We had a day off in lieu today and I took the opportunity to get out and about on the bike for the first time in November. There is a link below to see the route which was just over 16 miles with a break in the middle to walk around Blashford Lakes.

I came back through Ringwood Forest which was pretty muddy and pot holed in places as I followed the footpaths through to Verwood. Thank you iPhone - it's nearly impossible to get lost with the map function and I could see which turnings I had to take. The forest is pretty nondescript as it's forestry commission land and therefore just full of featureless trees and gravel paths.

http://g.co/maps/zvsn7

Bournemouth beach in the sunshine

The incredible weather continues with a beautiful Sunday morning in the sunshine on Bournemouth beach. Maria played in the sand whilst we had a coffee and could even sit in shirt sleeves.

The odd thing is that we were then going Christmas shopping which just felt strange given the unseasonal weather. We've got a lot of it done now but have some busy times coming up with a trip to Leeds next weekend for starters.

Werder disappointment

It was a disappointing 3 - 1 defeat in the game on Monday as the untypical weather of recent weeks continued. It was a lovely evening again and we were strengthened by the return of the regulars so that we had two subs despite Dom being unavailable.

Richie - goalkeeper

Dougie, Craig, Dave, Phil, Matt C, new Matt - swapping between defence and midfield, even attack on occasion

Iain - upfront

It was a close game and one which we would not have been flattered by a draw. There were a few chances to both sides but we turned round a goal down to a slightly fortuitous goal from a corner. There were chances to level with me going round the keeper but firing into the side netting as the defence closed in for example but it looked like one of those nights. Phil let fly several times and was unlucky not to score.

However, an equalizer did come and it resulted from a bit of dribble for a change before I hit a left footed shot home across the keeper. Matt C had a stab with his left foot but it went wide and suddenly the game became very open. Sadly for us two left footed strikes were hit home in quick succession to leave us 3 - 1 down but we were still creating chances, the best of which saw the big fella at the back at the front but his shot went narrowly wide of the empty goal. He was unfortunate not to join Dave and Dom in opening their accounts for the season(s). Perhaps next week?

Bournemouth beach

Maria and I went out for a walk along Bournemouth beach this morning. Earlier I'd taken Joseph out for a walk trying to make the most of the lovely weather. It was a windy day on the pier and there were big enough waves for the guys in their kayaks and on their surfboards to be out and about. Although the beach itself was quiet, the path along the seafront was packed with families and couples taking the sea air and then sitting down for a coffee.

The woodpecker was in Joy and Robin's garden. We were there for sunday dinner and were able to watch the green woodpecker on the lawn for a something like quarter of an hour as it searched for ants.

Kingston Lacy

A noticeable change in temperature but a lovely sunny day nevertheless. We all went out to Kingston Lacy for a walk around the woodland paths this morning and collected lots of leaves for a crown for Maria to wear. It was a perfect morning and we found time to stop and grab a coffee or ice cream before doing some early Christmas shopping on the way home.

Werder win

Having suffered a real thumping the previous week, it was good to play in the balmy late October evening last Monday. The 9.30 kick off saw us line up with

Dave in goal
Dougie and Dom defence
Phil and Matt in the middle
New Matt and myself up front

The new set up means there is always confusion at the start about where the touchlines are but once we'd got over that, and who was on our side, as Phil passed a corner straight to one of the opposition, we managed to prise a win from the fixture. This despite having fallen behind at the outset to a flicked corner routine.

Dave was unbeatable in goal thereafter and the defensive solidity meant we rarely looked threatened in spite of the quality of our opponents' passing.

It was a wonder strike from Phil which levelled for us as he thumped home a great shot which took the slightest nick past the keeper and into the roof of the net. From that point on the unexpected truly happened with a corner played in low by Matt C causing much confusion and bouncing off me and onto Dom. I don't recall too many goals from him but he pounced and finished like a pro with a sharp finish from almost a foot away from the line! I might have exaggerated how far out it was! But it put us ahead and without his presence it would have been cleared and who knows where we'd have ended up without the goal.

The second half was quite even but there was time for new Matt to pull off one of the passes of the season as he thumped a pass across goal to find me unmarked and able to tap home and secure the points. Whether it was a shot or not, it fell perfectly and left us with clear daylight.

Our first three points in the new championship division. Perhaps we'll survive at this rarefied status after all?