South 1s had to pick themselves up after last weekend's hugely disappointing draw against Wisbech 2s and steel themselves for a much tougher encounter with close rivals Peterborough. Taking the pitch with a 4-4-2 formation for the first time this season in an effort to neutralise Peterborough's strong midfield, South were determined to put in a solid performance. A large gathering of partisan home supporters added to the sense that this was a significant match for both teams.

It was clear right from the start that Peterborough had some very useful players with skills that South couldn't really match. But what we perhaps lacked in individual skill we more than made up for in teamwork and effort. The back four of Aston, Graveling, Johnson (F) and the fill-in Chalk all defended resolutely and with huge discipline, conceding very few short corners all game, much to their credit. The midfield spent most of the game harrying and challenging the opposition, with Virdi, Watson and Hawkes patrolling the flanks while Williams and McCulloch stuck like glue to their opposite numbers. A couple of South players even threw a few aerials up. Aerials! Whatever next..?

With so much commitment to defending strongly and marking closely, there wasn't much opportunity for the forwards Claes and Johnson (R). The odd chances we did get went agonizingly wide of a South stick in the opposition's D, and not a single short corner was awarded, despite some obvious Peterborough infringements.

Half-time came and went with no score. Peterborough pushed harder in the second half and created some great chances - but Parker was equal to all but two of these. The first was inexplicably (but thankfully) missed from half a yard out by a Peterborough forward at the far post and the second was pulled away off the goal line at waist height with ninja reflexes by Johnson (F) - showing an ironic aptitude for cricket, a game he professes no interest in. Miraculous goal-line clearances are becoming a habit for the curly-haired (or is it straight...?) defender.

As time ticked away, a break-away by the lickety-split Claes had everyone dreaming of a cheeky 1-0 victory but the chance was snaffled up by the hastily retreating defence. As the intensity of the game increased, the tolerance of the umpires decreased. Following a couple of free-hits taken from the wrong place and an unfortunate misunderstanding about which side had committed an offence (yes - I'm being kind. For once.) Johnson (F) was shown the yellow card for his, shall we say, over-enthusiasm. The 'Defenders Card Competition' is hotting up...

Fortunately Peterborough were unable to capitalize on the man-advantage and the final whistle eventually blew signalling much relief (and for a certain Mr Claes some not-so-subtle boisterous whoops of delight) for South. A fantastic team effort to keep our promotion hopes alive.