A lively wind from the west whipped around Wandsworth as the Bandits made the lengthy trek across the common. The team were on the hunt and hungry for their first league victory of the season, spurred on by strong performances in last week's five-a-side tournament in Leeds and the one-all draw against Yorkshire's finest in the last GFSN National League match.

The setting looked ominous - distant grey skies loomed and a full-blown squad of red and white Leftfooters were ready and waiting to do their best against what seemed, in comparison, just a handful of hopeful Bandits. Undeterred, the Bandits took immediate control of the game, passing the ball with confidence and style. It wasn't long before they were rewarded with the first goal, a firm low well driven shot from Simon Hawker which was just too hot for the London keeper to handle. 1-0 to the Bandits. The Leftfooters raised their game and pressurised but couldn't find a way through the Bandits' defence. Sturdy Steve Taylor was too strong and steadfast, Billy Dann badgered away hassling and troubling their attack, the ever-versatile Alan Bannister was sharp and resilient, I was muddy and usually on my knees (no change there then), so the score remained 1-0 as the ref blew for half time.

With at least half a dozen fresh players on the pitch for the second half, the Leftfooters looked like they meant business, but couldn't have foreseen a tactical turn-around from Bandits' coach Brian Evans that was to shape the second half. Paul Smith, nursing hamstring injuries and an unfortunate lapse in colour co-ordination (grey tracksuit bottoms with an orange top, anyone?), joined the back four and immediately stamped his authority on the match, displaying his hardened commitment throughout the rest of the game. This move pushed Alan forward to add even more strength to the battling midfield and then… the floodgates opened. Daryn Vanstone cleverly found space just outside the London penalty area, and with grace, composure and pinpoint accuracy, flighted a perfect ball over the London keeper and into the net. It wasn't long before Jamie Harper, also nursing an injury, neatly rounded the keeper and coolly added a third, his first for Brighton. A lull halfway through the second period was suddenly lit up with a scorching run down the right by Jason Keedy, leaving the Leftfooters flatfooted in his wake, and but for the efforts of their goal keeper would have scored a goal of true quality.

Alan now with the space to run at the defence, fired a shot that the keeper could only parry and neatly followed up to slot home a fantastic fourth. The Bandits were cruising (before, during and after the game). The next goal could have come from anyone. Dave Hodgson, the human dynamo, dynamic as usual, powered around the pitch, carved up the defence, blasted shots at goal and could have easily bagged himself a hattrick. Paul Saunders, ever alert, fired in shots from long range and was unlucky not to sneak in another chance at their near post.

The Leftfooters bravely persevered but just couldn't dig deep enough to muster an attack of any real threat. If they had, however, they would have still needed to beat the formidable figure of Theo Christian who punted some excellent balls up-field for the attack to latch onto and kept a well-deserved clean sheet. Dan was brought on to add to the attack and immediately hassled and worried an already anxious opposition. Dr Nash joined the throng and with style and panache showed just how a difficult ball should be controlled when coming at you at waist height. Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, up popped Jamie to score his second and the Bandits' fifth, pummelling the ball, the London goalie and a Leftfooter's defender into the back of the net just for good measure. Final score London Leftfooters 0 Bandits 5.

Hats off and a very big thank you must go to the Leftfooters for their hospitality, friendship, fun, their sporting spirit and of course their hot intimate showers (but where was Miguel?). A big thank you also to Mrs Christian for his continuous support and fine photographic input. Man of the Match on this occasion will be changed to Men of the Match and goes, of course, to Brian and all of the valiant Bandits. Look out Bristol, lock up your boyfriends and batten down the hatches because the Bandits are coming to town