Smallworld

Victory

2011-12-21T17:19:00.002Z

In what threatened to be another rain soaked game, Werder came out on top on Monday night with the heavens thankfully sparing us a similar drenching to the previous week when we'd lost 4 - 3 in the midst of a huge storm. The conditions had been so poor that all of us were quickly on the way home immediately after the match rather than enjoy any trip to the pub. The tree blocking one of the nearby roads indicated just how bad things were and it came on top of an unlucky defeat.

This week we seemed to click in a way we haven't for some time despite starting with just 5 of the expected 6 players. Unusually we were on the front foot from the outset and dominated the early exchanges even though a player down. We then had the two missing men arrive and didn't look back.

Dave in goal
Dom and Doug in goal
Matt C and Damo in the middle
New Matt and myself up front

The first goal caused the ref to comment on what an accomplished goal it was, perhaps in surprise! The ball fell to me in the middle and Matt burst down the right and into space. His strike found new Matt on his own with a simply tap in to round off a fine passing move. The impetus we gained was even greater as Damo quickly followed up with a shot from a little way out that seemed to catch the keeper out causing him to fumble the ball in hopelessly. The two goals rapidly became three with a very similar move to the opening goal seeing me release new Matt down the right. On this occasion his shot arrowed into the far corner and he was poised for a hat trick before half time.

Damo's quick throw provided the opportunity for new Matt to get his third as he headed strongly over the keeper for a 4 - 0 half time lead. It isn't often we've turned round with that kind of lead and there was a memory from years ago of having lost a lead like this. However, not this time.

This time I was able to nutmeg a defender for new Matt to run on to and smash home his fourth of the night. We were safe and continued to play solidly for the remainder of the game.

Sadly for Dave, his clean sheet disappeared when a throw in was taken as a corner by the opposition and the fierce cross was hit home with barely a protest from us as the referee let the goal stand.

I think we'd take 5 - 1 any day though and it could be a sign of success to come with the annual pub quiz Christmas get together on for tomorrow evening.

2011-11-28T16:16:00.002Z

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

2011-11-28T09:31:00.002Z

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

2011-11-13T16:42:00.002Z

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

2011-11-13T16:34:00.002Z

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

2011-11-06T17:59:00.002Z

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

2011-11-06T08:51:00.002Z

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?

Moors Valley

2011-10-28T17:16:00.002+01:00

We've continued with our busy half term and enjoyed a visit from Chrissie, Jamie, Grace and Lily. It was a very late night for us after the children were tucked up in bed. Several bottles of wine had disappeared by 2am as we sat by the wood burner llistening to music and chatting. We were then up with the girls bright and early and Alison made everyone a cooked breakfast before we went off to Moors Valley. The sky was blue and cloudless after the heavy rain yesterday and we had a lovely walk round the play trail as shown in the photos.

From there it was time for coffee before they set off back to Plymouth and we went home for Alison to have a nap whilst Maria and I played.

Jack's christening

2011-10-25T17:46:00.002+01:00

We had a weekend in Yorkshire for Stuart's baby's christening. Jack is 5 months old and very different from Joseph who is just 5 weeks old. It was a lovely weekend with a chance to catch up with a lot of family including Joe and Glen who are lving the good life in Leeds.

Bike rides this weekend

2011-10-16T17:22:00.004+01:00

http://g.co/maps/afb2w

http://g.co/maps/x73jj

I've managed to fit in a couple of bike rides this weekend alongside widening the dirve and shifting a tonne of gravel.

Today we've had a lovely visit from Morag, Murdina, Paul and Charlotte - photos to follow.

End of season victory

2011-10-15T12:09:00.002+01:00

We had our final game of 7 a side on Monday with the league changing to six a side to allow more teams a chance to play by dividing the pitches into three from the existing two.

Richie in goal
Dom and Doug in defence
Dave Matt new Matt Craig in the middle
Iain upfront

The opposition started well and played the ball around nicely all evening. However, it was the more experienced side who took the lead and looked comfortable throughout despite the thorough examination we received.

The opening goal owed much to an astute through ball from Dave which split the defence and left me with an opening waiting for the keeper to commit before slotting home through the keeper's legs as the defence closed in. Dave is in a rich vein of form and he quickly added to his tally of goals for us which stands at one after the recent goal he scored following three years of trying. His prolific spate saw him chase in a long throw out from Richie which had been allowed to bounce. He ran bravely toward the advancing keeper and managed to beat him to the ball to nod home and give us a comfortable lead. We could even manage to spurn a penalty as I saw my kick saved in the corner but Richie was able to return the favour with a great save from an opposition penalty harshly awarded in the second half.

