A drizzly Saturday afternoon away to the Irish. Normally a game to look forward to, but with only ten available players, and the scene of our worse performance, losing 2-1 last season, it didn’t look good.

However from the moment we arrived there was a positive vibe in the dressing room. Captain for the day Alex, had thought this through. Do we defend or just go out and enjoy the game, and see what happens. In consultation with a few players the plan was to keep it tight early doors, and see how they lined up against us.

With our reliable vice captain and keeper away, Martin volunteered to go in goal. In front of him, we fortunately had a solid back four available. Alex, Hughie, Benoit (now known as, Sean who) and Brian. We went with four across the midfield, Ady on the right with Roman on the left, and central George, and the returning Johann. Up front on his own Pete Brown.

The first half saw us immediately under the cosh. The Irish sensing another victory decided to come straight onto the 10 men British. What they met, was a solid back four that gave nothing away. On the occasions that they managed anything on target Martin dealt with it. The Irish were being marshalled in midfield by a little Yorkshire man, and a rather rotund Dutch man. Johann set pulses racing, when he clattered the Dutch man to the floor. A worried Alex, raced to Johann with shouts of calm down( thinking to himself,has this idiot not learnt anything from his time out.) Johann tried to reassure Alex, it was a calculated foul!

Everyone worked extremely hard throughout the first half. The back four despite being under constant pressure. The midfield trying to protect the defence, and get up to support Pete when the opportunity to presented itself. Pete worked tirelessly up front on his own, and with the support of Ady, Roman and a George, managed to fashion a couple of good chances. One of which it looked like we might have taken the lead. Half time 0-0.

During the break, captain Alex demanded much of the same. Martin had hoped someone else would take the gloves second half. But the game was so tight, we decided to stay as we were. A big thank you to Martin. In fact it turned out to be a great decision as Martin made a few good saves. One in particular at point blank range, when it looked like the Irish had finally broken us down. Alex, Benoit, Brian and Hughie were outstanding. They were winning everything. It would be unfair to single out anyone in particular, they didn’t give the Irish attack anything.

The midfield had decided to go narrow when the Irish were in possession, and it was a tactic that paid dividends. George seemed to be everywhere, bursting forward one minute, on the edge of his own box the next. Ady was now supporting Johann centrally, and allowing us to go and help Roman who in supporting the defence had the Irish right back galloping forward looking for an opening.

Then wallop, Hughie was clattered and concussed. He was clearly injured and needed to go off. Hughie bravely tried to come back on (twice) but he did not know where he was. The Irish to their credit stopped the game on both occasions to assist Him.

So we found ourselves with around 15 mins to play, and down to nine men. The response from the nine, was outstanding and the reason I am writing this report. Even Hughie when he finally started to come round, was shouting encouragement and instructions from the side line. Alex has chosen to go three at the back. If their contribution was good until now, it now became amazing, they were still winning just about everything. The midfield somehow still found the legs to support and break out. The Irish were actually playing into our hands. Their keeper couldn’t take anymore and decided to come to the half way line and join in. We ‘the nine’ were now not only defending but somehow managing to create chances. Pete was occupying the defence and holding the ball up, waiting for support from George, Roman and Ady.

Then it happened. Roman who had been encouraged at half time to get his head up and run at them, did just that. He beat several players and when it looked like he had run into a dead end, he shot back across goal. 0-1 to the good guys.

The Irish threw everything at us, but to a man we held strong. I am sure their referee was adding time on, but I may be doing him an injustice, as he had a good game. If anything we could and perhaps should have added to our goal. When the final whistle went, our opponents (except the Dutch guy) congratulated us, even saying we deserved the victory.

MOM was won by Benoit (Sean, who) who was exceptional. But so were the other nine. Someone had to win it, but you could take your pick. If we show that application again, we will be in a good position at the end of the season. I am extremely proud of the team and our performance. We did have a few temper tantrums, but this was borne out of frustration and the desire to win.

As a note, I had my Fitbit on during the game. It said that I/we had covered 10km during the game. It may not be 100% accurate, but it gives you an indication of the work the boys put in to get what can only be described as a monumental result given the circumstances. Well done guys.