It was a dark and stormy night... er, hold on, it was actually a windswept wintry afternoon in deepest Leicester. The Brighton Bandits left the club house for the long walk to the rather uneven pitch. I commented that it's a long way back if you're injured. The Bandits kicked off with the strong wind behind them. We dominated the play in the first half, having most of the possession, but we failed to really threaten the Leicester goal. Against the run of play the Wildecats broke free to score a fortuitous goal.

In the second half the home team had the advantage of the wind and their increasing pressure resulted in two more goals. Theo Christian in the Bandits goal pulled off some excellent saves as Leicester threatened to take total control. My usual tepid performance ended abruptly after a run down the left wing. I passed two defenders but the challenge from the third proved more substantial and I flew into the air and landed with a thud. Ouch! I lay there breathless, longing for a cold sponge or some warm, healing hands but neither materialised. I was replaced by Dave Nash whose enthusiasm and sheer presence soon caught the eye of the watching West Ham talent scout and the referee.

With the match entering its final quarter the Bandits were awarded a penalty which was clinically put away by ace defender Paul Smith. This was particularly pleasing as the Wildecats were desperately trying to keep a clean sheet. The final score was possibly disappointing but the Bandits can take pride in another battling performance. The midfield worked tirelessly and were often more than a match for the Wildecats who were strong in that area. The Brighton defence absorbed a lot of pressure but kept going till the end.

The final whistle blew as the sky filled with dark, menacing clouds from the north. A shaft of sunlight illuminated the teams as photo's were taken. Then it was back to the club house for a hot shower and pie and chips - but not at the same time! And yes, I can confirm that it was a long walk back if you're injured!