach get a chance to clear their lines, but even though they bring the ball out they can't get past David and Alex M in the heart of our defence. Archie feeds the ball out wide left to Pete who goes on a mazy and after a quick one-two with Tom he crosses the ball into the box. Cosmo is at the head of the queue, pressurising the defenders. The ball only gets as far as Henry L. He takes one touch on the edge of the box and drills the ball past the divign goalie and it's 5-0 to the mighty Strikers!

Stung by this setback Waterbeach attack with renewed conviction. As they break forward Josh is isolated but does well shepherding the Waterbeach attacker out wide, giving Alex M time to make up ground and assist with snuffing out the danger. Our under-employed goalie, Alex S is grateful for the opportunity to see a bit of the action !

Judy swaps the team around a bit, giving James O a run on the right wing and Tom a chance down the centre with Pete. Cosmo is moved to centre-back alongside David. Everyone is trying to get on the scoresheet and this leads to a lot of off-sides despite constant reminders from the sidelines. In one unlucky incident Tom breaks through and slides the ball past the goalie but is given off-side. It was a close call and you can judge for yourself on the video.

Then a piece of fantastic skill from David. Picking the ball up deep in his own half he sets off on a mazy run beating five (Yes 5!) Waterbeach players as he runs the length of the pitch. When he enters the penalty area we're all willing him to bury it for what would surely be goal of the season, but he passes to Pete who is so surprised he passes as well and the opportunity is gone. It doesn't take long for the next chance to come along and some good work on the left by Archie and James F sets the ball up for Cosmo to have a punt. His shot is blocked, but Alex M picks up the ball and dinks a short pass to Pete who smacks it past the goalie and it's 6-0.

The best is saved for last though. In the final moments of the match Owen disposses a Waterbeach midfielder and intelligently curls the ball out wide to James O on the right wing. As a Waterbeach defender slides in, James rounds him with Messi-like grace, leaves the second man for dead and, head up, drives the ball in the six-yard box. As David attempts a back heel, Tom nips in and stabs the ball into the net. What a classy move and a fitting way to round off the match. 7-0 and Seventh Heaven indeed.

 A cracking performance all round but especially well done to the goalies -  Alex S & M - who had to endure a rather cold afternoon with not too much action to keep them warm. With no other teams playing in the League that takes us back up to 2nd place ahead of next week's opponents Lakenheath on goal difference. I'm sure the goalies will be busy then !

Squad: Alex M, Alex S, Alex J, Archie, Pete, Cosmo, David, Leo, James O, James F, Henry L, Josh, Owen (Captain)

Scorers: Pete (3), Josh, Tom, Cosmo, Henry L

Man of the Match: David. Special Award: Pete.

Ouch ! Of course we're really concentrating on the League.

Apparently it was 1-0 at half time; but least said soonest mended I reckon.

Pete's goal was a blinder by all accounts - yes your roving reporter contrived to miss this match as well. Hopeless!

Anyway the goal description provided by two over-excited players goes like this.

"Leo tackles in midfield passes over the top to Sam. Sam beats a player passes to AJ. AJ is tackled by Pete ! Pete beats a player and shoots into bottom right hand corner. Bam! Goalie didn't stand a chance."

Quotes from anonymous members of the team. 

"Very satisfactory. We totally and utterly outplayed Milton. Glad we got the loss. Will harden the boys up."

Prospects in the cup - "Ummm, For anyone who's not in NST BEWARE! We're gonna start playing well."

Can MIlton go all the way? - " NOOOOOO. We felt sorry for them. We let them win as a Christmas present. "

Post match interview courtesy of Shelford TV

( If anyone from Milton is watching - it's just a bit of fun! )

Squad: Pete, Tom, Owen, Leo, Alex J, Alex S, Josh, James O, Henry W, Sam, Cosmo, Henry L. (probably!)
Scorer: Pete

MoM: Pete

It's a lonely job being a goalie, stuck between the sticks in the freezing cold, nothing to do for long periods (when we're winning!). Then called into heroic action, when the slightest error ends in disaster and if you make the save no one comes and hugs and celebrates with you. But if you're a striker you can mess up all afternoon and then one jammy bounce off your knee and you're a hero - mobbed and high-fiving with all your team mates. Luckily the U12s are blessed with a quartet of ace goalies so the duties can get shared around and today they had the opportunity to celebrate their up-field skills and boy did they deliver ! So today Alex M, David, Pete (and Alex S who was sick for this one) we salute you and the brilliant job you do each week when you pull on the goalie's jersey and especially today when you all got on the scoresheet. Congratulations to Tom and Pete for their hat-tricks (Pete's all in just one half up field) and to Tom for getting man of the match. And well done Leo and Josh for giving the goalie's the second half off. Sadly, I missed this match - but they say a picture's worth a thousand words - so this lot has saved me a bout of writer's cramp! Good work Andy, Emma and Peter.

Squad: Tom, Pete, Alex M, Alex J, Leo, David,  James O (Captain), Archie, Josh, Owen, James F

Scorers: Tom (3), Pete (3), David (2), Alex M (1)

MoM: Tom

As I pulled back the bedroom curtain this morning to reveal a layer of freshly fallen snow, the pleasant prospect of a day off warmed my heart after last week’s frozen outing. But the sun shone all morning and the call came that the pitch was playable. So we had to don our thermals, brave the elements and face the harsh, bleak November landscape that is Sawston Village College sportsfield.

We could lose men here. Look what happened to Scott of the Arctic! Firstly, there’s the mud-wracked goal mouths. One end resembles a swimming pool and the other the aftermath of a particularly fraught mud-wrestling match. Scouring around our ever-resourceful parents turn up a garden fork and a spade and some handy scotch egg packaging which is converted to scoops for water baling duties. Assisted by keen volunteers from the Whittlesford contingent the goalmouths are made playable, if not exactly inviting!

This is a top of the table clash (2nd vs 3rd) and local derby all rolled into one. So no prisoners taken and no mercy expected. NST have a few fallen soldiers struck down by winter bugs, but otherwise we are able to assemble a squad of 14. Unexpectedly, Alex M turns up in the nick of time and will be able to contribute to the first half. Captain for the day is James F, ably assisted by his vice-captain Alex S.

And so to the kick-off. Whittlesford win the toss and elect to change ends so we have to play with the sun in our eyes - the dastardly rotters! Our goalie David is less than enamoured to be starting in the soggy end!

Our starting line-up is David in goal, James F, Josh, Henry W, and Sam across the back. Midfield is Tom, Leo, Pete and Alex S; up front Cosmo and Owen.

