Defeated but resilient

Iscape enjoyed a relatively dry game of football last night in the sad knowledge that our sponsor, Spanish Dave, has headed back to sunnier climes for a large part of each week and will not therefore be available for Monday nights forthwith. That just shows what a lure Bedford is. It is something of a hotbed of riotous fun and excitement and Dave could not resist. In contrast Dougie just has to grin and bear it as he flies off to New Jersey, Texas and California but someone has to do it.

The struggle for a side each week continued and we were delighted to be joined by the irrepressible Adam who had previously indicated a desire not to play competitive football even against 12 year olds. However, he made it unscathed through the entire match which saw some fine performances all round as we played probably the best team in the division.

Nick played excellently in goal as usual with some terrific diving stops at the feet of the oncoming strikers, Dom was his usual steady self with foraging runs almost leading to a couple of goals, Dougie returning after a six week break and showing few signs of a Christmas hangover as he marshalled the defence. There was Kev marauding along the front and delivering quality set pieces from throw ins and corners and Matt the glue binding the various elements of the team together.

It was a nice surprise when we took the lead with a low, fiercely struck corner being turned in by Matt at the near post. Another of Kevin's corners almost led to a second goal but the keeper clawed Matt's flick away. We didn't even get the corner! And Gary was reffing!!

The equalizer came from a good strike which was well saved but the rebound feel to an attacker who had the simple task of tapping in from a yard. That was the score until well into the second half and we were doing well. There were chances too with Adam getting forward and Dom being caught in two minds when well placed. There was comedy too when Dougie took a quick free kick to launch to me in the opposition area but struck one of their players and a chance ensued. The goal was not long in coming and it was down to me to be honest. I lost the ball trying to nutmeg the defender and in my defence it was down at the opposition's area. Sadly we'd over committed and a stretched defence was breached in a sharp counter attack.

From then on their confidence grew and we tired. My favourite moment was making them laugh when I accused them of growing tired as they were having to walk the ball in. We lost a couple of goals like that but there was no disgrace in losing 4 - 1.

The evening was rounded off well with record numbers attending the post match press conferences in the pub after the game. I think everyone went down for a change with the exception of Nick who was playing again later. I'm willing to bet he made it down later.