MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

This was not going to be easy. The Lions done us over 3-2 at their manor and we wuz feeling well aggrieved. But the tables don’t lie (un-offically and non-competitively, of course) and without our game in hand the Lions could leapfrog us into second place. At least it was a glorious day. The sun was shining and all was well with the world until the Lions started shooting practice. Crikey, they look deadly. No wonder they had already notched up 67 goals this season. Then I remembered we’ve scored 106 and felt much better !

The team lines up with Ed in goal, Joe and Mark at the back, Alex and Matty P in midfield and Jake spearheading the attack. Our early pressure win a corner but the ball is cleared. Then Jake, on a mazy dribble, leaves two lions on the floor and beats a third but his cross is cleared away. 

Good pressure from NST leads to a free kick on the edge of the box. Jake lines it up and feigns a shot but crosses and the pass is converted by Alex. 1-0 to NST. Oh yeah, Baby !

Then hardly has the game re-started when a piece of solo magic is worked by Alex as he brings the ball under control on the edge of the box beats his man and slots the ball coolly to make it 2-0 to NST. Now we’re cooking with gas. A quick check over at Duncan - but there are no Rafa-esque gestures of contempt. So the game ain’t over yet. 

The boys are steaming ahead though. More pressure out on the right with good work from Jake and Alex. We win a throw in. Jake takes, Mark plays it back out wide where Alex pumps it into the box. It’s headed on towards the back post where Matty P is lurking un-marked and he has the simplest of tasks to volley left footed into the empty net. The Strikers lead 3-0 but still no hand gestures from the gaffer....

Some more fantastic footwork by Jake out on the right wing. He drives in a cross deflected off a defender and saved at the near post by the goalie. Nothing comes from the corner, but the Lions launch an attack. Mark clears the ball well but Cherry Hinton stung by the ease with which NST are bossing the game, fight back regaining possession in midfield. A red-shirted striker unleashes a stinging left foot strike from distance which brings a brilliant acrobatic save from Ed - that must have broken a few Lionhearts ! 

From their corner we launch a brilliant counter attack. Jake surges forward with ball, then plays it out wide for Joe on the left wing. Joe takes the ball to the corner flag and then pulls it back to Matty P who beats his man, brings the ball infield and is unlucky to see his shot drift just wide of the post. A few seconds later Matty watches another venomous strike veer just past the post. Surely there are more goals to come in this game?

Cherry Hinton continue to probe but Mark and Joe are in commanding form at the back and are largely untroubled having the measure of the Lions’ forwards.

Q2 - Alex goes into goal. Oliver, George and Matty S are brought on. The new team are soon into their stride. George breaks down a Lions’ attack and Joe feeds the ball out to Oliver in the centre circle. Despite the attentions of three opponents, Oliver passes brilliantly back to Joe who has made a dynamic run down the wing. Joe crosses into the box where Matty S and Oliver are queuing up to score. Matty S slots it home with his right foot to make it 4-0 to the Strikers. That was a quality move, probably the best in the match. Duncan is purring like a cat that’s got the cream!

The Strikers are cruising now and the opportunities are coming thick and fast. Joe playing on the right now is having possibly one of his best games and has a couple of great shots denied by the fantastic Lions’ goalie (This game would already be out of sight if it wasn’t for him.) Oliver is looking threatening as he hunts down that elusive first goal. Even as we look for our fifth goal the Lions are still seeking to inflict damage of their own.  A wicked snap shot comes off our bar, hits the post and is hooked away to safety by Matty S (gulp!). The gods are wearing white kit today.... Meanwhile down the other end, Joe and Oliver break at speed. Joe slips the ball through to Oliver. He must score! But somehow the goalie saves (again !) and the rebound is pummeled over the bar. The Lions keeper can’t work miracles though and a few moments later Oliver gets his reward at last, pinging the ball in off the post to make it 5-0 to the Strikers.

This is followed up by a fantastic dribble by Joe who picks up possession by his own corner flag and takes the ball the length of the pitch before selflessly teeing it up for Matty S in front of goal. Somehow the Lions keeper diverts this just past the post. We should sign him up for next season! Soon after Matty S gets another chance on the edge of the box after some more good work by Joe, but he pings the ball just past the post.

Q3/4 - Duncan mixes up the formation again and we’re off. But the Lions remain buoyant despite the deficit and and continue to press us. As they make yet another counter attack they finally get the ball beyond our goalie but Matty P having run back into defence (I know how improbable that sounds - but credit where it’s due!) clears off the line. Phew! NST are invincible today! Then as more pressure is piled on Alex breaks down the attack and plays the ball to Matty P. Matty spurts through midfield trying to find an angle to play in Jake. But the pass isn’t on and he unleashes a crashing drive to the top corner reminiscent of Xavi Alonso. But the keeper is amazing and tips it round the post. (Sign him Duncan !)

Then - finally - Cherry Hinton get some reward from their endeavour. They drive down our left and cross the ball into the box where their unmarked centre forward is at last able to slot the ball under Joe’s dive. And the scorer certainly knows how to celebrate! 5-1 to NST.

We are soon back down the other end and normal service is resumed as Oliver snaps up his second goal of the afternoon with a wicked shot into the roof of the net making it 6-1. There is still time for one last retort from the Lions when they clear the ball and their left winger sprints free to smash the ball unerringly past Joe. That was a cracking finish. A good job it was too late to count for much. So we end up with a 6-2 victory to the Strikers against some class opposition.

A terrific game played with great spirit and gusto by both sides, but in the end a deserved victory for the Strikers. 

Squad: Alex, Joe, Ed, Jake, Matty S, Mark, Matty P, Oliver

Scorers: Alex (2), Oliver (2), Matty S (1), Matty P (1)

Match Video Highlights

Abridged and Tardy Version of the Match report 14 March 2009 (not Bridget's fault !)

NST v Balsham    9-0

Sorry for delay and possible non chronological reporting!! The reason; not only did I manage to lose the whole report somewhere in the ether, but I also threw away much of my scribbles!! great technological disaster. Calamity, it is 10.20am ; NO Diane and NO bacon, and where are the other players?? Duncan and Paul look worried and Linda remains cool, occasionally muttering “its my fault” under her breath. 10.30 arrives  and miraculously there is a full team and most importantly Diane has arrived with the bacon! Phew, that was a close one!

Early on Alex scored with a “well placed left foot” Is there such a thing as a “ill placed left foot” we wonder to ourselves? NST are back sporting the chic, classical navy/white stripey  look, a lot  more striking than the “bibbed” look from last week. Balsham sport the yellow/blue look reminiscent of Virgil from Thunderbirds or the Swedish Olympic team! 
Matty S heads the ball,  Balsham goalie tries gallantly to catch it, but Alex intercepts and takes the ball past 2 defenders “on the line” to score his 2nd goal. Shortly afterwards a near miss from Balsham, who are keeping up the pressure.

