This was a turn-up for the books. Somehow we'd got into our heads that Clapham Alex won the league last season. A bit of psychology worth remembering. Somehow we'd got it into our heads that you don't need to leave time to change or warm up. we arrive 10 minutes late, with Mario the Kit trailing another 5 mins behind. So we're a bit surprised to find ourselves camped in the opposition half for much of the first 45 mins.
Chances aplenty go begging. We feel we will rue them as our keeper makes 2 outstanding saves. we're 2 up at half time and expecting the balance to tip with the change of ends, facing into the wind and up the hill. Sure enough we concede a silly goal inside a minute. Here we go. But a brilliant tactical substitution pushes Max into the lone striker role where he promptly scores five. He's supplemented by goals from Aaron, Joe Haley and Liam. Clapham are unlucky to go down to 10 men through injury but going forward some of our play has a silky intelligence that's good to be amongst. Brilliant performances from Liam, Aaron, Joe and of course the gilded booted Bland. Solid start from Thomas. More surprises like this please.
Team: Adam Bradbury, Aaron Gayle, Joe Grubb, Russell Smith, Mario Pisano, Thomas Winter, Joe Haley (1) Ben Chambers (1) Max Bland (5) Liam Greenaway (1) Jake, Jimmie Lloyd.
