A successful International break

The pitch was good and the conditions were perfect for another footballing showcase from the unbeaten Malin. After a positive team talk, centering around the need to start quickly and not concede early, the game kicked off. Unfortunately, it appeared the big dopey centre half hadn't been paying attention. An attempted short throw from us was intercepted by the winger, his touch inadvertantly turning into a perfect through ball for their forward. An ill conceived slide challenge from WEATH failed to stop the striker in his tracks and he strolled through to slot home. Not again.

Despite the goal shaking us into action, we struggled to impose ourselves on a team who were soundly beaten in pre season. Passes were going astray and nothing much was falling for us in the final 3rd. Eventually, after much persistance, chances started to come. BROWNY was getting some joy against the centre halves and we were finally getting some balls into the box. The best of which came to RHODESY about 5 yards out which he managed to put 8 yards over the bar. Another chance was created for SPY but he had strayed offside and the goal was disallowed.

RHODESY's head was seeing quite a bit of action. A high ball led to him and another egg head clashing their shiny bonces in the middle of the park. It was like a pair of conkers coming together in a playground battle and thankfully for RHODES, his conker did the damage. The opposition midfielder's game was done.

The change seemed to give us the initiative and BROWNY took advantage of the big centre half not being fully warmed up. Unlike Shakira, BROWNY's hips do lie and he jinked his way into the box and past the big lad who brought him down. With no MITCHELL or MATTY on the pitch, everybody looked at each other to wonder who would step up. The captain took the responsibility on his broad shoulders. He plonked the ball down and strolled to the edge of the box while the rest of the team wondered whether he'd ever taken a penalty before. The whistle blew, he stomped forward and smashed the ball like Kevin Pressman all those years ago at Wolves, this time though, the ball crashed off the crossbar and away. No more penalties for NATH.

We continued to attack and eventually the goal came. RHODES and his biscuit tin head came into action again. The ball was knocked forward and he rose with a confident shout of "NATH", only it didn't go to NATH, it dropped to JAMES about 10 yards to the left. WEATH shouted "take a touch", JAMES thought "f*ck that" and proceeded to half volley it 25 yards into the bottom corner. 1-1. That is how the half would end.

FERGIE once again decided to make a half time change. MATTY, feeling fit after his groin and tail massage in the week, rushed to get ready as RHODES was brought off.

The second half started off a little scrappy. Not many clear cut chances were being created and International were always a danger on the break with the big lad up front but both teams seemed fairly solid.

Our very own Angel Di Maria AKA SPY started to do some damage down the right. Some of the flicks, turns and step overs were mesmerising for the full back and he was getting some dangerous balls in the box. We just couldn't seem to put the finishing touch on any.

Like all the great managers, FERGIE stepped in again. HIRSTY came on to replace GAV and MATTY's cameo was over after 20 minutes, DEANO making his first appearance of the season.

Both changes started to have an impact. DEANO decided to have a tiff with the big centre half and HIRSTY waltzed around the pitch like his lookalike on Strictly, spreading the ball about, keeping the attacks flowing. Eventually a chance came. DEE (not D) picked the ball up at centre half and pushed forward. Despite getting the face on with BROWNY for blocking his earlier free kick, he chose not to hold a grudge and laid it into his feet. BROWNY turned to face the centre half and after creating a bit of space, hit it from 20 yards. A slight deflection off the defender took it past the keeper. We'd deserved the luck and the lead.

The goal seemed to break the opposition. SPY continued to get joy down the wing and another good run and cut back allowed NATH to make amends for his penalty miss. This time he cooly side footed home to put the game to bed.

A 4th goal followed soon after. The big lad seemed rattled after his falling out with DEANO. A sly spank on his backside seemed to be the final straw and a cross into the box caused him to lose all his bearings as he sliced it beautifully in off the shin and into the top corner. GAME OVER.

Some good performances again throughout the team. SPY pushed him close but BROWNY took the MOM award. Well done boys.