That left time for another penalty which was the only one which was actually deserved. Craig smashed it home down the centre and we were almost home and dry.

There was a typical goal we conceded late on with the ball bouncing around for some time before falling to an attacker who swept home high into the net.

That was that with the whistle following not long after. Is this something of a renaisance for the team?

48 year old scores winning goal!

2011-09-29T14:37:00.002+01:00

It was a fairy tale come true for a 48 year old dreamer who, having announced his retirement several weeks ago, returned for a run out with Werder Beermen on Monday evening. In what is likely to be a fairly frequent cycle of retirement and comebacks, I managed to last the full game and hit what turned out to be the winning goal.
However, the stand out performances came from new Matt with a hat trick and Dave C with his first goal for Werder after something over three years of playing.

The big fella really at the back this time in goal
Dom and Dave in defence
Rich Craig and new Matt in the middle
Iain upfront

In the absence of several players, the team had an unusual look to it but that was probably because of the lighting. They don't always look like that! One thing doesn't change and that was the habit of going behind early and this evening was no exception. One nil down and not getting hold of the ball at first, it looked like a long night in prospect but in actual fact, it wasn't long before it became clear we ought to win the game. It's just we made hard work of it.

The first equalizer came from a neat move on our right in which I managed to pop the return ball to Matt who struck a left footed shot goalward but with no real momentum. He turned in disappointment only to find the ball had incredibly slipped under the keeper and in. Our surprise was such that we promptly feel behind again. The equalizer this time came from a long throw by stand in keeper, Dougie. Bowling the ball up the pitch, he set me free and I put a first time ball inches over the defender to give Matt a chance at goal. Turning on the proverbial sixpence, Matt smashed a shot into the corner and we were level again. Then they scored again.
The pattern remained the same with another equalizer coming when I nutmegged a defender to release Matt once again. This time he was able to run onto the ball and push it past the keeper easily, a picture book goal.

At last we took the lead with Dave C competing for a ball in the middle of the pitch. The ball headed goalward and the keeper inexplicably missed the ball as he dived to cover it with me 'chasing' after any mistakes. The ball was headed in and it was just a question of following it in or tapping into the empty net. Thankfully the covering defender was unable to quite make it and Dave had inadvertently scored his first goal.

Our final goal was well worked again with new Matt squaring the ball perfectly for me to run on to and pass into the net with the keeper trying to narrow the angle.

There was still time for another goal to keep it tight at 5 - 4 but in the end we deserved the win and the three points.

The boys return

2011-09-29T14:28:00.002+01:00

We had the pleasure of a visit from Joe and Glen last weekend when they came to visit Joseph for the first time. It's quite a gathering these days!

Joseph and Maria

2011-09-18T19:42:00.002+01:00

Maria was able to give Joseph a cuddle wehn he arrived home this afternoon.

Congratulations to Bridie

2011-09-17T21:44:00.002+01:00

Joseph made his long awaited appearance at 5 past 4 this afternoon weighing in at 8lbs 11oz. Bridie and babay are doing great after as good a delivery as you could hope for.

Back to school

2011-09-04T18:44:00.003+01:00

We return to school tomorrow after a summer holiday which seems to have been too brief for any sustained sunshine to have made its presence felt. There is a definite autumn feel to the weather and we've been out picking blackberries, another indication of the passing seasons.

Having had a niggling cough carry on for the past three weeks or so, it is nice to feel that is coming to an end. Yesterday was the first time I'd felt up to a bike ride during that time and I completed just 6 miles going to Verwood, then Edmondsham and home.

That took the edge off the discomfort felt after the first ride in a while and I felt much better with the one today, 10 miles to Verwood, Moors Valley, Ringwood Road, Ebblake and back home.

The pictures include some from a sponsored walk we did for the RSPCA in Yorkshire when we visited Joe and Glen.

Unlucky defeat

2011-08-17T18:38:00.002+01:00

It was a wet evening in Wimborne when we lined up late to play our latest game at 9.30. Richie returned to goal after he and Phil completed a 24 hour bike ride for charity which had caused them to miss the previous game.