“George, get your fingers out of your mouth” bellows Duncan. Obviously, this week’s tactic, following heavy on the heels of last weeks “trapping!” George was “well placed” to receive the ball and had a valiant shot, but unlucky this time. 
And then came the wind, the blue sky went and the sun hid behind a black cloud. Where are you Annie? No blue chair! Our lucky charms are abandoning us. Then Paul to the rescue wearing a very fetching black long sleeved sweatshirt with a curious Aztec good luck logo emblazoned on the front set off nicely by the NST standard issue whistle.

Stupendous kick from Mark, good save from the goalie wearing rather tasteful pale grey top, sky blue shorts and matching socks very easy on the eye - well done fashion gurus at Balsham! Joe goes that extra mile and tries to kick the ball away from the “ lying on the ground” position. Sadly it doesn’t work this time – needs more practice Joe!!

Meanwhile Sean is doggedly tackling and “working them down” throughout. Then his “piece de resistance” a fantastic dribble nearly the length of the pitch – Diane! Hankies to the rescue?!

Great header from Joe, came off the goalkeeper, Joe followed his own shot in and scored. “Great goal” says NST head coach Judy (Matty P’s mum to us!) Great pass from Alex to Mark, shot hard on left foot into bottom left goal. Less than 1 minute later another goal. Guess who? Mark again.

3rd quarter begins. Mark’s mum looks very proud, as so she should.Joe throws to Jake leading to a corner. A scrappy period followed by another corner, Jake takes and somehow it doesn’t “go in” It was very annoying I “skied” it and the goalie wasn’t there” said a contemplative Mark.

Definition and example of “skied it” provided by Joe 5 seconds later. ”Look Joe skied it” as Joe’s shot goes flying over the top of the goal. Amazing tries from Joe and Tommy but not quite there! 1 minute later Tommy blasts it in. ”About in the middle, it was low down” said Jenny (Mark’s mum)

Tom (Mark’s big brother said, ”handball just outside the box gives NST a free kick.”  The blue and yellow “wall” looks eye catching and Matty P  “drilled with a ferocity only matched by the nonchalance of the goalie’s save.
“Mark, well played Mark, great Mark, yes Mark. Brilliant defending”said Tom (Mark’s big brother) I wish I had a nice big brother who offered continued encouragement – lucky Mark!

“I want us “pumping the ball around this last 5 minutes” said Duncan. Alex, close up shoots with an amazing save by (yes you guessed it ) the nonchalant goal keeper.

Matty P was this week’s supporter of the “tankini look” of the goalie top. If this is continuing might I suggest tankini bottoms just to complete the look.

Meanwhile back at Diane, Linda and Elenor’s  Bistro the confusion of earlier has gone and Diane said, ”more burgers than bacon today. Cakes and cookies have all gone” “Andy (Oliver’s dad) has made a real mess on the tablecloth” said Linda looking at a great brown wet patch- here’s hoping it was tea or coffee!!

Duncan, hope you can make sense of this and please feel free to “abridge” further, change, throw whole lot in bin! Whatever you see fit! The perils of being an intrepid reporter!!

Scorers: Alex (2), Joe (1), Mark (2), Tommy (1) Plus some others I'll have to check on the video !

Stonking goal from Birthday Boy Tommy (2-1) set up beautifully a ball down the line from George to Jake, who picked out a cross that Matty S dummied that left Tommy clear to control the ball and place it into the back of the net, closely followed by great goal from an acute angle from Matty S. (3-1) Are we on a roll?

David said "It's tight" from behind our goal. A technical football term?

Brave try from Ed, but denied by good save by Teversham goalie.


Duncan said "they battled well and there were a few good passes"




We say;" great game boys, lovely sunshine on our legs. Teach us how to shout Annie, Happy Birthday Tommy. Diane, Linda and Eleanor are amazing and what a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Something must be done about the tankini goalie shirt"


Sam, Caroline, Annie, Bridget

Excellent job ladies - more of the same next week? Thanks to Andy for the action shots !

Squad: Oliver, Ollie, Ed, Matty S, Tommy, George, Jake, Joe, Sean,

Scorers:  Oliver, Matty S, Tommy.

 

Video Log

Extra long videos for the gaffer as he didn't get to see the match. If you're only interested in the goals go straight for the post macth analysis !

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarters 3 & 4

Verdict, Analysis and Post Match Interviews

Okay, first match of the New Year and a chance to put the disappointment of the last couple of games behind us and make a real statement of intent for 2009. Bottisham are having a middling sort of season. They have won 2, lost 3 and drawn one. The draw was a high-scoring 6-6 aginst the Strikers where we lost a 6-4 lead in the last quarter. The manager Duncan is confident and looking forward to a high scoring romp. The rest of us are wonder how we can keep warm in the freezing wind and, oh no!  -  it's starting to rain... Oh, to be basking in the Californian sunshine like some people we know...

There's a good turn out of parents and the ref sensibly gets us off to quick start without too much messing about. NST are quickly on the attack with Oliver and Mark working well down the left. Matty S is striker and nearly gets an early chance. As Bottisham counter, Joe breaks up the attack and clears to Matty P on the right wing. Matty spots Matty S who's dropped deep on the left and switches the play. Matty S quickly slots the ball forward to Oliver who goes rampaging through the Bottisham defence and burys the ball in the back of the net. 1-0 to NST with only a few minutes gone.

Bottisham are quick to respond however and tie down our defence for a good while with Mark and Joe fully employed keeping them at bay. Matty S has a great burst through with a shot well saved; but mostly it's all hands to the defensive pumps with Bottisham trying to pin us down in our own half. Joe is performing miracles in defence but eventually the pressure tells and Bottisham nick the ball in midfield and race through to score 1-1. However, we show great "bounce-back-ability" and are soon back pressurising the Bottisham goal. Some terrific work by Oliver and Matty P goes unrewarded, but with Mark scurrying around midfield like a terrier we know the tide is going to swing our way. Both goalies turn out some great saves to keep the score 1-1 at the end of the first quarter.

The final quarter kicks off and you might be wondering why George hasn't had much of a mention. Well, we've saved the best til last ! The gaffer has given George a run up front as his defensive duties have not been too taxing. Living up to the No 10 on his back George is hanging round the goal like a pro and spotting the opportunity from Alex's throw-in, he darts across the box leaving his marker for dead. Swivelling so the ball comes over his shoulder George blasts it into the roof of the net in what can only be described as a flash of genius and that makes it 1-8. There's more to come. Jake and Joe stream forward after a Bottisham attack. The ball is moved to Oliver out wide on the left. He cuts inside and Oliver finishes emphatically for his brace and 1-9 to the Strikers. That's the last strike of the match and a great result for NST. Commisserations to Bottisham who battled pluckily despite the score and played fairly and with good spirit throughout.

Squad: Jake, Alex, Oliver, Alex, Tommy, Mark Matty P, Matty S, Joe, Ed, George, Jake, Ollie
Scorers: Ollie (3), Oliver (2), Jake (1), George (1), Alex (1), Tommy (1)

Oh the world is so cruel. We were going to take them down. Their unbeaten record would lie in tatters at the feet of the Mighty Strikers. We'd even got new kit for the occasion! Well that was the pre-match prediction, sadly Duncan had forgotten to inform Fulbourn of his masterplan. To be fair they have some great little players and it was flipping cold - but we didn't have enough gloves.