Although we have the kick-off we are soon dispossessed and the Warriors come piling forwards, intent on an early breakthrough. They are passing the ball well and have NST under a lot of pressure, but in the end David is able to deal with the shot. He clears well finding Owen down the right. Owen drives forwards but is isolated. Nonetheless he wins a throw-in. From the throw the Strikers carve an opportunity for Pete, who shoots but his shot is well saved by the goalie. From the clearance Leo retrieves the ball and moves it quickly on to Owen on the right. He bursts forward finding Cosmo in space. Selflessly Cosmo switches the ball onto Alex S who strikes a terrific shot which the keeper just saves at full length. While we are all busy admiring that great move Whittlesford are coming straight back down the pitch. A great pass slices the defence in two and sends their No 10 bursting through one on one with the keeper. David stays big (reminiscent of Peter Schmeicel at his best) and makes a great save pushing the ball wide for a corner. Phew that was close. The defence deals well with the corner and David clears up.

Leo is having a great game in midfield and pops a ball over the top for Alex S to chase, but just when we think he's in on goal the ref brings him back for offside. Doh! Whittlesford are playing an assured game and pressing us hard all over the field. Despite their attentions, Pete goes on a mazy dribble beating three players and winning a throw in. That was great bit of skill, but with the pitch cutting up it's going to be hard work making any progress by running with the ball today. Whittlesford have already figured this out and are looking to move the ball out to the more playable wings where their dangerous No 10 is lurking. Soon he is on the ball and causing the defence all kinds of problems. He cuts in towards goal and gets off a shot which is narrowly wide due to good defensive pressure from Josh.

Buoyed up by this, the Warriors are now imposing themselves on the game and are looking strong in possession. Their attacks aren't quite breaking through but every move is laced with threat and the NST defence is looking stretched. Then as the Warriors probe down our right the ball breaks free and finds the red No 10 unmarked on the edge of our box. As the defenders desperately strive to close him down he slots coolly past David and NST are in 0-1 in arrears. Talk about a credit crunch!

If there is one thing we can rely on with the Strikers it's that they'll not let their heads drop. And so it is now. Stung by the deficit the boys are soon back on the attack. Taking a break from his defensive duties Tom goes wandering forwards and wins a corner. The ball is pumped threateningly into the six-yard box where is skims Josh's head and goes out harmlessly. Any more contact and that would have been in the back of the net.

The Warriors are not resting on their laurels though and are soon back on the offensive. That troublesome No 10 skips through midfield and pings a great shot goalwards which David saves again. He's keeping us in the game at the moment. This leads to period of sustained pressure from Whittlesford which keeps David fully employed and a sure contender for man of the match. Alex M is sent on to provide the No 10 with some closer attention and bolster up the defence. Towards the end of the half, as the heavy pitch takes its toll on tired legs, we are just hanging on. James F and Pete are doing well to repulse attacks on the right and in the middle Archie, Alex J and Leo are working hard to keep the marauding Warriors at bay. The half ends when David makes another great save from a Warriors’ strike and Sam boots the ball into oblivion. Hmm, many furrowed brows on the touchline and a tough job for the coach to sort out this one….

The line-up is refreshed for the re-start. Alex S has donned the goalie’s jersey and Judy has re-constructed the team. Defence is now Archie, David, Henry W and Leo. The midfield starts with Owen, Tom, Josh and James F with Cosmo and Sammy up-front. From the start the Warriors swarm forwards driving at the heart of the NST defence. This must be a planned tactic to deliver the killer blow. But as they approach the box they encounter David and Henry W in no mood to concede further ground and the attackers are despatched by our resolute defence.

Back again come the Warriors and this time a great strike draws a brilliant save from Alex S. However, this is pretty much the last time Alex is troubled by the Whittlesford attack. The new formation is a revelation. The re-jigged team is bursting with energy and with the defence is now the strongest I’ve ever seen. The Strikers can go forward with confidence. James F makes good progress down the left and swings the ball into the box. It breaks loose and fall to Tom who shoots. It draws a save from the keeper, but is not one of Tom’s piledriving specials.

The whole shape of the game is different now as wave upon wave of NST attacks batter down on the Whittlesford defence. Josh and Pete are combining well on the right and we win a series of corners, but frustratingly the Strikers fail to convert the chances.  As the ball comes back up our end David is taking no prisoners in the centre and Leo has the problematic No 10 in his pocket. Anything that slips through these two is mopped up by Henry W who’s having a cracking match. Whatever the Whittlesford forwards try, the defence is up to it and the boys are able to turn the tables on the Reds.

As NST apply the screws we see good work from Owen and Cosmo up front and they go near on a couple of occasions. Alex J is doing well with a typical bustling midfield performance. But where is the goal going to come from? Although we are on top, the muddy pitch is killing the ball and making it difficult to progress. We’re all mindful of that old football saying “You’ve got to score when you’re on top.”

Pete is brought back on and Sam is given a rest. As yet another Whittlesford attack is despatched by Archie, the ball is swept forward to Josh. A quick bit of interplay with Pete follows and then Josh goes on an electrifying burst down the right. He crashes through the Warriors defence and smashes a shot goalwards. The keeper parries, but Josh is following up and rockets the ball into the back of the net ! His dad is going mad and so am I. What a goal! Are we allowed to invade the pitch? Better not…

I’m informed later that the boys have been doing the “following up of shots” drill in training. So well done Josh for applying it in the match. The boys are jubilant with their success and there is much pointing at foreheads and shouts of “concentrate” because we know what is coming next. Sure enough the Warriors are stung by the setback and come furiously forward only to clash with the might of the Strikers renewed defence. A thunderous tackle by David leaves a Warrior stricken on the ground but the ref waves play on as he got the ball. The lad is soon back on his feet, rubbing himself a little ruefully.

Meanwhile the ball is back down the other end with Pete searching for the finishing blow. It doesn’t come this time and play sweeps back up field as Whittlesford seek to reassert their ascendancy. But NST are well on top now. Leo picks up the ball, turning defence into attack and skips forward despite the quagmire underfoot. He pushes the ball forward to Cosmo, but Cossie’s tired legs let him down and the opportunity withers. Slowly, as the last few minutes tick away, the life ebbs out of the game and when the ref blows for full-time it’s a fair result at 1-1.

Whittlesford were on top and really threatening in the first half. The second half onslaught was nearly all NST but without the Strikers really creating too many clear cut chances. So all in all a share of the spoils seems a just reward for both sides.

Squad: Alex S, Alex M, Alex J, Tom, Leo, David, James F, Archie, Cosmo, Owen, Josh, Henry W, Pete, Sam

Scorer: Josh

Man of the Match: David, Henry W

And so we venture South to Saffron Walden - who play in Newport apparently ! It's chucking it down, the pitch is a mile and a half from the car park across muddy, slippery fields and when we get there the wind is blowing a gale. Someone, anyone, remind me why we do this? Apart from the shocking weather Sammy has withdrawn sick and Leo has forgotten to turn up so we're down to eleven men again. Never mind, after last week's 6-0 rampage the boys are keen to extend their winning run despite the soggy conditions.

The match starts rather cagily with no team on top although Saffron Walden Town, benefiting from the slope, are looking very assured and passing well. They threaten our goal on a number of occasions but without really troubling Pete. Then some creative short passes around our box creates a chance for a Town forward right in front of goal. As the ball is struck Josh slides in from nowhere making a fantastic intercept and stopping an almost certain goal. The ball spills out to Owen who quickly hoists a long ball for Cosmo to chase, but the nippy Town defenders are able to cope.

