Back in more innocent autumn times, Vets1 rallied from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with reigning champions FC Gast on the first day of the season. Having had their title defence so rudely derailed so early, there was little chance of Gast not being up for the return match. For Vets1, it was a chance to prove the September result was no fluke and to keep their season alive.

300 Vets1 caps had obviously taken their toll on Ledbury, who pulled up injured during the warm-up. We welcomed back Gus Gutierrez, Brian Lewis, Nel Tsopo, Will Jeremiah and Adnane Ahmidan to the to squad with Alex Cornford coming in for a belated debut at 39 years young.

4-5-1 was the trusted formation although it was probably closer to 4-1-4-1 in reality. Gast took hold of the ball, as they like to do, and stroked it around without looking terribly threatening. Vets1 struggled to find their collective touch but even so had an early and obvious outlet on the right through Jeremiah, Tsopo and Moreuil. From one break down that side of the pitch, Moreuil centred and, from where your correspondent was standing, either Gutierrez or Tsopo just failed to put enough of their left foot through the ball from about six yards out to beat the keeper.

We were to pay not long after. After some naïve defending, we conceded a free kick 25 yards from goal. Their BarcelonÍ attacking midfielder, who had clearly studied Ronald Koeman’s Camp Nou Best Of, spanked the ball over the wall and into the back of the RBBFC net. Horlicks!

Undaunted, we stuck to the plan and not long later had the ball in the back of the Gast net. Tsopo and Moreuil again combining down the right to send Moreuil scampering down the wing. The Frenchman put in a Premier League cross, which Cornford slotted into the bottom left corner of the Gast goal without breaking stride. The ref somehow adjudged young Cornford offside. Inexplicable, where’s VAR when you need it!

Shortly after half-time, Adnane came on for Alex who made an excellent impression in an unfamiliar position on his first game for the old lads. Adnane eventually made his way to the centre-forward position.

There were about nine major incidents in the second half:

Gus wriggled his way past two or three Gast defenders and absolutely leathered the ball goalward with the tip of his South American toe. The keeper got a hand to it but there was simply too much Venezuelan power behind the ball. 1-1!

Ronald Koeman took another pot shot from 30 yards, Tommy parried the shot and then had the ball kicked from his grasp as he pounced on it. No VAR required; ‘goal’ disallowed!

Lewis missed a decent opportunity having made a superb run into the box to meet a Morueil cross.

Ahmidan smacked the ball against the keeper’s legs having been played in by another ball from Moreuil.

Moreuil missed a header from the centre of the goal and later shot weakly with his left foot having lost his bearings after a mazy run in from the side-line.

Lars was headbutted by their winger but the referee didn’t see it and he somehow stayed on the pitch.

Lars then produced an unbelievable interception as their centre forward looked certain to be played in on goal. Roger cleaned up any residual danger.

A couple of minutes later, their centre-forward wriggled free but Tommy stood firm and produced a save to rank up there amongst his many top-drawer stops.

Rice was scythed down, damaging his ankle and his vocal cords in the process.

The application of the magic sponge took up valuable time and not long afterwards the ref decided he’d seen enough. 1-1 - a fair result but, as with the first game of the season, Vets1 might have taken all 3 points with a bit more luck and a touch more sang-froid.

The season is young yet!

Sejersen – Jeremiah, Christensen, Waite, Cabaret – Rice, Gutierrez G (1-1), Tsopo, Moreuil, Lewis – Cornford (Ahmidan)