 Anyway Jake takes the ball down the left, beats his man and is in on goal - shoots just wide. Of course they come back up our end, win a corner and score. Boo! 0-1 But are we down-hearted? No! There's a great break. Ollie brings it down the left. It's four on one - we have to score. Nooooooooo! not this time. And they nick another one on the counter attack. 0-2. They are definitely taking this too seriously ! We strike back but it's just a goal kick - from which their terrific little inside right scores a great goal after some dazzling footwork - to give him his credit. (I suppose) End of the first quarter. Come on Duncan weave some magic.

 Second half kicks off. Subs Matty P and Oliver take it. A quick couple of passes between the two and Oliver drives it into the back of the net. Blimey, Duncan's done it again. Ha, Ha. They weren't expecting that ! 1-3 Normal service is resumed surely? The team is re-jigged and George is having a storming match in defence. The shutters have gone up and Fulbourn are locked out. Mrs Laing turns up to cheers the lads on. "3-1 then?", "No, 1-3" "Chuffing Heck!" or something similar is the fragrant response! It's good to see supporters with a passion for the game. We're more assured and passing better now. Mark's playing well. He slots the ball through to Oliver who breaks though with Ollie and Ed. It's three on one - we have to score this time. But the footy Gods are with Fulbourn and the ball is skied over the bar. Doh! The quarter runs out at 1-3. Still that's 1-1 in quarters, isn't it?

The third quarter ebbs and flows. There's lots of good work from Joe and Matty S, whilst Matty P is surprisingly energetic. He wins the ball out wide on the right, comes infield and cracks a left footed shot which draws a great save from the goalie. Regrettably, this give the F-Team the chance to attack and despite a great save by Ed they scramble another one over the line. 1-4. Oooh, this isn't going at all well... This is swiftly followed by a speculative punt from the half-way line by their giant No 6 which pings off a defender and unsights the goalie making it 1-5.

Into the last quarter and we abandon all caution. From the kick off Oliver gets another glorious chance and shoots well, but inches wide. Then Matty P wins the ball in midfield. He beats his man and unleashes a blistering piledriver. The goalie saves, but Oliver is following up and smacks the rebound home Oh Yes ! 2-5. We can still do this.

But actually we can't. Fulbourn come back up our end and score again. 2-6. We go back at them and a great move frees Oliver with only the keeper to beat, but the keeper somehow keeps the ball out. In rapid reply Fulbourn nick another couple of goals with some skillful play but I won't trouble you with the details. Everything they do is turning to gold and we are more and more frustrated. Eventually it's a relief to end on 2-8 with the cold and freezing fog dampening everyone's spirits. Nevermind.

The best team on the day won and we learned a lot. Like how great is the hot chocolate the canteen team are whipping up these days? That certainly cheered us all up and it was nice to have a post-match wind down in the "players lounge". Other lessons learned? Well, get your bacon butties early. You never know when the electricity is going to run out !

Squad: Mark, Ed, Jake, Joe, Matty P, Matty S, Oliver, Ollie.
Scorers: Oliver (2)

So this was to be a clash of Titans. Despite a fright on their last outing NST are still flying high at the top of the league, albeit on goal difference, with the undefeated Lions stalking them in the pursuing pack. We travelled to the Nightingale Avenue hoping that the bright and sunny morning would find the visitors on song. In the pre-match conference the manager said he was looking for “more personal commitment in the tackle” and a return to the “sweet passing form” of earlier in the season. Our form in the warm up however, looked decidedly lacklustre and there was much discussion on the sidelines on the merits of getting all your duff shots out before the match starts. On the plus side Paul was looking very lively!

Our starting line up is Joe, Oliver, Jake, Tommy, Ed and Alex in goal. From the kick off the Strikers are straight onto the front foot. Oliver wins possession and drives down the right wing, eventually being outnumbered by the Cherry Hinton defenders.  Quick to respond, the Lions attack at pace but Joe mops up. Back we come again with Oliver on another mazy run down the right. This time he forces a corner but the Lions defence deals with the kick and launch another counter attack. Joe under pressure in the box fluffs his first clearance but recovers well to set off Tommy with a long ball. Good work by Tommy leads to a corner, but the ball is soon back down our end. Crossed in from wide, Joe intercepts the ball diverting it out for a corner via the post. Phew ! The kicks lands in the box and as the defence struggles to clear the ball we are caught in possession and the Lions finish from close in to make it 1-0. They are a useful looking bunch. This could be a tricky one.

Galvanised by the setback, the Strikers up the pace with Ed whizzing around all over the pitch. Winning the ball in typical gutsy fashion, Ed pings the ball forward from deep in our half. It takes a freak bounce leaving the advancing goalie stranded and Ed is able to celebrate a Bentley-esque strike. (That's David, not Paul by the way!) NST return to parity and 1-1.

With their confidence bolstered the boys begin to assert themselves and start to pass the ball around more fluently. As the pressure grows on the Lions’ goalmouth Tommy and Jake combine well but are unable to get the shot away. As the ball is scrambled clear, the Lions break in numbers swarming towards our goal but shooting over the bar leaving Alex untroubled. This is not a relaxing game ! Soon NST are back on the attack. Jake and Oliver combine on the right leading to a cracking strike from Oliver which is brilliantly saved by the Lions’ keeper high in the top corner. The Strikers have their tails up now and a great move involving Ed, Jake and Tommy leads to an opportunity on the left. Jake, although outnumbered in the box and seemingly running out of options, swivels and smashes the ball high into the roof of the net. Much joy on the touchlines and celebrations on the pitch. 1-2 to the Strikers and normal service resumed?

This Lions side is not about to roll over however. Within seconds of the restart they are back on the attack. A rasping shot is launched goalwards and as it arcs towards the top corner Alex leaps and palms it away superbly. The rebound is blasted over the bar and the danger subsides. Deep breaths and sighs of relief all round ! Duncan decides it’s time for a change and Tommy takes a well-earned breather while Matty S has a run out.  Cherry Hinton continue to press and win a series of throws down our left wing. The Strikers' defence resists well though, with Ed acting as the hit man and Joe the stalwart sweeping up any loose pieces. As the Lions whip in a tricky ball Matty S heads away the danger. It is soon returned and finds an unmarked Lion lurking in front of goal, but the resultant chance is smashed over the bar. Then some awesome play from NST as Jake and Matty S sweep the ball forward. Oliver moves it to Ed venturing down the right. He crosses to Jake who brings a fantastic save out of the keeper. Oliver retires with a face injury and Matty P joins the fray. In the last few seconds of the quarter he slots the ball through to Jake whose last gasp shot brings yet another great save from the Cherry Hinton goalie. Thankfully the ref blows for the end of the quarter and we can all go and calm down for a few minutes.