Encouraged by the rain-drenched supporters on the sidelines the NST midfield starts to assert itself. Some good work down the right by Henry L and Josh leads to a corner, but the kick goes straight out. Taking the chance to hit back Saffron Walden string together an excellent passing move which carves out another opening in front of our goal, but Pete collects the shot comfortably. From Pete's clearance, Owen wins the ball in midfield and drills it wide left to Alex S. Bursting forward Alex slides the ball across goal to the waiting Cosmo, but his shot is well saved by the keeper. This is followed by a period of sustained pressure fron the Saffron Walden left. This keeps Henry L, James F and Josh fully employed on defensive duties but they successfully repulse the Town's attack. Saffron Walden are looking very composed and pass the ball worryingly well. Surprisingly their breakthrough comes from a long hopeful punt. The Town's inside right picks up the ball and switches it inside to the centre forward who smashes the ball into the top corner from outside the box. Pete had no chance with that one. That was a classy goal and some slick interplay between the two forwards. 1-0.

Well that seems to have woken everyone up! NST surge back from the kick-off. Josh drives down the right and crosses. The ball is picked up by Archie and after some good interplay with Alex he slips the ball back to Tom who shoots well, but the goalie is alert to the danger and saves competently. The Strikers are dominant now and have got Saffron Walden pinned back in their own half. Henry W wins the ball in midfield and launches one over the top for Cosmo and Josh to chase. Cosmo is first to the ball and draws another good save from the keeper. The resulting corner is cleared by the defenders.

The Strikers are soon back on the offensive when Owen lofts another ball for Cosmo to chase. He wins a corner and this time James F takes it short. James clips the returned ball onto the penalty spot where Cosmo is waiting to bury it. Our hands are on our heads as Cosmo swings and misses! But surely a goal is coming? You can almost smell it! Saffron Walden look to counter attack and although they look dangerous on the break our defence is resolute. Henry W and James O are dealing comfortably with problems on the left and James F and Henry L have the sitution in hand on the right. Tom and Alex S are working tirelessly in midfield pressing their opponents back at every opportunity. Then Owen turns creator slotting a sublime ball through to set Cosmo one on one with the goalie. He must score! But somehow the keeper keeps the ball out again deflecting it wide for a corner. It's another short one, but this time we fluff it and the hard-pressed Town defence get a breather.

From the goal kick Saffron Walden look to counter attack, driving through the middle. Our stalwart defender, Henry W cuts out the danger and we strike back but the move fizzles out by the corner flag. The pressure is building on Saffron Walden  with Henry L and Josh prominent on our right flank. A threatening counter attack is mopped up by Pete. He launches a long kick up field which breaks to Cosmo in space. He switches the play to Archie who buries it. Offside, aaargh! We've got to get a goal soon, surely? Come on Strikers!

From the free kick Saffron Walden win possession and get another strike on goal which Pete saves well. After this fright NST are soon back on the front foot. We win a corner after a dynamic thrust down the right by Henry L and Owen. This creates a fantastic chance for Archie right in front of goal. Unfortunately, he scuffs his shot and the ball is cleared off the line by a red defender. NST are definitely on top. It's just a shame it took a goal to wake the team up. Then the ref blows to bring the half to a close.

Judy has got her work cut out for the team talk. The lads have played their hearts out for scant reward. Mercifully, the half time break is short and the boys are soon squelching their way back onto the pitch.

Judy has switched the team round a bit. Archie has retreated to defence, Henry L has replaced him up front and Pete has taken up position on the right wing to swing those crosses in for Henry and Cosmo to attack. Josh moves to centre back and James F is given the chance to drive forward from left midfield. Alex takes responsibility between the sticks.

Wow! Whatever was said at half-time has galvanised the boys. From the centre Pete takes the ball down the right and slips it through to Owen who has a shot. The goalie parries it but only as far as Cossie. He finishes with the simplest of tap-ins and at last the net billows in success for NST. 1-1 and game on!

Stung by the goal Saffron Walden go on the attack and our defence looks a little uncertain under the reorganisation. Motoring down our right the Town switch play to the centre where a forward is lurking unmarked. As defenders converge, the ball is well struck but Alex S rushes from his line and makes a fantastic save. Saffron Walden continue to apply pressure and now probe down our left testing James O and Tom. This time they get a cross into the box and we all heave a sigh of relief as the ball is hoisted over the bar.

The game is now a roller-coaster with play moving from end to end at a furious pace. First Pete and Owen combine on the right but the keeper picks out the cross. The ball comes back but Henry W and Josh sort things out. Alex S punts a long ball downfield, finding the last Saffron Walden defender isolated as Cosmo and Henry L bear down on him. They pressurise him and the goalie has to come out and clear. This leads to sustained pressure on our defence but Archie and James O sort things out between them. The ball comes out to Tom in a bit of space. He carries it forward and lobs a ball for Henry L and Pete to chase. The Town have to concede a corner under their close scrutiny. Nothing comes from it and we're soon back defending. Then Tom creates a chance for Cosmo whose finish slides past the post just when we think it's in. This is breath-taking stuff. And then a killer blow. Saffron Walden take the ball to the bye line and deliver a cracking cross which is finished smartly from close in. Has all this endeavour been for nothing? 2-1 to the Reds.

Nobody's head goes down though and the boys remain positive. James F is working hard on the left despite the Reds defensive resiliance. Owen is pushing and probing through the middle and Tom is covering tirelessly as the Strikers strive to find that edge which will give them a goal. But everytime we break through the linesman's flag seems to be raised. Are we really that bad at keeping the line? Then, when Henry L gets a shot off the ref blocks it! The rebound falls to Owen. It's a glorious chance, but he places it just wide of the post. The team swarms forward, desperately seeking that equaliser. And then it comes. Another long kick gives Cosmo the chance to break free and this time the flag stays down. He races for goal and slides the ball past the goalie's despairing dive. It's ecstasy on the touchlines and they are pretty pleased on the pitch too! 2-2 at last.

However, there is no time to celebrate. We're soon defending again as Saffron Walden counter. Alex picks up the ball and clears, but the ref blows for an infringement. Alex has strayed outside the box. This is ominous. It's on the edge of the box. Alex lines up a three man wall and we all wait for the strike. It's curved brilliantly around the wall and heading for the top corner when Alex pulls off an even more brilliant save keeping the team in the points. This is all getting too much to bear. In the last few exchanges of the game the boys try to create some more chances but in the end the only winner is the drizzle.

This was a tough game with some well organised opponents who passed the ball around with confidence. Lessons learned? Well on these big pitches it's impossible to win by running with the ball. Passing and moving is the way to make progress and Saffron Walden certainly showed us the way.

And the manager's verdict? "A gutsy performance. The boys showed great character to come back twice and I'm really proud of them. A few things to work on in training, of course. Passing and moving for one. And keeping possession and staying onside for another! But overall they showed tremendous resiliance and worked hard for each other and you can't ask for much more than that. They're a great bunch of lads."

