The match itself could have been summarised using just a few key words/phrases such as Mud, Late, Hot-head and Foul-mouth, Oh, did I mention MUD?!!! This would, of course, be totally unfair to the considerable efforts made by everyone in a sometimes futile attempt to play football on a nearly unplayable pitch (keyword: Mud). It became apparent from the comments of spectators that it was one of the most entertaining matches seen - I'm so glad that someone enjoyed it. The score line, although a fair reflection of clear cut goal scoring opportunities, did not tell the whole story. I, for one, was happy to be wearing studded football boots, as keeping your balance was to prove difficult, never mind your temper! (key phrases: Hot-head and Foul-mouth). 

The match proved difficult to get started as a previous game was still on-going when we arrived for our brief pre-match warm up. Suffice to say this pre-match warm up became a mini training session (keyword: Late). This delay, coupled with the knowledge that a tractor could not have done a better job of churning up the pitch than the on-going game, fuelled the frustration. So, with the kick off about half an hour later than scheduled, there was ample time to talk tactics and find the odd blade of grass or two. It was deemed possible to attack down either sidelines where, I hasten to add, we found most of the green stuff. There was no truth in the rumour that a large African mammal was seen wallowing on the centre spot (no dumb creatures were harmed in the making of this fantasy football match, honest). 

I can say that, without fear of contradiction, the Bandits coped with the conditions in the first half better than the Wildecats. On several occasions, a blatant, possibly malicious, foul was the only option left open to them to prevent some excellent Bandits play from resulting in a clear goalscoring opportunity. The most infamous example of this foul play was to result in Gary Taylor, referee, having to show the yellow card to a player from both sides. The melee that followed was an extremely sorry sight and Gary can’t be praised highly enough for diffusing this volatile situation (key phrase: Late Tackle or What). I’m sure that, in retrospect, all concerned regret their actions because it the incident made a mockery of a so-called 'friendly' league. Unfortunately, this set the scene for the rest of the half. Undaunted, the Bandits team continued to exert pressure on the Wildecats goal, winning a number of corners and free kicks, but the all-important goal was proving elusive. The Wildecats managed to construct a few attacking moves. However, these were comfortably dealt with by the Bandits defence. The half time whistle brought a brief respite from hostilities. It must be noted that at the same point last season we were a goal down, after suffering a complete mugging. Matt was suffering most of the mugging this year but now calmed to just a mild storm was upbeat. He was pleased with the high standard of play and application shown by the Bandits during the first half, although cautioned against letting it slip in the second period. The team remained unchanged to start the second half but substitutes would be used when required. Concentration needed to be maintained throughout. 

The game now was very evenly poised with the conditions largely dictating how both teams could play. At times it was farcical, almost slow motion, when attempting to extricate yourself and the ball from the deteriorating mud bath. Both sides decided to use their substitutes in an effort to break the dead-lock. The balance of play was slowly swinging to favour the Wildecats but excellent defending and brave goalkeeping kept the stalemate. The only time that the ball did cross the Bandits goal line, the keeper was sent sprawling with it, again illustrating the Wildecats match tactics of intimidation. It was a blatant foul and so a free kick was awarded to the Bandits keeper. The Wildecats were now stepping up the pressure, clearly sensing  their supremacy. However, the one major difference from last season was that the Bandits team were able to resist and hold together as a unit. This was to prove the case, as toward the latter stages of the game the Bandits created some half chances on the break. However, neither team could find that clinical finish and the match finished goalless but full of incident.  

Matt’s Man of the Match: Steve Taylor (with close runners-up Mark Hyndman and Paul Saunders).