For the second quarter Ed picks up the keeper’s top and Sean joins the line up with Alex, both Matts and Joe. The Lions continue to play confidently and you have to admire their passing game and well organised play. As they come forward there is a melee in front of goal and somehow the ball squirts over the line making it 2-2. This leads to a strong response from the Strikers with Matty P and Sean pressurising the Lions’ defence. Sean takes a throw-in and launches the ball deep into the Lions’ box where Matty S is waiting. As defenders surround him he gets away a shot, but just wide. Keeping up the momentum, Alex drives through midfield but is brought down, resulting in a free kick. He launches the ball into the danger zone and as Cherry Hinton clear their lines the ball falls to Matty P who unleashes a fantastic left foot piledriver. Amazingly, the Lions' goalie saves it. Matty S follows up the rebound but the ball crashes over the bar. This is a battle royale. No quarter given and none sought.

As the struggle continues the ball is lost in midfield. Cherry Hinton surge forward and slot the ball past the unlucky Ed. The score is 2-3, time to show some mettle. Ed and Joe swap the keeper’s jersey. Duncan moves Matty S to sweeper and Ed is unleashed. He makes an immediate impact winning the ball in his usual energetic fashion. He slips it through to Sean who finds Matty P in space. Matty lobs the goalie but achingly the ball goes inches wide of his chosen destination. As the Lions counter, Matty S is resolute in his new defensive role closing down any emerging threat. Ed goes off and Jake returns to the action. He is soon involved, winning the ball in midfield. Then, beating two opponents Jake launches a venomous strike which hits the bar! The gods are favouring the Lions today. As they return to the attack Cherry Hinton play a sweeping move across midfield finding a player in space in front of goal. His well struck shot looks bound for the bottom corner until Joe makes a critical save. The ref blows and that’s the end of the second quarter. Only half time? I’m not sure we can take much more of this!

With a paucity of volunteers, Matty P pulls on the goalie jersey for the third quarter and the outfield team consists of Tommy, Joe, Jake, Oliver and Alex. The Lions seem determined to press home their advantage and push forward putting NST under some sustained pressure. We’re able to deal with it but without making any real progress of our own. Then Oliver breaks from midfield. Carrying the ball deep into the Lions' den he thunders in a shot, but just wide. Surely, we’ve got to score soon?

The game is interrupted while a white husky dog decides to run rampant across the pitch. He steals an orange and soon he is off to bother another match and the game continues with more pressure from NST. Cherry Hinton are pinned back; but are doing just enough to keep the Strikers from getting a decent shot on goal. Inevitably, the Lions break back and some great interplay by their forwards ends with a terrific chance on goal which is terminated when Alex, who has stormed back the length of the pitch, slides in to clear. From the throw in, Tommy, rather unluckily, concedes a penalty for hand ball. This is a critical moment. Our goalie, Matty P seems relaxed as the Lions’ forward places the ball on the spot. Can he? Will he? The ball is crashed goal-ward and Matty P makes a priceless save. You beauty! Joe is alert and clears the rebound before anyone else can react. Fantastic stuff and that closes the third quarter.

For the final quarter Matty P remains on goal-keeping duty and we start with Jake, Alex, Sean, Joe and Matty S. Urged on from the sidelines the Strikers try to get back to parity. Jake bursts down the right and sends a rasping shot goal-wards. It goes just wide. From the goal kick the Strikers keep the Lions pinned back while the manager discusses mid-game cakes and biscuit strategy with the ladies! Doesn’t he know how serious this is? The Lions are soon back on the attack and Matty P makes a great save from a stinging shot. His immense throw out goes past the half way line and Jake is soon onto it but unable to get a shot away due to some stout defending. The pressure continues to mount as Joe surges forward, but his effort is similarly frustrated. Sean picks up the pieces and passes to Alex who launches a fantastic strike which edges just wide of the post.

From the goal kick Alex wins possession but is crocked by some increasingly desperate defending. The free kick is lined up by Jake. His stinging shot hurts the wall but does no damage to the score line. We’re all over them now and Oliver gets in on the act with another formidable strike which pings off a defender. Then just when we think we’ll never get back into the game an amazing last minute hat-trick from Jake leads to us running out winners 3-5! No, not really. That was just my fantasy football result... The ref blows and the Lions’ bow out 3-2 match winners. 

Well, who needs the Premiership? This was a brilliant, entertaining, nerve-wracking match. A fantastic battle, well-played by both sides. There was some great football and exciting attacking play which was a joy to behold. In the end the Lions, a bit more organised and fluent in their passing, just edged it. Well done all and congratulations to both managers for turning out such great sporting teams. (Pix to follow)

Squad: Alex, Tommy, Matty S, Sean, Jake, Joe, Matty P, Ed, Oliver.

Scorers: Jake, Ed.

Blimey! Battling Bottisham Blunt Strikers Edge.

I did not witness this and I can only assume the end result is something to do with the absence of the lucky chair. It sounds like a great fight back by the boys in the last quarter. Fortunately, we had an excellent stand in reporter in the form of Colin and in his own words here is the match report....

I could only find a train ticket to write on so the notes are a little sketchy. It was also very cold, and as I had to remove my gloves to write, I didn’t write much.

1st half

Jake scored a goal from well outside the box in just the first few minutes from a lovely diagonal ball from the left from Ollie

However 5 minutes later Bottisham took advantage of a loose ball in the box to equalize.

Ollie’s corner was shot in by George who was denied by a great save from the Bottisham keeper.

The corners kept on coming for NST – eventually Ollie found Jake’s head to make it 2:1.

2nd half

During half time I went to get a legendary, and very reasonably priced bacon roll from the pavilion cafe, but returned too late to see Oliver’s goal – it was 3:1.

Bottisham replied quickly and got to 3:2. They had a couple of great forwards who were weaving through the NST defence all to easily. After some great interplay from Bottisham they had pulled it level to 3:3.

None of this was helping my digestion, and I was thinking of getting a slice of cake to go with the tea, but daren’t leave the game.

3rd half

Bottisham came out with a renewed spirit. A long range shot beat Mark, then it was a blur and somehow after the next 7.5 minutes NST were 6:3 down.

4th half

I have no idea what Duncan could have said to the team, but his words turned the tide.

Tommy slotted home a ball from close range with a shot to the far post. Jake claimed a hat-trick when the defence left him with too much space. And Oliver found a hole behind the Bottisham defence to bring it back to 6:6. Some worrying moments with Ollie in goal, but by this time Annie Lang’s encouragement had numbed my left ear, but it didn’t matter – if only all the halves had been like the 4th.

Closest game we have seen for a long time, and plenty for the team to work on. Good to see them pull back from 3 down.

Colin Ribton

Squad: Tommy, Jake, Oliver, Ollie, Mark, George, Sean, Ed, Matty S
Scorers: Jake (3), Oliver (2), Tommy

 

Match Record at 01.11.08

Games Played	5	Goals For	36
Won	4	Goals Against	11
Drawn	1	Goal Difference	+ 25
Lost	0	Points	13/15

As all school boy scholars know this week marks the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, 1066 and all that. So it was fitting that we would encounter our old rivals Balsham Colts today. The big question was would it be one in the eye for Duncan? We had beaten Balsham 11-2 in a friendly a few weeks ago - but that was just for fun. This was the real thing. Playing in the league, would the home defenders win the day or could NST conquer and rampage like the visiting Normans some 942 years ago? The Balsham parents appeared to be in good form during the warm up and scored several goals from the corner kicks. Good job they wouldn't actually be playing. The visiting fans, huddled against the cold, drab morning concerned themselves with more cerebral matters debating important issues such as "What is the point of the step over?", Can Ronaldo actually run without stepping over?", Where exactly is Ron Atkinson's fabled "Danger Zone"? and "Why isn't the tea shack open this week?".