Squad: Tom, Pete, Alex S, Josh, Owen, James O, James F, Henry L, Henry W, Cosmo, Archie.
Scorers: Cosmo (2)
Man of the Match: To be announced.

Many thanks to Roger, our man on the spot, for this week's report. (Pix to follow)

As we assembled before the match the first feature of the day was to be the weather – it was cold and very windy. We decided to do a bit of penalty practice as cup games often end that way. In the event it wasn’t needed, but valuable practice anyway. Today's captain is David and his vice-captain is Owen.

Before we started Bob had the boys assemble around the centre circle for a minute's silence to commemorate our war dead on this Remembrance Day. Players and spectators paid their respects thoughtfully.

From the start it was clear that the wind was going to make playing football difficult – anything but the shortest pass was going to be unpredictable. A fairly tense and evenly matched start ended 7 minutes into the game when Pete made one of his runs down the right hand side, passed into Cosmo and it was 1 up to NST.  Within minutes though Over responded with a long ball over the top and had the ball in the back of the NST net – but correctly disallowed as offside by the ref and linesman. A bit of a scare for NST’s defence though. By this time Alex S had stared getting busy down the left hand side of the pitch and 14 minutes into the game Cosmo got on the end of a decent cross to guide the ball swiftly into the top left of goal. 2 up after 15 minutes and things were looking good.

Most of the action was happening on the left side and 3 corners in close succession from that same side were lofted in by James F but Over managed to clear them from eager NST shirts in the goalmouth.

Wind continued to play havoc with play – making passing difficult and unpredictable. Josh made a critical impression on the match by picking the ball up on the sparsely defended right side and producing an accurate cross into the goal area. Owen didn’t leave the goalie any chance by tucking it away to make it 3 up to NST.  This seemed to knock Over back and the remaining few minutes of the first half were marked by a series of NST attacks on Over's goal and some desperate defending before the half-time whistle.  

There wasn’t a rush for the oranges today – but the boys seemed high on the first half performance and didn’t seem to notice the cold too much.

Second half…  Over were determined not to give up and continued where they left off – making this a hard physical game. NST responded admirably by keeping calm and playing football as best they could in the conditions.  David now relinquishing his goalkeeping duties quickly began to make an impression on the right side and within minutes had opened up Over’s defence and placed a perfect pass in to Pete for one of his easier goals – and it was 4 up to NST within 5 minutes of the game re-starting. 

Our second-half goalkeeper Alex S was not idle however when a few holes were found in our second half defensive line up. But NST soon settled into attacking play and controlled the midfield. Pete nearly added to his tally leaving their defence standing only to put the ball over the bar, and within 2 minutes Owen did exactly the same.   The next flurry of action caused a bit of discussion; David received a pass from Pete and took a shot which the goalkeeper saved, the rebound was swiftly pounced on by James O whose shot seemed to be stopped on the goal line by the hand of an Over player. The goal was awarded and Over player remained on the field of play – good decision by the ref but not the way we would like to have notched it up to 5 nil.

Every ball was contested by Over - sometimes a little over zealously. They created a great chance with a long ball followed by a fast and furious Over striker running at goal. It ended up with the ball going wide and both the player and Alex S lying in a heap. Bravery and perhaps a little desperation played a part and no damage was done. Perhaps spurred on by the arrival of his mum Annie on the touchline, Henry L broke through and provided a perfect cross to David. Just the goalie to beat - but David put it wide helped by the strong wind.

Shortly afterwards Cosmo nearly notched up another hat trick after a goalkeeping mistake but was denied after the ball trickled wide.  It wasn’t long before the ball was back in the danger area again.  A quick one-two between James F and Sam ends with Sam slamming it into the Over net to make it 6 nil.  But it wasn’t over yet (excuse the pun).   

Next up was an incident that again called on the ref’s skill and judgement.  A free kick was rightly given to Over just outside our area. Simple? No.  One or two Over players became involved in a ‘discussion’ with the ref about the exact placement of the ball which was disappointing and a puzzle to other players and spectators. Happily the NST players remained focussed on dealing with the kick and the situation ended with Alex S collecting the ball easily from the kick. This was to be Over’s last attack on goal and the end of the match. A game in which NST displayed 100% effort from start to finish with a positive sporting spirit.  And we can't ask for more than that – nice win boys. Next round of the Cup 14^th December.

Squad: Tom, Alex M, Alex S, Alex J, Owen (Vice-Captain), Josh, James O, James F, Henry L, Archie, Cosmo, David (Captain), Sam, Leo, Pete
Scorers: Cosmo (2), Pete, Owen, James O, Sam

Man of the Match: Owen

Other Cup Results

Another dull and chilly day heralds the visit of Hundon Hawks U12 to Sawston Village College. The Hawks have not had the best of it this season with only one win so far. But, with a couple of exceptions, all their matches had been close. The visitors certainly have good morale and plenty of support on the sidelines. With two last minute withdrawals due to sickness the Strikers are down to a squad of eleven so no rotation for weary legs and possible worries about their reaction to last week's defeat at Mildenhall. Due to Bob and Andrew's absence we are grateful for Solomon standing in as ref and look forward to awarding him maximum points for commanding presence and whistle style at the end of the match! Alex M is our captain today and Tom is his vice-captain.

The match gets off to a cracking start with both teams battling well. With Cosmo on holiday Owen is partnered up front with Archie. A great ball over the top from James O puts Owen through for an early chance but Hundon defend their box well and snuff out the opportunity. The ball comes back to our defence and we build again. This time Tom takes the ball to the bye line and his cross forces a corner. Sam takes it and plants a superb ball into the box. There is a bit of a scramble and the ball falls to Alex S who smacks home a sharp shot with his left foot. What a cracking start ! 1-0 to NST with only a few minutes gone. 

The Hawks react well however and put the Strikers under pressure. But our strong defence, well marshalled by the ever reliable Henry W, stands firm. Soon we are back on the front foot. Archie galloping forwards has a shot just off target. Then Tom and Archie combine well to set up an attack which forces a throw-in. Henry L takes the throw and finds Alex M closely marked. His fancy footwork ends in a cute back heel into the path of Alex S who finishes into the top left hand corner. Awesome! It's 2-0 to the Strikers and the match is still in its infancy.

The Hawks are not taking this lying down though and are soon pushing the Strikers back into their own half with some terrific free flowing football that belies their lowly league position. But the NST back four are resiliant and we don't have the best defensive record in the league for nothing. Great work by Henry L and James F closes down the Hundon attacking options and Henry L is particularly strong against the physical challenge of the Hawks' front men. When the Hundon probing is successful we have David ( making a welcome return to the squad ) alert to the danger and distributing the ball well to set up our counter attacks. This is ably demonstrated when some nice interplay by the Hawks creates a chance which David deals with safely. From his throw out NST are quick to break and after a midfield exchange by Alex S & M the ball finds Tom with the space to slide the ball through to Owen. As Owen bears down on goal he is reluctantly brought back by the linesman's flag for offside, but that was definite chance. And this is now the pattern.

