After a delicious Chinese meal the previous evening we were greeted at Temple Newsam changing rooms (if you can call them that) by the sorry sight of a muddy field - and that was just the changing room floor! Still nevermind. After the trek to the pitch we proceeded to warm up in what seemed like good playing conditions (positively balmy weather for Yorkshire). With a positive team talk and group huddle everyone looked ready for the game ahead. This was a big match for the Bandits - even though we had heard that Village Manchester had drawn with London Leftfooters it hadn't changed the fact we needed a win against the ever-tough Yorkshire Terriers. Still, we new what we had to do and I, for one, knew we could do it.

The Bandits started well (unusually) and we made the first few chances - our defence and midfield looked strong and fought hard to keep possession. Our first good shot on goal came after Matt was clattered from behind by Darren Horwell. A free kick was called - and resident left-footer Jason Hall placed a well struck effort just wide of the mark. All in all, an encouraging start. I was having a few problems at the back, with Freddie drawing me out of defence and using his speed to lose me on a few occasions. Fortunately, with a sound defence beside me (Paul Smith and Steve Taylor), I always had reliable backup. It was, however, frustrating that I was tied up with Freddie and had few chances to bring Daryn into the game. There were quite a few good moments in the first half for the Bandits, one being when Matt chased down a loose backpass and managed to steer it to new Bandits keeper cum (he he) striker Mark Hyndman, who was lining up a strike when he was brought down from behind. Unbelievably our shouts for a penalty were not heeded. Another desicion which didn't go our way was when I had been passed the ball after a neat one two between Paul Smith and Daryn. I managed to skip a tackle, ran up the line and made a nice pass on to Mark who had played himself into a great position but was flagged offside. The first half ended goalless but with the Bandits looking the better team.

The second half started much the same as the first had ended, with Yorkshire having a few chances. However, these were limited by excellent performances by our defence and the ever-reliable Gary Taylor in goal. The Bandits' midfield worked especially hard, with Jamie Harper, Paul Saunders, Alan Bannister, and Daryn Vanstone creating chances and holding the ball brilliantly. Although we were looking the better side, we hadn't got the important first goal until a scrap for the ball in left midfield led to Mark releasing the ball to Matt who tore down the left wing and and, from what looked like a really tight angle, slotted the ball past the oncoming keeper. Great goal!!! The following Elvis impersonation with the corner flag (a la Lee Sharpe) released some tension for us. 67mins gone, Bandits one-nil up. Get in! After the goal we continued to apply pressure and this was rewarded with a second spectacular effort. Jason Hall made a long-range pass upfield which Daryn ran on to and, with a man hot on his heels, managed to lob the keeper outragously. We were two-nil up. With fresh legs on the pitch (myself coming off for Jason Keedy and Mark coming off for Paul Windsor) we were looking really comfortable. We managed to hold out right until the final seconds, with everyone making a valuable contribution (including Paul Windsor racing down the right wing and creating a goal-scoring chance and Gary in goal tipping a great shot over the crossbar). Yorkshire did finally score following a goalline scramble, but, fortunately, it was too little too late as the final whistle was blown seconds after kickoff.

The Bandits celebrated an important victory and a classy performance. Well done lads! The editor of this write-up would like to apologise for omitting several incidents in the match but I have written what I could remember. However, I do know for sure that everyone was terrific and I'm very proud to play with such a great bunch of lads and friends.