Alex is today's captain and he gets things off to an auspicious start by winning the toss and electing to kick off. We are quickly on the offensive and win a throw in. Alex finds Joe free in space. Joe cracks in a shot which is parried by the goalie and then drives the loose ball into the side netting. We "oooh!" and "aahh!" on the touchline. That would have been a perfect start. Duncan has decided to start with Jake and Ollie up front with Alex in support. This combination is soon pays off when Ollie finds Jake in the penalty box. Jake's shot rebounds to Alex who drives the ball through a melee of legs and it's 1-0 to NST with only a few minutes gone.

Although Balsham are competing spiritedly  it seems to be one way traffic at the moment, with Joe and Alex pressing in midfield. This leads to a chance for Ollie but it goes just wide. Jake is also doing well and has a terrific run down the right wing ending with a fantastic cross into the "Danger Zone" but sadly his team mates have lingered in the safety zone. Nevermind - the pressure is starting to tell and we must surely score another soon. Remarkably this comes from their goal kick. It is a poor one which goes straight to Jake. He mis-controls it, popping the ball 10 feet straight up in the air - but as it comes down Jake vollies it over the retreating goalie with a sublime strike to put NST 2-0 up. Wow! That was just like Gazza in his pomp. The kid's a genius!

Balsham push back into the game, but to be honest George is rarely troubled at the back and Ed, in goal, might as well have cup of cocoa to keep himself warm. Luckily the sun has come out and it is turning into another brilliant morning. Meanwhile back on the pitch we have won a corner. Alex clips it in, finding Joe on the back post. Joe lays it back to Ollie who draws another great save from the Balsham keeper. Then from the clearance Ollie picks up the ball and surges down the centre. He slips the ball through to Joe who only sees the goalie go and make another cracking save. When Joe gets on the end of the rebound he hits the post. Unlucky son!

Not to be outdone, Jake is having a cracking game on the left and goes rampaging past the Balsham defence. He passes to Alex who leaves his marker for dead, then lays it up for Joe who has another rasping shot well saved by the goalie. From the restart Alex is back on the ball. He drives down the right wing leaving 3 Balsham Colts floundering in his wake but his cross is cut out for a corner. From the kick Ollie gets in another great volley - but just wide. The poor lad can't buy a goal today. Then a fantastic passing move ends with Jake who puts us 3-0 up in the blink of an eye. Following that Ollie goes wide yet again and the ref blows for the end of the quarter.

Duncan rings the changes. Off go Jake, Joe and Alex and on come Matty P, Mark and Tommy.  Ed is unleashed from goal.... We pity Balsham. The new players have quite a standard to live up to after the first half, but they are soon into their stride. The new combination is playing some excellent passing football and look very accomplished with Tommy up front. We win a corner. Matty P takes and his cross finds Ed who vollies sweetly past the keeper giving him no chance. 4-0. Now that looked worthy of the premiership.

Matty P is bossing midfield (when he can be bothered to run) and he picks up th ball on the left. Driving towards the goal he lets loose a left foot shot. It takes a deflection and the goalie is beaten. Is that an OG? Luckily, the dodgy goals panel doesn't believe in OGs and Matty celebrates a birthday goal. Hooray! Some teams might start to take their foot off the gas when 5-0 up, but not these boys. As we attack again Ed is scythed down. It's in striking range and Duncan calls for his deadball specialist. The wall lines up as Matty P composes himself. He lashes a piledriver into the wall. Ouch! They must have felt that one. The ball breaks to Ed who lays it back into the path of Matty P. This time he makes no mistake and cracks a superb strike which Tommy flicks in from six yards and it's 6-0.

Balsham make the occasional foray forwards, but Mark is able to deal with all that is thrown at him - supported by Ed who seems to be everywhere on the pitch today. In one great piece of play Ed snuffs out a Colts attack, passes wide to Matty P who dribbles down the right and picks out Ed who has run the length of the pitch for the return. Unfortunately, the finish is just wide. As Balsham strike back Mark clears up and chooses to dribble through his own penalty area just to spice things up! Ollie clears - about the only thing he has had to do since going in goal.

Playing further forward George takes a knock on the head and has to be subbed by Alex for a while. Then we get possibly the best goal of the match. Ollie clears the ball to Matty P who slips it though to Ed. In a trice Ed moves the ball on to Tommy whose finish is all clinical effciency (reminiscent of Michael Owen when he played for a proper club) and it's 7-0 in the twinking of an eye. The manager is purring at that one. But before we can get our breath back the boys are back on the attack. Alex goes galloping down the right, crosses to Tommy in space. He passes back to Ed on the edge of the box and Ed shows his class popping the ball through the keeper's legs for 8-0.

Eager to score we see a lot of dribbling by the players, but it's when they pass and move that they really look a class act. The final bit of action in the quarter comes when Matty P picks up a goal kick and unleashes a defence splitting pass for Tommy to latch onto. The Colts goalie makes another great save. It seems a ridiculous thing to say, given the score line, but their keeper is playing a blinder. If it wasn't for him we'd be well into double figures already. The ref blows and the boys troop off for well-deserved breather.

In the third quarter George is back, recovered from his battering. He is soon in the action skipping down the right and crossing into the danger zone. But Joe is slightly ahead of the play and fails to get on the end of it. Balsham are now showing a bit more resolution and press our defence. But Jake has been moved to sweeper and is able to deal with matters, confidently taking the ball wide and distributing well down the wings. The Colts are definitely more in the game now and challenge well for every ball. Mark has been moved to midfield and is enjoyed the freedom to roam. He vollies on a throw in superbly to set Joe one on one with the goalie, but the keeper wins out (again!). Next minute Joe slips through a ball for Matty P speeding goalwards. We're all thinking he'll bury it, but his shot is just wide of the post.

Then we get a fantastic passing move started by Ollie in defence. He gives the ball to Matty P who moves it on to Joe. Joe finds Mark in space and he puts in Ollie who's run the length of pitch. But this really isn't Ollie's day and he shoots tantalisingly wide. After some counter attacking from Balsham we win a throw in. Mark launches it to Matty P. Matt slips it to Joe in the centre circle and from there Joe beats his man and sprints for goal finishing sublimely to make it 9-0. "What a relief." says Bridget when asked for her reaction. "He's been dying to score."

Balsham push back, but Ed and Tom in defence are resolute. The Colts are battering a defensive shield much stronger than King Harold's in Hastings and they just can't break through. George picks up the ball on the left and beats two players bringing the ball into the box where Matt has a left foot lash well saved by the goalie. Then Mark breaks up a promising Balsham attack and sends Matty off down the right wing. He beats his man and crosses to George who vollies just wide. Next we win a throw in and Matt picks up the ball and crosses to George lurking at the back of the box. Again the heroic Colts keeper denies George. This is turning into the George and Matt show! But actually there are other players on the field. Mark wins the ball from a throw in and drives through the centre. Ed is screaming for the ball out wide and Mark slips it through to him. Ed buries it for his hat-trick. And that makes it 10-0.