Hundon are threatening continually as our midfield tires and NST look to counter punch. Hundon are playing an attractive passing game now and as the Hawks flock forwards again they create the opportunity for a venomous strike which forces a fantastic save from David. Having had a breather the NST midfiled starts to reassert itself with Sammy very industrious. Then a great move is started when Tom threads the ball through for Alex M and Owen to chase. Alex gets onto the ball, takes it round the goalie and the ball is heading for a certain goal when at the last gasp a Hawks defender clears it off the line. Now that would have been a classy goal.

The Strikers are back in the ascendancy, but the pressure is bringing out the best in the Hundon defence and we can't quite break through. NST are playing some really good passing football with Henry L and Tom both finding some great angles for the attackers. We have a terrific break on the right wing. Henry L combines with Owen who slots a great ball out wide for Sam to chase. Sam launches a fantastic cross which is only cleared as far as Tom. He unleashes a goal bound piledriver which brings out an amazing save from the diving keeper.

The ball is parried to Alex M who shoots just past the post and Hundon survive another onslaught. All around the ground parents are oohhing and aahhing. Our hands are on our heads in disbelief that the boys didn't get a goal from that excellent spell of play. As we all catch our breath in the excitement the ref blows for half-time. Phew!

For the second half Judy mixes it up swapping the defenders with the attackers. This brings Archie, Sam and Owen into defence and lets James O and Henry L have a run up front with James F getting to play midfield maestro. Mr Reliable - Henry W - stays in defence. Well, there is that best in the league defensive record to think about! David is released from goalkeeping duties and Alex M takes his place between the sticks.

From the re-start David is quickly in possession on the right and plays a clever ball over the top for Alex S and James O to chase down. The Hawks' keeper is a top sprinter too and beats the pursuers to the ball. The Strikers are taking a bit of time to settle into the new formation and Hundon try to force the pace, but Owen and Sam are looking solid at the back. Then David is back on the ball. He dribbles past his opponent and unleashes a long range shot which blocked in the box. James F picks up the rebound but is outnumbered before he can get his strike away. There is action all over the pitch.

The Strikers win a corner following some good work by James O on the left wing. From the resulting kick Owen heads just round the near post. However, the Hawks are looking altogether more lively after their half time pep talk and we are having to soak up the pressure. A lot of this is concentrated on our left where Archie is in the thick of the action in fine combative form. The Hawks work their way down the wing with a series of throw-ins. Alex S and Sam are supporting Archie at every turn and eventually the pressure is released as Alex S gets the ball away to Henry L who has dropped deep. Intelligently, Henry sweeps the ball wide to David who drives forward and launches a shot which is well saved by the keeper.

Despite the improvement in Hundon's play NST are still marginally on top. James F is demonstrating his mazy dribbles in midfield and finishes off by slotting a terrific ball through for Henry L to chase. Henry's shot goes just wide. From the goal kick David chests the ball forwards and chases it towards the box. David's classy finish leaves the keeper no chance and the ball is soon nestling in the back of the net. The Strikers lead 3-0.

Well anyone thinking that was the end of Hundon is dead wrong. They bounce right back and soon have our defence under pressure, shooting just past Alex's far post. The game is really open and exciting now with play surging back and forth. The Hawks are passing well and able to keep the pace up by rolling on the substitutes as the NST legs tire. Archie is full of beans, however and although he has his hands full with the Hawks' right winger manages to keep the attacker in check. Alex S is also very busy on the left and his energetic interventions keep the Hawks at bay. Then on a foray forward we get a lucky break. A penalty is awarded for hand ball and Alex S is deputed to take the kick. As he shoots the goalie saves well but due to encroachment the ref has already blown for a re-take. With the second chance Alex unfortunately manages to put the ball wide of the post. Shame that as Alex would have had a hat-trick.

The disappointment is soon shrugged off and the boys are back on the attack. The Strikers construct a beautiful move built from the back. Henry W cuts out an attack and dinks the ball forward to Owen. Owen moves the ball on quickly to Alex S who finds James F in space. After weaving around the Hawks midfield James finds David out wide. David crosses for James O and Henry L who are waiting in the centre but the ball is cut out. Now that would have been something special.

After a tussle in mid-field the Hawks are awarded a free kick. For once our marking is less than perfect and as the ball is lobbed into the box confusion reigns. The ball is eventually cleared out wide, but a Hundon striker drives the ball across goal forcing a brilliant save from Alex M. The ball lands on the line and is scrambled away to everyone's relief (except the Hundon supporters of course!). The Hawks really deserve a goal for their endeavour but this doesn't look like being their day. As the play moves back up field a shot is crashed into the Hundon defence and as if to make the point another penalty is awarded.

This time Henry L takes it and pings the ball right into the corner. Somehow, the keeper pulls out another brilliant save diverting the ball around the post for a corner. This is the last play of the match and as Tom lines up a shot the ref blows for full time. So a return to winning form for the Strikers despite the shortfall in numbers. Congratulations and thanks to Solomon for standing in as ref.  And the best news of all? Mildenhall lost to Whittlesford. It's a funny old game innit?

Squad: David, Henry L, James F, Henry W, James O, Sam, Tom (Vice-Captain), Alex M (Captain), Alex S, Owen, Archie
Scorers: Alex S (2), David
Man of the Match: Alex S

PS: Strikers still 2nd in the league

Well this was never going to be easy. Mildenhall are top of the league, undefeated with a hatful of goals and all opposition crushed out of sight so far. They are a skillful passing side and physically strong as well. NST will have to be on top form to compete. Sadly the fixture has fallen at half term and Judy has had difficulty raising a full team. Late on Friday she got a call that Alex Mitchell our star goalie was available which gave us a 12 player squad so at least we could rotate players on and off for a rest during the match. The players are all up for this match and watch on with interest as the gold clad Mildenhall team form a chanting huddle before the game starts. Is it a rain dance? We really don't need that - it's already pelting down.

The game gets off to a very fast pace. Both teams are psyched up and eager to establish their dominance. But neither team is really on top. The Town are passing it around quite well, but the NST defence is extraordinarily disciplined today and smothers any glimmer of a chance for the attackers. In fact, the first real opportunity of a goal comes to the Strikers. The ball breaks down the right and Cosmo is after it in flash. Unfortunately, the opposition goalie is alert to the danger and sprints off his line to clear the chance. The game settles into a well matched rhythm. Mildenhall are on the front foot with NST looking to punch back on the counter attack.

Our defensive lines are in top form today Henry W and James F in the centre are playing outstandingly well against some quick and skillful forwards. The wings are well protected by Henry L and Pete on the right and James O and Alex S on the left. As Mildenhall prod and probe the boys are supporting and covering for each other with Tom and Owen blunting the midfield efforts of the Town attackers. The increasingly frustrated calls from their coach shows what a great performance our defenders are putting in. But it isn't all one way traffic by any means. Several intelligent through balls from Tom and Owen are thwarted by the linesman's flag. A throw-in from the right is crossed in and a combination between Archie and Alex S ends in a left footed shot which draws a save from the Mildenhall keeper.

