Football, football, football

I'm not sure where to start as it's been some time since the last post and so much football has passed under the bridge.

I neglected to comment on the football match at Wimborne last week - suffice to say we lost again although the team played pretty well against the top side. It was 2 - 0 and certainly the first goal was fortunate with a poor shot finding a team mate to strike home. It wasn't the game we expected as two of the opposition were the two who had played for us in the result that didn't count when they were outstanding for us.

Glen's game against Weymouth Victoria on Sunday was a much improved performance compared to earlier in the season although the team lost 6 - 2. They were competitive throughout and were only out of it in the final 5 minutes when three quick goals exaggerated the gap in quality. The main talking point was the physical nature of the game in which Glen amongst others was taken out quite cynically leading to several words on the touchline.

On Saturday, Bridie and I went down to Plymouth and watched Argyle against Saints wth a lot of kids from school at the game. I was very nervous for the first 15 minutes when Argyle started poorly, feel behind and looked ordinary. It looked touch and go whether I would be going back to school on Monday at that stage but the remainder of the game was very good with plenty of chances, some good football and a deserved equalizer.

A win would have been a fairer reflection but at least there was no defeat. It has been interesting to see the number of players coming and going at Home Park. It hasn't been often that Argyle players have been much in demand, so they must have been doing something right. I'm going down to the Hull game in a fortnight as well and will collect my camera which I forgot to bring home, so no photos yet.

Now the real glory!!

In quite spectacularly awful conditions, Iscape won at last. We've not been too far from a result in any of the games but despite falling behind, we experienced success at last. The rain was light when we arrived but by kick off it was heavier. Midway through the first half the rain was torrential and we were completely soaked. Nothing was dry and it was almost impossible to see as the wind whipped the water into your face. The post match discussion did identify another storm where the rain had been as fierce or maybe even more so but everyone did their utmost.

We fell behind midway through the half although we were creating more and better chances. A low shot to the corner evaded Nick in goal and it looked like a struggle against a young, fit team.

At half time the teams swapped ends to the accompaniment of lightning and crashing thunder. Before long a corner swung in from Matt C fell perfectly for me to head down into the corner to level the match. Still we created chances and were playing with assurance as Darren provided the energy to support the attack in the continued absence of the big man off to the USA and Spanish Dave.

With 5 to go I struck a long ball to the heart of the D where it was met by a flicked header from Kev. It hit the post but fell to him invitingly leaving Kev to lash the ball high into the net. It was a deserved goal and one which captured the points despite my losing the ball only to be saved by Gary blowing for full time.

The post match analysis was confined to Kev, Matt and myself as the others dripped off home to dry off and warm up again. The exception would be Nick who had an hour to wait before playing again despite being soaked through. Well played mate.

New Year same result

Iscape have a grand total of nil points after 4 games of the latest season but that really doesn't tell the full story after a narrow defeat to the league leaders yesterday.

It was interesting that we played against the the two lads who had come in for us before Christmas when we had that spectacular win which sadly didn't count as a real result. They had appeared outstanding but were kept very much under wraps throughout the game although they still played well. They just didn't have the impact I would have expected of them. That is largely down to the defence who kept themselves organised throughout.

It was a game of few clear chances with Iscape looking most likely to score from throw ins or corners but they had 3 players well over 6' and it was difficult to get any clear opportunities. The sum total of shots we had was 2 although you could count a left footed hoick from Matt C from inside his own half which almost sailed into the net on the bounce as the keeper struggled to judge the trajectory. Still he didn't let it in. We've seen that happen before (best not mention who was involved).

The other two chances came from good moves with a near post shot being well saved in the first half and a Kev Trill shot being turned round the post. If it had been a volley it would have flown in.

The goal came from a slick move finished by an outstretched leg at the near post taking it past the deputising Nick in goal. There were other chances but Nick was in commanding form even sliding out to the touchline on one occasion.

The idea of an Iscape golf tournament appears to be taking shape although it may have to happen in Bedford if Spanish Dave moves. Matt C can probably hit the ball that far anyway although Matt I apparently hits the ball even further.

Congratulations to Matt I by the way.

Weekend

It was a strange weekend in many ways as we said goodbye to Bridie and Joe. Bridie was first off after a flying visit and managed to miss her coach from Bournemouth although she caught up with it at Bridport. She spent most of the visit hugging Maira and has already overtaken me in the nappy changing statistics. Joe went off on Sunday carrying his worldy goods and XBox 360 in one massive rucksack with pairs of shoes tied on along with coat and hoodies.

So it's a quiet home again with all the pressure on poor Glen - he can't escape our attention!

He had his first football match of 2008 which was also his first since he started training with Bournemouth. I was very interested to see if that had had any impact on him. Rossgarth are just below mid table and played Dorchester who they had drawn with away. It was tight game on a wet pitch but Rossgarth emerged as 3 - 2 winners with Glen getting the man of the match award. He was virtually faultless in his play, winning headers and tackles as well as making significant runs to set up two of the goals. I was very proud of him. I just wish I'd had some his energy when I was younger!

They went one up early in the game with a goal from Eric but were behind after a smartly taken equalizer and penalty. Just before half time it was level again with Eric slotting home. A newish player Jacob scored his first goal for the club with about 15 minutes to go and it really ought to have been more with 2 goals disallowed for offside and a host of other chances going begging before the end.

Iscape start again tonight and I'm now into my 10th day of not smoking. Lets see how that goes later.

Happy New Year

It was back to school today after a holiday throughout which I seemed to be ill. What a waste of two weeks in a lot of ways because I feel like I need a holiday now. However, the last couple of days were better and I got to use my new golf clubs for the first time. Glen and I played the woodland course at Crane Valley and went round a couple of times at it's only 9 holes.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and hit the ball pretty well throughout. There were only 2 really duff shots the whole time. The ball actually went straight too but I imagine it's just beginner's luck.

School was quiet although we already have 4 members of staff off ill on the first day back. That's likely to get worse over the next 7 weeks which are the toughest of the year - lots of colds and bugs around and not a lot to look forward to until the spring starts - as well as the uncertainty of jobs in the new school.

I am applying for a headship in Sidmouth and a Deputy Headship at Ringwood and will be applying for just about anything in the area over the next 3 months. I haven't got a clue how I'll get on - these schools are bound to be popular because they're doing so well. But I definitely want to move schools and will just have to see if I can get lucky.