The game is drawing to a close now, but there is still a chance for another goal. Matty P collects the ball in mid-field and from the half way line unleashes an awesome strike. It's heading for the top corner but somehow the Balsham goalie flings himself full length to make a fingertip save, just pushing the ball round the post. As I said, he's playing a blinder. The goal kick is taken and the ref blows for full time. Cap'n Alex calls for three cheers and we salute our plucky opponents. Asked for a comment on the team's performance, the manager says "Sloppy. We should have had 20!" I think he was joking...

Squad: George, Joe, Ollie, Matty P, Mark, Ed, Jake, Alex, Tommy
Scorers: Ed (3), Jake (2), Alex (1), Tommy (2), Matt P (1), Joe (1)

The Celts had had a tough start to the season losing to Cherry Hinton Lions 5-2 and then facing a strong looking and in form Fulbourn Institute against who they scored 3 but conceded 8. So it looked like we might have to work hard to keep a clean sheet. The Strikers team was under strict instructions from the manager "not to do an Arsenal", but it was highly improbable that even a bunch of 9 year olds could play that ineptly - besides we had the lucky chair on our side.

We won the toss and chose to kick off. We were soon pressing forward and a good long range pass from Matty P put through Oliver who got away an early shot but well saved by the goalie. The rebound ended up just over the bar. Then it was the Celts turn to push forward but their first attack was competently snuffled by Ed clearing up at the back. His surging counter attack led to a great opportunity but Ed's shot unluckily hit the post. The Strikers now had their tails up and Matty S was unlucky with a good shot.

Then Joe had a drive which was almost spilled over the line by the keeper. This was followed by a great lob by Matty P which almost resulted in a goal. The pressure contiue to mount and a great team move ended by a final shot from Matty S deserved better reward. But when was the goal coming - would we be hit by a sucker punch? After some good interplay between the two Matts from a throw in, the ball the ball was slid through to Oliver, but again his shot was saved. Then the break through. Under the cosh a Celts' defender handballed in the box - PENALTY ! Oliver stepped up to take it and, cool as a cucumber, he smashed the ball in the back of the net. 1-0 to NST right at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter started off with some very tense and even play with both sides doing well. Some dogged tackling by George kept the rear guard safe and Alex, showing a cool head under pressure kept probing forwards from midfield. The Celts worked their way back into the game and only good defending by Joe and a battling midfield performance by Alex kept them at bay. But we show some skills as well and some good work by George and Alex on the touchline leads to a pass to Ollie who sets up Sean to shoot and score. 2-0 Phew!

This goal only seems to spur on the Celts to greater endeavour and they mount a strong challenge. A strike on goal brings out a great save from Matty P who turns the ball round the post for a corner. The resultant kick is collected competently by Matty P who throws the ball out well to set up an attack from which Sean almost scores. The ref blows and it's time for a switch around.

The third quarter starts with Ed launching off some good team play which ends in a chip shot from Matty P being well saved. When the Celts counter attack George  sweeps up anything which comes through and Matty S, now playing further back, puts in a determined battling performance. Then there is a great team move. Matty S drives down the right and wins a corner. The kick is picked up by George who passes to Oliver, Oliver's sliderule pass allows Matty S, who started the move, an easy tap in. 3-0 to the Strikers. Then another outstanding piece of team play. Matty S wins the ball well and passes to Ed. Ed finds Oliver in space and Oliver moves the ball on quickly to Matty P who, with an almost casual nonchalance, slots the ball past the goalie to make it 4-0 to the Strikers. NST are now well on top and with Joe dominating in midfield win a free kick some way out in the Celts' half. Ollie takes it and his tremendous shot is only just saved by the keeper. The following up strikers exert good pressure and in the ensuing scramble Alex forces the ball into the net. 5-0.

As the game goes into the final phase NST keep up the momentum and Ed's tireless work produces dividends in forcing a corner. From the cross there is a great take by Matty P from the cross and he rolls the ball to Alex who blasts the ball home for 6-0. Right at the end there is another great move by Alex and Sean which leads to an opportunity for Ollie, but his fierce shot is just saved by the goalie. So the Strikers run out worthy winners maintaining their 100% record with a great team performance. Commiserations to the Celts who battled well throughout.

But most of all thanks to the organisers of the superb canteen. Keep up the good work !

Squad: George, Joe, Sean, Matty P, Matty S, Oliver, Ollie, Alex, Ed

Scorers: Oliver (1), Matty P (1), Sean (1), Matty S (1), Alex (2).

Waking up and seeing the pea-souper fog was not an auspicious sign for this friendly. Fancy having to drag yourself out of bed on a murky Saturday morning for a match that doesn't even count. But as we drew near to Balsham's micro-climate the fog inexplicably vanished and the sun shone down on a morning reminiscent of all the balmy Summer days we had in 1973. I nearly took me jumper off. The Czernins retained their 100% last arrivals record, but Duncan still hasn't made Pete run a lap - that lucky chair has many mysterious powers!

We were all looking forward to this and there was full turn out, including our new squad member, Fred. Balsham were great rivals last season when they snatched the title from our grasp in the last match of the season. We regained our pride vanquishing the Colts during a hard fought tournament final during the Summer. So it would be interesting to see who would win the bragging rights in this run out.

We win the toss and kick off into the sun. We are soon on the attack. Matty P takes the ball down the right and crosses to Jake on the edge of the box. Jake buries the ball emphatically and it's already 1-0. Balsham restart and press our goal. The defence ably marshalled by Ed stands firm and we win a throw-in. Jake takes it quickly, throwing the ball to Matty P in mid-field. Matty swivels and in one sweet move finds Ollie in space in front of the Balsham goal. Ollie coolly slots the ball past the goalie giving him no chance. 2-0 to the Strikers ! Another restart and Balsham, pride stung, press forward. George and Ed stand strong clearing our lines, but the Colts soon launch another counter attack. Ed and Ollie - taking a rest from his attacking duties - keep the Balsham attackers at bay. From the clearance, the ball falls to Matty P who beats his man and gets off a snap shot that the Colts' goalie saves smartly. Tommy comes on for George and is quickly called into action when the ball is lost by our forwards and Balsham counter attack. Great defending by Tommy assisted by Ollie leads to a corner. We defend this well and Jake breaks down the left winning a corner at the other end. Ollie takes and puts in a great cross which Jake heads just over the bar. From the goal kick Ollie picks up the ball in midfield and launches a prodigious strike which hits the post from 20 yards out. Unlucky son! the ref blows for the end of the first quarter.