Then a good move through midfield leads to a Mildenhall attacker launching a fierce drive at goal which Alex M saves briliantly. Tom goes off for a rest and Alex J comes on. He is quickly in the action winning the ball in midfield and threading a ball through for Archie to chase. The ball is soon back down our end though and some great interplay by Mildenhall in our box leads to a shot just past the post. From the goal kick the ball is picked up in midfield by a Town player who unleashes a screamer heading surely for the back of the net - but Alex is equal to the task and saves brilliantly. We all heave a sigh of relief. Some of the boys are starting to tire now and unfortunately we don't have enough players to rotate them off for rest. Mildenhall are soon back on the attack and win a corner. The ball is crossed deep into the box and there is a scramble on the line but Alex emerges holding the ball and disaster is averted yet again. The ref blows for half-time and it's 0-0. Mildenhall haven't seen a half-way score like that for some time, I'll bet. The boys troop off for a well-deserved breather.

At half-time there is a lot of praise for everyone particularly the brilliant defence and goalkeeper. Judy elects to give Alex M a run in midfield and he swaps the green jersey with Alex S. Trying to create some more opportunites up front Tom is deployed just behind Cosmo and Archie gets a well-deserved rest after running his socks off in the first half.

We have the kick-off and we're soon back into battle. Almost immediately, Cosmo is crocked by a worried Mildenhall defender, but after the stoppage he is back on his feet and ready to go. James O who has been defending stoutly against a tricky winger turns creator with a ball over the top for Pete and Cosmo to chase, but the ever eager linesman has his flag up for offside yet again. Then it's time for Mildenhall to come forward and they win a free kick in the centre of our half. Alex S lines up a three man wall and we wait for the strike. It's over the wall and goal bound but Pete leaps to head the ball away with interest. Henry L picks up the clearance and threads a ball down the line for Cosmo to chase, but their defence is alert and clears. The game is ebbing and flowing with no one really on top although Mildenhall continue to look the more threatening without really troubling our keeper. Then they win another free kick in midfield - again we're not really sure what for. Another wall is lined up but this time the goalie's box is crowded with players. As the ball comes in Alex moves to collect it but is challenged by a Mildenhall player. The ball rolls off the attacker's back and into the goal. What a horrible way to concede a goal ! But they all count and it's 1-0 to the Town.

Spurred on by the deficit NST strike back almost immediately with a ball pinged across goal by Pete and we are unlucky not to get a boot on the end of it. Then Cossie breaks onto a ball threaded through, but his shot is well saved by the keeper. The goal has certainly forced NST to be more adventurous and we are pressing Mildenhall back into their own half. Henry L and Pete are doing well down the right and combine to create another chance for Cosmo which just goes wide. Similarly, on the left Alex M and Alex J are working the defence but frustratingly can't make the final breakthrough. Owen, captain for the day, wins the ball in midfield and plays an intelligent ball out wide to Henry L. Henry moves it onto Pete, who goes scampering down the wing until he's taken out by a sliding Mildenhall defender. No free kick! Then a sickener. As MIldenhall counter down our right, they break beyond the defence. Alex S comes racing out of goal, but before he can reach the ball it is slid past him and agonisingly rolls just an inch inside the post and it's 2-0 to MIldenhall. That was a killer blow.

There is still time for NST to get back into the game and the boys keep their heads up continuing to battle tirelessly for every ball. But Mildenhall have the luxury of bringing on a couple of refreshed attackers and our defence has its work cut out now. We concede a corner and from the cross the ball is driven in from only six yards out. Amazingly Alex dives onto it like a cat and saves what looked like a certain third goal. As our legs tire the pressure grows as Mildenhall look for a third, but Henry W and James F are having a terrific disciplined game at the back and keep the attackers at bay despite their skillful endeavours. In a final push the Strikers surge forward again looking for a consolation goal. Archie chases down a ball and ends up tangled on the floor with a defender. Alex M picks up the loose ball and dribbles to the bye line crossing into the box only for the Mildenhall keeper to pounce gratefully on the ball as Pete looms ominously. The ref draws the game to a close with a long blast on his whistle and the final result is 2-0 to Mildenhall.

Despite the result, this has been one of the best team performances the Strikers have produced this season and there was very little between the two teams. Mildenhall are a class act with some talented players and we ran them all the way. The return fixture back at home promises to be a lively fixture and provided we can get a full squad to turn out there's every chance that we'll get our revenge. To paraphrase the Terminator "We'll be back !"

Squad: Alex M, Alex S, Alex J, Owen (Captain), Tom, Henry W, Henry L, James O, James F, Pete, Cosmo, Archie.

Man of the Match: The whole team.

And so we embark on a safari in deepest, dark Cherry Hinton on a cold and brusque Sunday morning. We're hunting for Lion. Last time out we bagged 9 against them without reply. Would they provide a sterner test back at their den? The ref looks resplendent in his black uniform and the linesmen are suitably briefed, the boys are ready and soon we're off.

The early exchanges are fairly equal with Tom and James F doing well in midfield and Cossie and Archie testing the Lions defence. It doesn't take long though for Owen to drop a ball over the top of the last defender and Cosmo is onto it in a flash, bursting away from the last man to finish well past the diving goalie. 1-0 to NST. What a start! From the kick off we are back at the Lions again, Sam is eagerly pressing the ball and giving them little space in which to play; while Tom continues to play some creative balls through the Lions defence. They have a few chances as well, but Josh is looking safe in goal and on the few occasions when they break through he is quick off his line to clear the danger.

As we continue to probe their back line Cosmo forges an opportunity down the left and races into the box scoring easily past the out of position keeper. 2-0 to the Strikers. With a two goal cushion the boys start to relax and the football seems to flow a little better. James O is having fine game at the back and seems untroubled alongside Henry W despite the attentions of the Lions winger. Then we get a piece of good fortune. A long range effort is parried by the goalie. As he stoops for the ball, Cosmo intercedes whipping the ball around the startled keeper and slotting away his and NST's third goal of the match. 3-0. Almost immediately we are back on the attack and Alex S slips a cross into the box. Alex J is on the end of it, but the ball gets tangled up beneath his feet and the danger is snuffed out.

Despite the three goal deficeit, the Lions have still got their pride and they continue to battle for every ball. As they press forward, Archie chases back energetically as ever to help clear the danger but the clearance is fed back over the top and the Lions break on goal 5 men on 2. This could be the moment they get back into the game, but Josh is alert to the danger and bravely collects the ball at the feet of the onrushing attackers. Phew! Judy decides to switch things round for the end of the first half, playing Tom and Sam up front. James F soon spots an opportunity and plays an intelligent ball over the top for Sam and Tom to chase. But the chance fizzles out and the ref blows for half time. The boys troop off and fall upon the biscuits kindly donated by the opposition.

