The 3rds put up a good battling performance to challenge the natural order of club teams, but the superior skills, composure and team play of the 2nds just got them through to a narrow victory.

A reshaped 3rd team were unlucky to concede an early goal, which represented one of a small number of chances. Generally the Glover, Bailey and Evans defence stood firm, and kept the opposition away from the danger area. This enabled the effective central midfield of Creed South and Farmbrough to gain the upper hand in the centre of the pitch and create enough attacking moves and goalmouth action to keep in the game. Unfortunately, 2nds keeper Lino Di Lorenzo was impassable.

The second half was similar and it was only a defensive slip that allowed the 2nds to go further ahead before Patrick Farnborough pounced onto a rebound from the keeper following a short corner to make it 2-1.

This weeks star injury was a Paul South ankle twist which narrowly took the honours over a couple of (accidental) shoulder-high tonks inflicted on innocent 3rd teamers.

In Paul's absence, the 3rds battled to the end and were unlucky not to equalise in a game played in good spirit, demonstrating the good health of the club at this level.