Today was our first match of 2007 and the long break showed as the Gold Team struggled to remember their positions and all the skills they showed in our last few matches. With four key players away, it was going to be makeshift system at best. A slow start showed promise and Thomas linked well with Lucaas on a roaming wing mandate and Jordan in support, trying to bring Jack into play. We had most of the possession in the first half, so it was a surprise when a fumbled ball was somehow pushed gently over the line, to give Grange an undeserved lead after 6 minutes. Matthew did his usual heroics to keep the score down and started many of the attacks we then tried to launch. Thomas crafted the ball across to Lucaas who tried two excellent shots that were somehow saved, and Jack followed up the second and yet we had no luck. Heads were down a little when Lewis, back in goal for the day, then launched some terrific balls up the pitch and we began to gather some pace. However, this renewed attack was met with some very heavy challenges and Jack was sidelined as the half-time whistle went.

James Williams was given his debut in the second half and immediately set up driving the ball forward. However, within seconds of the first attack, Lucaas was injured, play was allowed to continue, and the ball somehow bobbled over the line after a first fine save by a surprised Lewis. Within another minute or two, Matthew was injured in a crunching tackle and Grange crowded the goal area around Harry for another tame tap-in. Matthew could not continue and had to be replaced by George. Although he should have played in defence, George tried some valiant runs, until he, too was injured and Jack (now recovered) was forced back on. The system had to be changed throughout all these injuries and to top off the day,  a deflected shot span through the air to lob Lewis and find the far corner-impossible for anyone to save. This is when the Gold spirit-so prevalent in the last few games of last year, finally reared it's head. We began to gather pace and launched some truly excellent attacks in the dying minutes-some fine linked play and their goal was peppered with shots, the best probably Lucaas' individual run from another crunching tackle, leaving only the goalie to beat. Sadly his frustration made his shot curl and just glide past the right upright. The unsporting laughter and derision by the opposing fans and their watching "A" team was not appreciated, but the Gold team only had football on their minds as the final whistle went in the middle of another surging run between Thomas and James.

    Definitely not the start we wanted, but the glimmers of excellence shown bode well for the future and we certainly played some exciting football in places. Next week we will be showing how far we have come when we play the Ise Lodge Eagles again-the first team we ever played.