For restart Josh is released from goal by Alex S and Alex J is given a run up front. The second half settles into a similar vein to the first. Lots of threat from NST and counter attacks from the Lions. In an early opportunity a mazy cross field dribble by Leo sets up Josh on the right. His whipped in cross is just a couple of inches ahead of Alex J and James O arriving late on the far post. As another attack is rebuffed by Cherry Hinton, Cosmo plays the clearance out wide to Pete. Pete flicks the ball back into the Lions penalty area where Henry L finishes against the post. Then in the confusion in the goalmouth the ball somehow squirms over the line. 4-0. There is considerable debate. Was it an own goal? Was it AJ or Tom or Josh who finished it off? In the end the "Dubious Goal Panel" awards it to Josh. The Lions strike right back, however and are unlucky when lob from the left finds Alex straying too far out from the sticks. The goal is saved by Cosmo who clears off the line. We all have a good laugh at his jubilant celebration - you would have thought he'd scored his fourth!

From the throw in Owen wins the ball and threads the ball through for AJ and Henry L to chase. Henry gets on the end of it and is clean through on goal. He must score, but the ball is blasted over the bar much to Henry's despair. Seconds later Henry gets another chance of the edge of the box, but again the ball is despatched over the bar. Surely, he's got to get one soon? In fact, the next goal goes to Owen - slotted home from wide left after Henry's assist and we're 5-0 up. Henry is soon back in the action following Josh's bursting drive down the right. Josh beats his man and crosses to Henry who's waiting on the six yard box. But the shot is well gathered by the goalie.

From the kick out the Lions drive down our left putting Henry W and Sam under pressure - the boys deal with it unfussily, conceding a corner. The kick is launched to the back of our box where Pete, Cosmo and James F combine to clear the danger. Seconds later the ball is back up the other end and finally Henry L gets a reward for all his endeavour lofting the ball over the diving keeper and it is 6-0. The plucky Lions continue to probe our defence and show some great attacking play down their right hand side, culminating in a rasping shot which Alex S smothers competently.

NST continue to turn the screw however and pound the Lions defence. Eventually they crack following some interplay between Sam and Tom bringing in Pete and then Owen whose almost casual nonchalence belies the skill behind a fine chip over the Lions keeper making it 7-0. We continue to pile forwards and an intelligent ball from Tom out wide finds Pete on the edge of the D. Pete craftily slips ball though to James O but the ball is cleared. Only as far as Owen who clips a shot over the defence for the keeper to fumble over the line. Not a classic, but they all count and it's 8-0 to NST. There is still time for one final effort from Leo following a twisting run, but the goalie saves and then the ref blows for full-time. Well that's a great victory against some plucky opponents with some good play and a couple of hat-tricks to boot. The man of the match award goes to Josh with an award for Excellence to Cosmo.

On the way home I can hear someone chanting "We win away, we win away" to the tune of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." It's been a good morning.

Squad: Cosmo, Josh, Owen, Tom, Leo, Henry L, Henry W, James O, James F, Alex S, Alex J, Sam, Archie and Pete
Scorers: Cosmo (3), Owen (3), Henry L (1), Josh (1)
Man of the Match: Josh

Another glorious Sunday afternoon and today we play host to the Saffron Walden Town Bs. Their record so far is a bit mixed. They have won two out of three in the league, but took a bit of a thumping in the cup from Godmancherster Rovers last week (when we had a bye). It will be interesting to see if their confidence was knocked or whether they would come out fighting. Judy sets the team up conservatively for kick off. 4-4-2 with a midfield diamond. This turns out to be a wise idea as the initial exchanges turn out to be fairly even. The Town probing and prodding and the Strikers counter-attacking. Play swings from end to end with no team really gaining the upper hand. After 15 minutes Judy switches goalies, Alex M relieving Pete. Saffron Walden try to take advantage and go just past the post.

The exchanges continue with a brilliant pass from Tom setting up Josh who goes just over the bar after some good work on the right. Henry W and James O are working well in combination at the back and when the Town come forward their threat is snuffed out without too much fuss. Leo is showing some skilful play in midfield and we start to exert some sustained pressure, but without real success at the final touch. Then NST get their just rewards. The keeper takes a goal kick which is picked up by Archie out on the left. He slips the ball through to Cosmo who sparklingly beats his man and delivers a sweet left foot finish over the goalie. Yessss ! 1-0 to the Strikers and the mood brightens considerably on the sidelines. NST continue to exert pressure with Leo dancing through the midfield. He slots the ball through to Archie but a Saffron Walden hand gets in the way. The resulting free kick is just a little way back from the edge of the box. Alex S is deputed to line up the opportunity. His cracking left foot drive curls just wide of the post. Unlucky!

NST continue to boss the play. James F is in fine form and his mazy dribble and interchange with Pete creates an opportunity which we just fail to convert. Then James O picks up the ball on the left and tees up a great cross which is helpfully flicked on by a Town defender to the lurking Pete. Pete lays the ball back to Cosmo unmarked on the six yard box. He can't miss! But he does, blasting over the bar. What a great goal that would have been. Nevermind, from the goal kick the ball is picked up by Leo and slid wide to Pete who drives the ball across goal beating the goalie. A bunch of Strikers are queuing up to put it away and Archie finishes it off on from six inches out - much to Pete's chagrin! 2-0. Are NST going to paint the Town red?

Saffron Walden respond well, however, and are soon back in the game pushing forward. But in the heart of our defence Sam and Henry W are strong and give no quarter, keeping the Town strikers at bay. Alex S picks up the pieces and brings the ball away turning defence into attack. He slides the ball across to Pete who goes just wide with a fine effort and the ref blows for half-time. The lads troop off and fall upon the oranges and, unusually, the chocolate chip cookies which have to be opened early as Archie has had no lunch. I can't believe Judy fell for that one!

We line up for the re-start with a flat 4-4-2 abandoning the diamond for a more attacking formation. Saffron Walden have the kick off for the second half, but Cossie is straight in and wins a throw in. That's the spirit! Play continues and then on a foray down the right Owen wins another throw in. This is lobbed into the box and the ball breaks to Henry L who smashes the ball over the bar from six yards out! Hands on his head you can see he knows that was golden opportunity to get on the score sheet. The main thing is the boys are playing well and creating chances. Tom chases the ball down the left wing and crosses into the box but the Saffron Walden defence clears well. Picking the ball up on the left one of their strikers drives forward but is held up by Archie who is working tirelessly in defence. As the ball comes back from our rearguard Owen picks it up and following an interchange between Pete, Cosmo and Henry L we force the ball into the box where it is just cleared by the resistant Town defenders. From the throw in the ball comes loose on the edge of the box and Cosmo vollies sweetly into the net. What a strike! The goalie never had a chance. 3-0. Now our tails are up.

NST to continue to press forwards and whenever the Town counter attack Josh and Henry W supported by Tom are able to deal with the pressure. Picking up the ball from a Saffron Walden attack Alex S launches a long kick downfield. Pete and Cosmo combine well to gain possession and Pete shoots from the right. The keeper saves, but spills the ball into the path of Cosmo who smashes the ball into the back of the net. The "Hat trick Hero" headlines have to be put on hold however, as the ref disllows the goal for offside. Boo.

