It was strangely quiet in the Vets1 dressing room before the game. Perhaps it was just the absence of Lolo’s Bluetooth speaker but it could have been a focus drawn from the knowledge that a win was required to give the team a fighting chance of staying in the first division come the end of the season.

With Miguel slain by flu, it was a timely return from injury by Griffiths. Xmas also made his first start since the away game against Irlande in October. Stalwarts Lewis and Gutierrez rounded off a strong 13. Captain Lolo, battling back from injury, took up his position in the dugout.

As had happened a couple of times earlier in the season, abssa assigned no ref to the game. Fortunately, FC Irlande Vets2 player and experienced referee Niall was on hand to take charge with his trademark mix of humour and steel. He was to have a busy afternoon.

Irlande kicked off and held possession well for the first few minutes. Suddenly though, Moreuil was off and running down the right, past the last defender and through on goal. From a tight angle he passed the ball into the far corner of the goal. 1-0. Boom!

The pattern of the game was established - Irlande with the majority of possession and territory but RBBFC with most of the threat. Midway through the half, we defended a threatening situation well and broke quickly through Rice, Christmas and Tsopo, the ball quickly going over the top to the speedy Moreuil, this time on the left. With the keeper advancing rapidly, the Frenchman displayed impressive sang-froid to lift the ball over the lanky Dutchman and into the far corner of the net. 2-0. Budda-boom!

No changes at half-time. Keep going, there are more goals in this.

A goal nearly came early in the second half when Pellegry got himself into a great position on the edge of the six yard box. He drilled a lovely shot across goal but just side of the far post.

Our first change was enforced, Christensen coming off having played through the pain barrier with a rib problem sustained the weekend before. Moreuil gave himself the challenge of completing his hat-trick from centre-half alongside Waite. Lewis stationed himself on the right wing in front of Ledbury.

Not long afterward, Christmas released Rice through the middle and with the goalkeeper again quick off his line and outside his box, our Irishman attempted to put the ball to one side of the keeper while rounding him on the other. The keeper slid and stopped the ball with his left had leaving the referee with little option but to send him off. Irlande’s skipper donned the goalkeeper jersey and was soon called in to action.

Cabaret and Pellegry had the left had side of the pitch locked down all match. From a good move down that side, Pellegry was chopped down attempting to retain possession in the box. He thought about trying to stay up but Lolo remote controlled him to the ground and a penalty was awarded. Rice completely botched it up and the stand in keeper made a good save to his left.

Gutierrez came on for Griffiths with the task of helping to see out the game and add some gloss to the score if possible. Down to 10 men, FC Irlande pushed and took risks. We had a few nervy moments with one outstanding save low to his left by Sejersen to ensure what he claims is his 99th clean sheet for the club.

Thanks To FC Irlande for their contribution to an enjoyable, sporting, afternoon’s football. The season is young yet!

MoM: Moreuil

Sejersen - Ledbury, Waite, Christensen (Lewis), Cabaret - Christmas, Rice, Tsopo, Pellegry, Moreuil - Griffiths (M Gutierrez)