This was a match that on paper promised much but on the day never quite lived up to the hype (in no small part because the captain's pre-match email hype was ever-so-slightly OTT...). However, there were moments of class - in particular Steve Parker pulling off one of the saves of the season to ensure South 1sts kept another clean sheet - their 5th of the league campaign so far. But for the most part, South 2s did just enough to cause the 1s juggernaut to falter at the vital point of each attack.

Following the earnest instructions of the captain not to be complacent against their lower-placed rivals, the 1s showed excellent sharpness in the first half, consistently dispossessing their opposite number and intercepting any stray passes. Williams, Chalk, Hawkes and Watson in midfield moved the ball swiftly to the forwards who were exchanging passes nicely and threatening the opposition's D nearly every minute. Many of these attacks resulted in short-corners and this was where the 1s uncharacteristically struggled. Bereft of the element of surprise, new routines were hastily devised and a number of chance went begging in front of the stubborn pads of Shahbaz in the 2s goal. Finally a short corner was bundled in by the persistent Pearson. Note-ably another goal scored whilst captain and vice-captain stood on the sidelines. Coincidence...?

Following one goal-mouth scramble set up by the terrier-like Johnson (R), a penalty flick was awarded to the 1s. Now, I can't be certain but I think what happened next was that Chalk, filled with sympathy for the luck-less 2s defence, graciously missed the penalty on purpose. Yes - that must be the explanation. Not content with just one display of generosity, the gallant Chalk started clearing the 1s attacking short-corners for the opposition, almost lifting one 'drag-flick' (and I use the term loosely) over the high fence behind goal. A convincing LOM performance and it wasn't even half-time!

The second half saw South 2s fighting back with renewed confidence and imagination. More chances were missed by the 1s as the game stretched with neither side content with a 1-0 scoreline. In the end it was the 1s who found the back of the goal, with Watson latching onto a lifted pull-back from the right-hand side by-line and scoring an excellent volley apparently with his hand (still holding the stick). It was a cruel blow for the 2s but they continued to pile on the pressure and the last 10 minutes saw numerous chances for a come-back goal. But, fortunately for the 1s, none were forthcoming and the final whistle brought to an end an entertaining, albeit less-than-convincing, win for the 1s.

With 8 wins out of 9 and another draw for their closest rivals, South 1s move to 2nd in the league with the best defensive record to boot. Well done to all the squad for the determined performance this week and a consistently good turn-out to training. Lets keep this winning streak going!

Big thanks to those that turned out to cheer on the two teams. More 'fireworks' promised in the return fixture!