To their credit Saffron Walden are not finished and keep fighting to work their way back into the game. They grind out the midfield battle and create problems for Alex M and Archie in defence. But the boys are up to the challenge and the Town just can't get through. If they do, they encounter "Mr Reliable" - Henry W - who is organising the defence magnificently and snuffs out any threat. They say all great teams are built on a strong defensive foundation and the platform NST have established certainly gives the attackers the opportunity to shine. But the Town defence are no mugs and we are starting to find it hard to break through. Judy decides to switch things around. Sam is given a run up front and Cosmo is pulled to right back.

We win a corner which James F takes and Josh strikes just over the bar. The Town push back and put the defence under sustained pressure. Backed up by Tom and James F tracking back from midfield we have strength in numbers and make it hard for the Town to penetrate. Alex S clears the ball over the top and it breaks to Sam. There is a long chase and their goalie is miles out of position. Can Sam score? We "oooh" and "ahhh"" as his shot hits the side netting.

Then in a move involving Tom, Henry L and Cosmo we win a corner; but this only leads to a Saffron Walden attack which is broken down by our ever reliable defenders. There's a goal in the air - we can almost sense it coming, but at which end? Tom wins the ball in midfield and slickly slots a left footed ball through to Sam. Sam drives to the edge of the box, passing a couple of defenders like they weren't there, and lets loose a tremendous rocket shot which leaves the keeper grasping at thin air. What a strike that was ! 4-0 at last.

Strangely we don't seem to build on this. The boys are pressing and probing, with Leo, Henry L  and James F all seeing plenty of the ball but Saffron Walden continue to hold their lines. Following a corner, there is scramble in the box with a strike by Henry L well saved. The ball comes back to Alex M who also has a dip. James O, who's having a good game, gets his boot on the end of Alex's shot and diverts the ball into the net. But poor James is denied the score for offside. The end is in sight now and although the Town make the occasional forays forward Henry W is safe at the back ably assisted by Alex M who mops up any loose balls. In the end we run out worthy winners against some dogged opponents who nonetheless played some good football, never gave up and battled well throughout the match.

STOP PRESS: This result puts NST up to 2nd in the league. Well done everyone.

Man of the Match: Leo for tireless running, energy and skilful play.
Scorers: Cosmo (2), Archie (1), Sam (1)
Squad: Tom, James O, James F, Alex S, Alex M, Owen, Archie, Josh, Henry W, Henry L, Pete, Leo, Sam, Cosmo

( Great photos from Emma - thanks !)

Well what a wash out. The match was abandoned before it started. So here's a little topical music to keep you occupied....

Well this was never going to be an easy one. All we knew about Waterbeach was that they live somewhere "oop North". Checking the results, they seemed in good form having won all their games apart from a 9-2 disaster against pace setters Mildenhall on the first day of the season. On their last outing they had won 6-2, so they were flying high. Half the NST team had spent the night before partying at some massive sleepover, Henry W had to retire without kicking ball due to an agonising migraine and so it was with some trepidation that the manager set the team up. Our worries turned out to be justified as Waterbeach soon took control of the match, pressing forward at every opportunity. Despite some stalwart defending by Archie, Tom and Owen the Colts struck first with a ball over the top which was finished off smartly giving Pete no chance in goal.

From the kick off we managed a foray forwards but Cosmo was caught offside and the threat snuffed out. This was typical of most of the first half. Waterbeach pressed the ball well and put our players under pressure. AJ and Owen cleared our lines on several occasions and the Colts were unlucky not go further ahead when they hit the post. With Waterbeach dominating midfield our attackers were reduced to the occasional chase of a hoofed long ball clearance. The Strikers were pinned back for long periods but Tom did well tracking back to support the defence and Archie's work rate in the back line was outstanding.

Eventually though it was our turn to attack with Henry and James combining well to force a corner. From the kick Alex got his head to the ball but it went out for a goal kick. Then a bit of luck. The goal kick goes straight to Cosmo. He shoots ! He scores ! Perhaps it wasn't the cleanest strike ever, but they all count. The ref blows for half time and amazingly we are level. However, our problems aren't over. Where are the oranges? Archie dashes off with Roger to the car park and returns bearing sustenance.

From the kick off we are immediately on the offense. Cossie breaks through but the goalie clears. Buoyed up by our earlier goal, the Strikers are resurgent and typified by some great defending by Pete, the defence seems more assured. Alex S now in goal clears an attack with a long punt upfield. Archie controls well and sends Cosmo through. His fine shot is saved well by the Colts' goalie. Frustratingly the game continues in this vein. Long balls over the top for the strikers to chase, but not quite getting their reward.

Then, following a bit of confusion in defence, Waterbeach lob Alex. Tantalisingly, the ball hits the bar and we are safe. A goal conceded then might have made all the difference. The games continues with Leo doing well in defence and starting to slot the ball through more effectively. AJ is putting in a good bustling performance, chasing down the ball in midfield. Then we win a throw in. The ball breaks to Pete, who takes on and beats three Waterbeach players before dispatching the ball with a great left foot drive. 2-1 to the NST and a glorious goal ! Waterbeach respond well and put the defence under the cosh. But Josh and Henry L have things in hand and snuff out any threat competently. If only our throw in takers could be as competent! We lose 4 or 5 throw ins in good positions due to foul throws - something the manager will surely discuss on the training ground.

Soon we are back on the attack. Pete, playing a blinder, drives into the box dribbling round the Colts' defenders. He's hacked and we all appeal for a penalty, but the ref awards a corner. James hoists the ball into the six yard box and in the ensuing melee there is a hand ball. The ref blows for a penalty. Pete steps forward and showing no nerves at all, buries the ball low past the goalie's dive for his second goal of the afternoon. Full of confidence now, the boys start to play some much better football. Good work by Leo sets up the ball for Archie who slots ball through to Cosmo - surely there's a whiff of offside? But no matter the ref doesn't give it and Cosmo finishes smartly to put the game beyond Waterbeach and the Strikers 4-1 up.

To their credit the Colts continue to pile forward and we still need some terrific defending from Josh, James  and Henry L to keep them at bay. As the game draws to a close the Colts break through our defensive line and only some brave goal keeping by Alex keeps them at bay. The game is stopped briefly while he gets attention to his injury and then he is back on duty between the sticks. We get another chance up front when Tom plays a sublime dummy to send Sammy through. The return ball is just too far ahead of Tom and the goalie clears. Some good defending by NST sees out the rest of the match and we run out worthy 4-1 victors. Newcastle are looking for a new manager. With a half-time turn around like that they must be eyeing up Judy as a possible contender!

Squad: Alex S, Alex J, Archie, Cosmo, Henry L, James F, James O, Josh, Leo, Owen, Pete, Sammy, Tom,
Scorers: Cosmo 2, Pete 2.
Man of the Match: Josh