Duncan mixes it up for the next quarter. Ollie goes in goal. On come Alex, Matty S, Mark and Oliver. Keen to make their mark, the new boys make their intentions clear immediately with Alex bursting down the right and putting in a great cross shot which just skims past the far post. Then comes one of the best moves of the match. Oliver, isolated on the right by two Colts defenders, executes a perfect Cruyff turn leaving the confounded defenders trailing in his wake. He crosses into the box where a waiting Matty S gets his foot to the ball and steers it past the diving goalie. 3-0. More changes. Off go Oliver and Tommy and on come Joe and the debuting Fred. Fred is soon in the action causing problems for the Balsham defenders. Then a great passing move involving Alex, Joe and Matty S breaks down in front of goal. But soon after Mark wins a throw-in and from the right finds Joe in a bit of space. He beats his man with ease and a smart left foot finish puts us 4-0 up. Joe goes near again when another piece of interplay between Alex, Joe and Matty S ends up with a good save and the rebound being stabbed wide. Balsham are not finished though and strike back capitalising on a bit of confusion in the defence with a cool side footed finish into our empty net. 4-1 and the end of the second quarter.

Duncan rings the changes and now Ed is in goal. Sean is on up front supported by Tommy, George, Jake and Matty P. From the kick-off Sean is on the ball and gets a great cross into Jake lurking with intent in the Colts' penalty area. Jake finishes from close in and it's 5-1 to NST. Balsham start to exert some more pressure and win a corner. The ball is cleared and there's a chase. The Balsham defender facing his own goal does a fantastic back heel shot and we're back under the cosh. The Colts pile forward and despite a great save from Ed, they finish from close in making it 5-2. There's life in this game yet. Balsham have got their tails up now and win back the ball, bringing another great save from Ed. Matty P and Tommy clear up the resulting melee. Balsham have got us pinned back now and there is some stiff defending by the whole team. Even Sean has to take a rest from attacking duties and tackles back well. Then Balsham win a free kick inside our half. Their player launches a great shot, but Ed is equal to the challenge saving brilliantly. Phew! More subsitutions and back on come Joe, Matty S and Oliver. Slowly we edge our way back into the game and a nice flowing move started by Matty S and involving Jake and Oliver takes the ball from defence to attack in a few seconds. Oliver beats his man but his shot is beaten away by the goalie. Then Jake, alone in attack,  dispossesses a Balsham defender and attacks the box. He pulls the ball back across goal to a late-arriving Oliver who absolutely buries it leaving the goalie no chance. That'd be 6-2 then, great stuff. Some more good work by Jake and Matty S, who are both having outstanding games, goes unrewarded following some terrific heroics from the Colts' goalie. Then the quarter ends.

The final quarter ebbs and flows with neither side gaining the ascendancy. Fred gets on the ball in the Balsham penalty area and puts it just wide despite the psychic support of the entire group of parents willing him to score a debut goal. Minutes later Fred puts the ball across the box to Ed whose fierce shot is blocked. From the resulting corner Joe goes just wide. There are a few opportunties at both ends which come to nothing, but the deadlock is broken by Ollie who takes an opportunistic lob from the halfway line, beating the goalie by crafty use of the dazzling sun! 7-2. Finally the Balsham heads go down and Ed takes advantage driving in from the right to finish with a fierce shot making it 8-2. Then Ollie picks up the ball out wide and beating two men finishes well for his hat-trick and our ninth. 9-2. There's still life in the Colts and they stream forward, but the attack is broken up by Oliver who passes upfield to Tommy. Under the close attentions of the depleted Balsham defence Tommy flicks the ball onto Ed who strokes it into the empty net. 10-2. From the kick-off Balsham press forward but concede a free kick deep in our half. We pack their box and from Oliver's long range delivery Tommy vollies home sweetly to make it 11-2.

Well it was just a friendly, so we won't read too much into it for the league, but still a good all round performance by the lads. Thanks to Balsham who played in good spirit throughout and sprayed us with water at the end - we need cooling off!

Squad: Everyone !

Scorers: Jake (2), Ollie (3), Matty S (1), Oliver (1), Joe (1), Ed (2), Tommy (1)

UNDER-11s
MITCHELL Forshaw's two goals and one apiece from Jack Ferguson and Jamie Lingard sealed Grampian Gunners' 4-0 victory over Thurlow in Division 11A.

Strikes from Lewis Gillings, Charlie Woolfe, Asher Simon and Shane Shanks earned Walpole Warriors a 4-0 triumph over Aztecs in 11A.

Charlie Ellam netted twice and Charlie Ripp, Mo Horsley, Jack Harvey, Leyton George and Dion Whitrid once each as West Wratting won 7-1 against Wilbraham Warriors in 11A.

Stephen Barratt, David Gilchrist and Edward Lockhard hit the goals to earn NST Strikers B a 3-2 win over NST Strikers A in 11A. Luca Stephenson and Alfie Dunn replied for Strikers A.

Two goals from Patrick Collins and Daniel Maund and one each from Oliver Cantrill and Alex Wilson guided Cambridge Celts A to a 6-1 win over Aztecs B in 11B.

Euan Gilmour and Charlie O'Conner were on the mark for Witchford as they drew 2-2 with Stretham Sporting A in 11C.

Aaron Lord and Solomon Grover found the net for Witchford B, who won 2-1 against Stretham Sporting B in 11C.
 

UNDER-10s
Liam Clayton bagged a brace and Daniel Jackson, Sam Miekle, Olly Packman and Felix Reynolds got one each as NST Strikers B drew 6-6 with Comberton Crusaders B in a friendly.

Cameron Schweitzer smashed four and Ryan Magowan and Elliot Heeks got two apiece as Histon Hornets won 8-2 against Coton in 10E.

UNDER-NINEs
James Tee was on the mark twice and Jack Cullingworth notched one as Spartak 78 lost 5-4 to Balsham. Their scoring was completed by an own goal.

Two goals from Kenny Jenkins and one apiece from Callum Brown, Jake Crow, Shaheb Ali and Charlie Audley led Teversham Colts to a 6-2 friendly win over Comberton Crusaders.

Two goals each from Jack Brand and Ben Claydon, and one from Charlie Cook, guided Fulbourn Institute to a 5-4 success over Papworth Blasters in a friendly. Harry Bray responded with a hat-trick for Papworth and Nicholas Kerby got one.

Two goals from Toby Swann, Nassim Osman, Harry Simpson and Leon Davies and one each from Charlie O'Dell, Ben Haggar and Karl Edwards led Milton to an 11-0 victory over Cambridge Diamonds in 9D.

Another glorious day the sun is shining, the pitch newly cut and freshly marked. Teversham is a top venue. They've got a tea and coffee hut manned by yummy mummies and is that the smell of bacon butties wafting across the pitch - it surely is ! This is Nirvana! After a warning from the manager we're all there bright and early except for... oh dear where's the gaffer? Surely Duncan hasn't gone to the wrong ground? The minutes tick by, the oppo manager comes over to say hello. It's a bit embarrassing, we haven't got actually got a manager ! Who will decide the team? What's the formation? Well Paul will just have to step into the breach. Then just as we start to think we really do have to make contingency plans, in he shuffles, trying not to be noticed. Phew! (We'll talk about the fine later....)

