Castle Green 0-2 Counterslip

Really believed we had a chance today, but undone by one decent strike and a scabby own goal!

Apart from that we didn't do much wrong in a game of few chances at either end.

So disappointed with the result, but pleased to see how we measured up against top of the league. Now we can concentrate our efforts on earning the right to take on opposition like that every week next season.

Well done to Counterslip this morning.

Congratulations to Welton Sub who correctly predicted that Kensington would win affer extra time. We did indeed win after extra time as it went to penalties! I am not sure he predicted the drama that unfolded this morning though. This match was very strange to play in, some was good, some was bad.

We started very brightly and John C opened the scoring. A strange two minute period followed which saw Suburbs score twice from their only 2 chances in the half (can't fault that, superbly clinical). We then continued to dominate the game but missed quite a few chances (forwards I am being kind). 1:2 HT.

In 2nd half John C scored again and Glen headed in a corner, 3:2 and we were still dominating possession, terrritory and chances. All credit to Suburbs though who sOcored again after a mistake from our keeper. We were getting very frustrated and they defended very well throughout the game with men behind the ball. Full time 3:3.

In extra time we scored early and thought we had won it but should have known better as one of the Suburbs subs headed in a corner to equalise again. Then the drama. As we laid seige to the suburbs goal, that was very well marshaled by their keeper, a cross/shot looped over the keeper and may or may not have crossed the line. As a centre half i can't comment but quite a few of our lads thought it was over the line. The linesman kept his flag down and the ref couldn't give it from his position. The ensuing melee saw our striker given his marching orders not helped by the Suburbs manager's conduct (for which he did apologise afterwards). The game continued and as we threw men forward Neil was brought down in the box and the ref gave a penalty, all credit to Neil who got straight up and said it was not a penalty. The Ref recinded the decision and the game ended 4:4. I had to leave before the penalties (due to kids party) but understand we scored all 5 and their keeper missed his. 5:3 win on pens.

Well done Neil for his honesty - vindicated in the end by the result. We are not claiming the high moral ground though as some of our conduct was poor and we will work to imporve that. Least we managed 11 players out this week and hopefully we can kick on from here and maybe even take some of our chances!

Just worth drawing people's attention to the game of the week next Saturday as we take on Castle Green with the top of the table at stake. Going to be an interesting game for us, as its a while since we've actually been tested and I'm pretty sure that Ian's lot will ask a lot of questions of us. Had some nice feedback from the ref today who apparently couldn't believe we were in Div 2 as apparently we're better than any of the Div 1 sides he's reffed all year (don't think he mentioned which sides he'd actually reffed though).

Seriously Ian? Sounds like you've won the mental battle already . Unless they are worried you might nobble a few of their guys. To be honest though from my own experience of Davo at training he does a fairly good job himself !! We train on a Monday night at 8pm up on the astro at Old Bristolians. The astro is back out on Longwood Lane, turn right and you'll see the playing fields on the left and the lights for the astro at the end of the field.