Just under 3,000 meat pies went uneaten at Corkscrew Hill yesterday as the anticipated large crowd never materialised for the SAL Division One game against East Barnet OG. We had totally forgotten that the local branch of the Women's Institute had arranged a knitting circle and the Royal British Legion had their annual colour- in a Messerschmidt afternoon. Still all the regulars were in attendance and we mustered just over 50 stalwarts who saw Andy Foster's revised squad play some excellent football.

It's well known that the First team Match Reports show little evidence of facts and rely heavily on fiction -- this is not surprising, as it's impossible to remember all the action and build ups to the numerous chances that the Bluebloods create. Even asking people in the bar what happened is of little help as most of us try to watch the game on the outside pitch as well as the main game so I'm not really sure if Ruan hit the bar once, twice, three times or not at all. The only thing that is certain is that I saw him in the bar.

EBOGS were a man down at kick off time but he arrived shortly after -- he didn't have time to catch his breath so he had no chance of catching The Hawk who started to fly past all the visitors defenders. He laid on a gilt edged chance for Joe Walby but Joe's shot was blocked when it appeared easier to score. It didn't take long for Joe to rectify matters when he converted a back heeled pass from Dave Hawkins -- Hawkins went past several defenders reminding me of the great Steve McManaman. Joe decided to get the ball into the onion bag via the right hand post. Josh Kennedy added a second and I remember thinking to myself what a great move it was -- I think that a pinpoint through ball from Jack Sherrin eventually found its way to Josh and he did the rest. Prior to this The Hawk should have notched from another Sherrin through ball but you can't score them all I suppose.

Strangely enough we could have been a goal down early on when keeper Mike Neish made an acrobatic save from a close range header. After that he was hardly troubled -- EBOGS had a "shoot on sight policy" but these long range efforts were easy meat for Mike. As de Silva senior pointed out -- if you added up the total distances of all their long range shots it would have nearly reached a mile ( slightly hyperbolic methinks).

Unfortunately Sam Murray pulled a hamstring and reluctantly left the field to be replaced by Joe "Kempes" Kemp who was soon on the score sheet -- he raced down the left channel, checked on to his right foot and sent a 25 yard shot into the net. The keeper was astounded -- the crowd were astonished -- Kempes was ecstatic.

Skipper Jamie Askew and Jack Sherrin were having excellent games and the only surprise was that the game finished only 3 - 0. Skew sent Walby through with a delicious defence splitting pass how Joe failed to score only he knows.
Josh Kennedy was replaced by George Rahilly who has probably created more goal scoring chances per minute on the field than anybody. He ran the visitors right back ragged and, on another day, would have scored a couple.

Defensively we were untroubled with Mark Williams showing that in a foot race he wouldn't be far behind The Hawk, Muzza, Razzle Junior and de Silva.

Our finishing can be improved upon as 11 clear cut chances went astray but it was another really good game to watch and credit to EBOGS for sticking to their task which was made harder by having no substitutes and having to carry a couple of injured players.

Man of the Match went to Dave Hawkins with Askew, Sherrin and de Silva not far behind but this was another team performance. Mark Williams and Rob Adams were untroubled in front of Mike Neish who will pleased with his clean sheet. Mike has added a new dimension to the squad with his organisational skills, safe handling and excellent dead ball kicking.

Thanks to the three officials who handled the game very well and stayed for a few beers but not as long as Old Actonians Fours who, despite losing a close game to 2 Chris Eaden goals, enjoyed beating us at Beer Pong and boosting our bar profits. Thanks fellas.

Next week its Cup action at Corkscrew Hill against Merton who will prove a much stiffer task than they did in the pre season friendly.