It was nice to eventually get back onto the football pitch after our enforced winter break, fair play to Mere for getting the game on.

After such a long break I was expecting a bit of a rusty performance, but, no the boys pleasantly surprised me by playing some really good football on a difficult pitch. On 20 mins we deservedly took the lead after a flowing move when from a goal kick Eddie laid the ball off to Dan who in turn played a lovely pass out to debutant Toby, who went pass one defender before squaring the ball for Eddie, who had continued his run, to finish first time into the bottom corner. We defended really well all over the pitch by pressing quickly and didn't allow Mere the opportunity to get a shot at stand in goalie Joe Escott. 0-1 at halftime.

I asked for more of the same in the 2nd half and I got it despite a few things going against us, Mere equalised 10mins into the half when we allowed their very quick striker to get in behind us and in fairness he finished well past new stand in goalie James. Only a few more mins had passed when a dubious penalty for handball was awarded to Mere, the penalty was scored, not a great decision by the ref, but we have to accept these things and move on which is exactly what we did. The effort and spirit showed by everyone was fantastic and was rewarded with a goal of the season contender, Eddie struck a brilliant shot from fully 25yards that flew past the motionless goalie into the top corner of the goal. One or 2 more opportunities came along but a winner could not be found. A very good performance from all, thank you & well done.

Man of the match: difficult, some very good efforts today, but Eddie gets the nod thanks to 2 very good finishes.