What a performance. Thrown in against the favourites for the league title for their opening game, the lads battled and battled and were really unlucky not to win. They battled for the shirt, they battled for their coach but more importantly they battled for their mates/team mates.

Its been a difficult summer where we have had to say goodbye to some very good players and chums, who have disappointingly decided to try their luck at a neighbouring club. We also of course had the wonderful news that Will had earned a contract at Swindon - great news but obviously not news that would strengthen the team this year! I didnt know how our guys would react - especially in such a tough fixture. I needn't have worried. The passing and quality has room for improvement but the effort and commitment was impressive to say the least.

I think I actually forgot how good the players we still have, are.

Playing up a steep slope, I thought it would be a case of damage limitation in the 1st half but with Jayden tackling everything that moved and Zac watertight in goal - there was little drama.......until the 15th minute of an unusually long half when an intricate passing move between Rory, Archie and Joe ended with Joe rolling the ball into the corner of the net. Half Time

JJ, Toby and Tom joined Jay and Joe amongst the ranks of the dogs of war in the second half, by working so hard and throwing their bodies in the way repeatedly of our opponents. Chances were being created, but our talented opponents were also building pressure and snatched an equaliser halfway through the half. Rory was having quite easily his best ever game in the stripes and was chasing everything down - he was rewarded for this when he put us deservedly in the lead again with his debut goal for the Whites. We held our hosts at bay thanks in part to Archie's ability in goal - until the last minute of another 'long' half. The troops were devastated by the late equaliser, but should hold their heads really high. Well done everyone - and thanks to parents for respectful but loud support.

Man of the Match - all deserve something, but Jayden had a stormer.