And so to the business in hand. Well Teversham lost 7-4 to Fulbourn Insititute last week so their manager will be looking for a reaction from the players. This could be a tough one. But after our 9-1 romp last time out we're feeling confident and up for it. The whistle blows and we're off ! It's a bit of a cagey start, but soon we're into our stride and force a corner. Oliver takes it, plopping a ball perfectly into the box. Jake pounces and bang! It's 1-0 to us. Teversham try to respond, but they look out of sorts. We're well on top, buoyed by the goal and knocking it about confidently. Then we force another corner. Oliver takes it again (well why change a winning formula?) and this time he finds Alex who finishes with aplomb. 2-0 up and we are cruising. This is going to be a walk over!

But then the atmosphere changes. Tevesham find their feet. Suddenly, we're on the back foot. They're passing well and are first to the ball. They put us under a lot of pressure and fire in shots. One goes just wide, another hits Tommy, a goal mouth melee gets scrambled off the line. It's all getting rather tense. Even though we are two up, it feels like we're just hanging on. We all know what's coming... And then it happens. A bit of mix up in defence and Teversham strike. 2-1. The boys try to get organised. But one minute we're all in attack and the next minute all in defence. There doesn't seem to be any space and the ball's difficult to control. Teversham are looking good now and keep probing dangerously. Then they get their reward with a thunderous strike - have they been recruiting Brazilians? 2-2 and the whistle goes. Everyone sighs with relief. Duncan will be able to weave his magic in the half time talk and the boys will come out fighting.

The next half turns out to be very tense. We're under the cosh. Some great tackiling back by Mark keeps breaking up their attacks and Joe stands firm clearing the lines when they do penetrate. But we start to improve. Alex makes some great runs down the right and gets in some terrific crosses but their defence is pretty good as well. Sean has a few promising dribbles, but he needs more support and the danger is snuffed out. Really they look more likely to score than us. Then in a moment of magic Jake breaks free and attacks the goal. Surely he'll score, but no! The goalie palms it away - but only into the path of Matty S who's following up brilliantly. He hooks it in with his left foot and the deadlock is broken. 2-3 to the mighty NST !

But how the mighty are humbled. Within, oh let's say 3 seconds, of the kick-off the ball is nestling in the back of our net! The Brazilian has blasted one in from 30 yards while we we're still celebrating. Doh! 3-3. Paul looks like he could do with a couple of valium. But we're still level and we can still win this. The game flows back and forth. Matty P has a few good mazy dribbles in attack, but just can't get his shot away. A good bit of interplay between Tommy and Sean goes unrewarded, but we're a bit more in the game now. Then Alex wins a corner. Oliver takes (of course!) and somehow Mark gets on the end of it in a crowded penalty area and stabs the ball home. 4-3 and we're back in charge. Surely we won't let the advantage slip this time?

They take the kick off, Paul is going beserk about some un-marked player. Uh-oh it's the Brazilian. Belatedly we react, but it's no good he smacks home another beauty for his hat-trick. That was probably goal of the match. Paul definitely needs a valium now! The crowd is stunned, but in different ways. We can hardly believe it. The Teversham parents are going barmy with delight. We'll never win this...

But luckily, nobody has told the boys. There's not long to go. Joe slots the ball through to Jake who decides to go galloping through their defence. He's forced out wide and Matty P and Oliver are following up on the edge of the box. We're all willing (and screaming at) Jake to cut it back and like a pro he rolls it into Oliver's path. Oliver buries it ! What a great move. 4-5 to NST.

We all know what's coming next. Teversham take the kick-off. The Brazilian's on the ball again, but the boys pack the defence and launch themselves at the ball. Phew! That's the kick-off survived. How much longer ref? The seconds tick by so slowly and Teversham are on the attack again. Great tackles from Joe and Sean keep the danger at bay. But then the Brazilian has got possession in space and tees himself up for another blast. It's heading straight for goal. Mark bravely gets his head to it only to deflect the ball towards the top corner. Somehow Matty S, reacting like like a cat, tips it brilliantly onto the bar and over. We survive the subsequent corner and the ref blows for full time.

I don't know about the boys, but the parents all agree - we are exhausted. What a roller coaster.

Well played Teversham you were unlucky. And thanks for the bacon butties.

___________________________________________________________________

SQUAD: Joe, Jake, Sean, Matt S, Matt P, Oliver, Tommy, Alex, Mark.

SCORERS: Jake (corner), Alex (corner), Matt S (classic following up) , Mark (corner) Oliver (from Jake's cut back)

Cambs Mini Soccer League

So here we are again. The transfer window's closed, the players are all signed (well nearly all of them), the grass is freshly cut, the lines are newly painted and the sun is shining. Fasten your seatbelts, the roller coaster is about to depart ! 

Today we host Saffron Walden who look like a useful team in the warm up, but we're confident with two pre-season tournament wins behind us.The game starts promisingly with a couple of goal mouth scrambles but no result until there's a break down the left and Mark - showing some very nippy form - slips home the first goal of the season.

Saffron Walden counter attack, but the defence is looking robust with a good partnership between Tommy and Joe. Then from a goal kick Joe launches a long ball over the top. Ollie R seizes on it and coolly slots home the second goal and we're on our way.

The game continues to ebb and flow with some good passing football being played by both sides. Then a collector's piece. Matty P wins a tackle in midfield and plays it out wide to Alex. There is a slick interchange of passes between Oliver and Alex finished off by a strong drive from Oliver which leaves their goalie floundering and we're 3-0 to the good.

We can see now that Saffron Walden are seriously annoyed and they start to put us under a bit of pressure. They pound our goal and only a fantastic last ditch tackle by Alex prevents a certain goal. But minutes later Oliver takes a fantastic free kick from the left hand side and in rockets another goal to make it 4-0.

We continue to play good passing football and sometimes even remember to stand goal side when defending. Then Matty P picks up the ball on the right wing and drives forward ending up with a cracking shot which leaves their goalie in disarray but saved by the post. Not to worry, two minutes later Ed is on the rampage. Dribbling past 3 or 4 Saffron players on the right wing he takes the ball to the by line and pings a perfect ball across to Matty P who smacks it past the goalie. 5-0 yay! That was probably the move of the match.

Soon we're on the attack again and Matty S gets on the end of a great pass from Alex, finishing with some aplomb to make it 6-0. Our defence continues hold Saffron Waldren at bay with Joe and George holding the line. Their motto? "None shall pass". We continue to press and when Matty P launches a long throw in into the box Matty S does the business coolly slotting home for his second and our seventh.

Then we have a series of corners and George nearly scores (twice), timing some great runs into the box. We continue to battle across the pitch but eventually Saffron Walden get some return for their endeavour and good play scoring to make it 7-1.

Our response is robust. Tommy, taking a rest from his defensive duties charges up the left wing and slips the ball through to Jake. Turning on a sixpence Jake powers in an astounding left foot shot and before their goalie can react we're back in charge, 8-1. Awesome stuff!

Then in the closing minutes Mark puts in a virtuoso performance going close from a corner header and finally crowning it off by forcing the ball over the line for his second goal. A couple of near misses from some fierce long range shots by Ollie round off our performance and then the whistle blows. 9-1 and victory is ours.

Three cheers for our very sporting opponents and well done to Duncan who brought out some brilliant football from the team. Lots of thanks to everyone who helped with preparations early this morning we'd have been in a pickle without you !

[ Did anybody get any pix I can put up?? ]