Richie in goal
Dom, Dougie, Dave C in defence
Phil, Matt C and Craig in midfield
Iain upfront

Unfortunately we were soon a goal behind as our unlucky keeper found himself beaten at the near post direct from a corner. At that point we were making our customary slow start and the lead soon doubled as a clearance was smashed back goalward on the volley. The early strike from distance caught Richie a little unprepared and his despairing dive was to no avail as it found the corner. It looked likely to be a long night but things turned around from that point onwards as we progressed through dominating their defence aerially and by passing the ball with a little more composure.
A lay off from a throw back to the big fella was crossed with unerring accuracy into the box where Matt C became top scorer for the season so far with a controlled volley which looped over the stranded keeper. A quality goal which gave us some confidence turning round at half time.
The pressure was one way and we dominated with good closing down and an eagerness to chase down every ball. From one such effort Phil sprang down the right and crossed beautifully presenting me with the clearest chance but the ball did not find the net as it should have done and the chance passed. However, a scramble in front of goal seemed likely to give us a deserved equaliser but the defenders blocked time and again. When they missed it, the ball simply hit the unwitting keeper and the lead was preserved.
In such circumstances things seem to inevitably go wrong as the team over commits, and that proved to be the case for us. A run through the centre saw the attacker hit home left footed to seal the defeat for Werder.
Once again, not quite the result the performance merited.

More visitors

2011-08-17T18:31:00.003+01:00

We had friends visit from Brighton after the baby shower on Saturday. They stayed en route to Devon and then a gig with Big Audio Dynamite at Ottery St Mary. Andy and his family have played together for years and this is their highlight of the summer.

Stourhead

2011-08-17T18:23:00.002+01:00

We had a trip out to another National Trust property yesterday when we visited Stourhead, about an hour's drive from us. The light rain soon disappeared and we had a lovely walk around the extensive gardens before a picnic with the ducks and geese.

Feeding the ducks in Fordingbridge

2011-08-14T11:41:00.002+01:00

It was Bridie's baby shower yesterday and that meant my job was to keep Maria occupied whilst preparations were completed and so we went on a trip to Blashford followed by the park in Fordingbridge.
We were treated to clear views of a kingfisher perching on reeds and twigs and plunging into the water to snatch small fish from the lake at Blashford. It's the first time I've seen a kingfisher perched, usually a flash of blue and that's it, and it was a real treat to see how colourful it is. We also saw lots of birds at the woodland hide and Maria was able to watch a rabbit through some binoculars. She prefers to look at things the wrong way round so they look further away!
Then it was on to the park at Fordingbridge and we'd prepared lots of bread to feed the ducks. There were plenty of takers including some ducklings, quite late in the year.

Woodlands to Moors Valley and back

2011-08-12T19:06:00.002+01:00

I spent some time sorting out the gears on my bike, as they'd been slipping after I had to remove the back wheel to repair a puncture, before setting off on a ride this afternoon. Thanks to the wonders of the internet I worked out what to do to increase the tension in the chain and had no problems on the ride taking in a 12 mile journey to Moors Valley Country Park and back through Verwood.

My aim is to get a 50 mile journey in before the end of the summer break which is only a few weeks away.

More photos of Corfe Castle

2011-08-11T19:44:00.000+01:00

Corfe Castle

2011-08-11T19:33:00.002+01:00

We had a trip out to Corfe yesterday and enjoyed a picnic at the castle in some warm sunshine. Robin took it easy and read the paper while the rest of us charged to the uppermost parts of the ruins in the wind.
On the way back we went via Studland for the first time years and went across to Poole on the Sandbanks ferry.

Werder draw again

2011-08-09T19:32:00.002+01:00

Another clear evening in Wimborne saw Werder Beermen struggle to make up the numbers on the night but after a scare, we managed to take to the field with a full complement and sub.

Goal - Dave C
Defence - Dom Dougie Matt C
Midfield - not sure anyone played there!
Attack - Iain Matt Richard Coz

A special mention this time for the crowd which peaked at three and all worthy of naming:

Lucy
Ben
Phoebe

One of the aspirations Matt C's children had expressed for the summer holiday was the opportunity to watch daddy play football. Isn't childhood wonderfully innocent even in these days!

Sad news too with the possible retirement of Spanish Dave who has been suffering the effects of twisty turny movements and is contemplating a break.

The game was a good one in which we initially looked to have the beating of the opposition but found ourselves behind deep into the second half. Plenty of shots were fired in and we actually passed the ball about with some confidence, including setting it backwards for a defender to restart the offensive, something the big fella at the back enjoys especially. With Dave having a good game again and getting the ball out with variation and chances for the opponents being limited, it was a surprise when we fell behind but once again it was a familiar failing.

