The era of Laurent Legere's black & white veteran army got off to a memorable start with a superb performance against last year's veterans league winners Gast.

Starting with a defensive 4-4-1-1, all went well for five minutes. Then a quick combination move from their attackers and a lucky bounce saw the Gast striker slot the ball past Tommy. 0-1. More pressure followed. And from a corner, the unmarked Gast centre forward was able to score easily. 0-2. Five minutes later and a clever move released their left winger, who fired high into the net. 0-3 after 15 minutes and we all feared the worst against this bunch of former semi-pros.

Vets 1 are made of strong stuff, however. And the next goal 5 minutes later came at the other end. With Gast playing an offside trap close to the halfway line, a well-timed pass by the evergreen Zvoni saw Miguel run through and get to the ball ahead of the onrushing keeper and then score in the empty net. 1-3. so simple. Maybe they're a bit vulnerable at the back.

By this stage our back four of Nando, Lars, Roger and Mark were now coming to terms with the Gast attacks, helped by Laurent playing slightly deeper and Ben and Zvoni closing down their playmakers. Although Gast had a few shots and crosses, there was nothing that Tommy couldn't handle.

Then, with Gast again playing a high line, captain Lolo played an inviting through ball for Mark to run on to from left back. With Matthieu sprinting to offer a target at the far post, Mark saw him and opted to shoot instead, and gave the keeper no chance. 2-3.

Then 5 minutes from half-time, Lolo played in the tireless Cian on the left wing who got behind his defender close to the corner flag. Entering the box, he looked up and looped a wonderful cross just over the keeper where the ever-ready Matthieu was able to tap it home. 3-3. Needless to say we went into half-time the happier team.

The second half was more of the same. Gast had more of the ball, but our compact defence and midfield made it impossible to get through. by this stage Lars had their centre forward in his pocket. Cedric came on for the tiring Ben

• and with a quick reshuffle, he fitted in easily and our 4-1-4-1 shape soaked up their pressure.

But it was not just one way traffic. Going forward, we were able to worry them. half way through the half Miguel was able to find some space on the edge of the box and force a good save from their keeper. On another occasion, Miguel appeared to be pulled over in the box. you've seen them given. but not on this occasion. (to be fair the ref had a good game. apart from a yellow card for Zvoni there was very little we could criticise him for.)

With 10 minutes to go, Leo came on for an exhausted Zvoni, with Miguel now dropping deeper. Gast used the width, came through the middle, tried long balls and ticki-tacka, and had a few long shots. But we were always able to close them out.

With 2 minutes to go, we suddenly countered, and Leo squared the ball to an unmarked Miguel. but it was now the turn of their keeper to excel himself by saving in this one on one.

When the final whistle came, there was a huge cheer from the fans, acknowledging this excellent team performance against the reigning champions. We have not taken a single point off any of the top 4 teams in years. But this wasn't a lucky draw. if anything we were closer to scoring a winning goal than they were. it bodes well for an exciting season.

Reporter: Waite

MoM: Christensen