Dom was left horribly exposed at the back, a pretty disturbing image for all involved made worse by the fact children were watching, and he couldn't manage to defend against the three attackers by himself for some reason.

We had it all to do and were trailing with literally 10 seconds remaining when we rescued a point thanks to a special goal from new Matt worth describing in some detail. Picking up the ball in the centre of the pitch he dragged the ball back on to his left foot with a tight turn which unbalanced the defender. Powering forward he slid to the next defender's right and into the area. At pace the ball appeared to be escaping slightly but another touch took him closer in but almost at the point of being closed down. However, he lunged forward with a powerful stretch to make a great contact with the ball which flew inches off the ground and to the keeper's right. It was struck well enough that although the keeper got glove to ball, he was unable to stop it or deflect it wide and the ball smashed into the goal.

A deserved point and unbeaten in two games. Can we make it a win next week? Will the crowd grow by next week? I can barely wait.

Stornoway

2011-08-05T22:58:00.002+01:00

Just back from a few days in the Hebrides and enjoyed plenty of sunshine which was lovely on an almost empty beach.

Werder draw

2011-08-05T19:13:00.004+01:00

After so long without a report on the Monday football, it's a draw I have to recount but one with an edge courtesy of some whining from the opposition. They didn't seem to appreciate their struggle to overcome what they saw as a bunch of ageing, talentless lardarses but that's just the image we cultivate - and with great success!

We were under the cosh from the start with the first five minutes spent in our own half which meant that I watched from about 30 yards away. Richie was unavailable and Dave stepped in, performing excellently throughout with terrific distribution. He saved a number of point blank efforts and the frustration on the other side increased right up to half time. At the turnround, the big fella at the back uttered his customary words of wisdom, predicting the game to be one where we'd sneak a goal and it was a matter of seconds later that his words proved prophetic.

A long throw out was flicked on and found Phil in space running on to a dropping ball. He struck the ball with aplomb and it flew goalward across the keeper, nestling in the corner from a confident volley. Phil's been on great form and it was no surprise to see him score again.

At one nil up, we seemed to annoy the opposition, in particular 2 young lads who became more and more frustrated by the ref leading in the end, to one of them being sent off for a few minutes during which time we conceded! Typical of us in some ways but it was a good performance and particularly pleasing because at least we didn't lose to them after all their complaints.

Job done

2011-07-31T19:20:00.002+01:00

Another day, another job on the list done. I've built a retaining wall in the garden and replaced the brickwork around the steps and begun to have a little more faith that it will stand up until the end of the holidays, as it is still stood there at the end of the day.

It didn't take too long which meant we got to have a trip out to Blashford Lakes this afternoon. We saw a heron close to one of the hides and watched it stab its beak into the water and emerge with a small fish which was gulped down in a single swallow. The woodland hide was busy but we spent most of our time by a small river where Maria was throwing sticks into the water whilst we had a coffee.

There was still time for a bike ride, just a short jaunt today but the best thing was the puncture repair seemed to have worked. instead it seems I've not quite got the wheel in the right place as the gears were slipping, hence the shorter ride.

Tomorrow will see the first report for the Monday night football with Sparkshop reborn as Werder Beermen.

Back on the bike

2011-07-30T19:21:00.002+01:00

Having somewhat foolishly agreed to taking part in a charity bike ride in June, I had to get a bike to do some preparation in readiness for the 50 miles I initially thought would be a doddle. It was no time at all before I realised that was simply not going to happen and I managed a much reduced 25 miles instead. Not too bad I guess after so long out the saddle and with just a few weeks to get some semblance of bike fitness.

The best thing is that I have kept going and went out today and did over 12 miles cycling to the garden centre at Holt and back. That was after decorating the dining room including ceiling, walls and wood work and it made a nice break after being cooped up for much of the day inside.

The iphone is a blessing as I was able to see what I'd done thanks to a brilliant app which tells me I averaged a shade over 10mph for the journey, despite getting a puncture 3 miles from home. It also allowed me to listen to the cricket as I cycled, the phone pinned to the fluorescent top I was wearing. I must look pretty ridiculous but it is good to be back in the saddle after a long, long time without riding.

Update at last!

2011-07-29T19:56:00.002+01:00

It's been almost 8 months since my last entry and quite literally nothing has happened in that time. Not only to me or anyone I know but also in the world at large. Thankfully this has meant I have missed nothing and can pick up again now that the summer break has finally arrived.

We seemed to be the last school in the country to finish and that gave Alison the chance to compile a long list of jobs to be completed and we've got straight on with them. Every hedge has been cut and it's taken 3 trips to the dump with the car full of bags, to clear the cuttings. We've also added slabs to the patio and that gave Maria the chance to play with some snails she found. There were a dozen of them and she also found a similar number of froglets which were emerging from the pond. You will also see the huge frog in the iris in the pond.

Footballers' night out

2010-12-24T10:17:00.002Z

An enjoyable night out during which the foundations of Werder Beermen success were forged with renewed determination. There is nothing like a pub quiz to give a team a lift but it was the closest we've come to winning for some time. We were not disgraced and even managed to guess the intro successfully including Parklife by Blur until it was realised it was just being played as background music.

2 lucky people left over £500 richer following the 'Play Your Cards Right' game and it could have been Dougie but the big fella at the back had the tough task of getting 9 in a row. I think the second winner got 7 cards right to win his money.

Cheers to Dom for organising the evening out and the food. Now to get in training for 10th Dec and the game against Carpet Barn.

Santa's reindeer?

2010-12-20T17:01:00.001Z

More snow photos

2010-12-20T16:51:00.000Z

Lovely weather for snowmen!!!

More snow!!!!

2010-12-20T11:39:00.002Z

I have never seen so much snow! I got the dogs out before it started again at about 8 and by 9 it had started coming down gently. Right now though it's heavy snow coming down with at least 5 inches of snow on the ground. I'm sure there are people all over who would dismiss that as nothing but to us in the south, especially at this time of year, it is a massive amount.

The snowman in the photo has a huge snow covering to his cap now and the birds are desperately scrabbling for a turn on the bird feeders.

I am imagining our football in Wimborne must be off and it means Bridie is stuck at home for her birthday having had the day off from work already. Any plans to go shopping or out tonight look in jeopardy.

Snow pictures

2010-12-19T06:51:00.002Z

One of the great fortunes of living where we do is the quick access empty spaces and as a result you can get out and enjoy the countryside with few interruptions. The dogs love chasing about in the snow and we went down the road to the exclusive golf club, where no one was to be seen, and I took some photos which capture some of the beauty of the scenes. The sun was out but it was very cold as the snow starts to harden and freeze ahead of the cold night with -5 C expected.

Feeding the birds in the snow

2010-12-18T10:51:00.002Z

Got the wood burner going, the Christmas lights up in the conservatory, the place tidied up and sat watching the birds busy at the feeders. A 'chilled' way to start the holiday.

Snow again

2010-12-18T09:11:00.002Z

We seldom have snow of any note and even more infrequently do we have any before the new year. It was lovely to wake up to another, for us, heavy fall this morning and another chance to walk the dogs in the untrodden snow of the woods.

We beat everyone else out this morning apart from one car, the tracks of a single car being visible on the road. That means a quiet day indoors as there isn't any urgent reason to go driving off anywhere. Time to light the wood burner and catch up with relaxation time.

A memorable defeat for Bremen

2010-12-18T07:00:00.002Z

We had a close to full strength side on Monday but it wasn't enough to save us from snatching a brilliant defeat from what should have been simple victory. Thus our enviable record of having lost all our games so far this season continues and Craig has never played and won.

The evening was always going to be fun anyway with the return of spaceship, new Matt back after his European sojourn. It felt like even more fun as we went two goals up and played well throughout the first half.

Rich in goal
Dougie and Dom in defence
Matt C Dave C Spanish Dave and Craig in the middle
new Matt and Iain up front

We genuinely played well and it was a great second goal which capped the fine performance to that point. We'd taken the lead after a Matt C shot screwed wide and I hit goalward from a very tight angle only to see the ball hit the post. The defender finished it off though with a brilliant thump home into the top corner from a yard out.

Spanish turned very well on a difficult pitch to leave his marker behind and squared the ball to me as I heard Matt C call on the overlap. Unmarked his shot was made easier as the ball fell into his path to give him the chance to open his body up and hit to the far corner. Despite the fingertips of the keeper it was always going in and was a fair reward for a good game.

I am at a loss to explain what happened next. We conceded from a free kick we had which the keeper caught and threw down pitch. Their attacker somehow poked the ball home despite being an outsider in the race to the ball and incredibly, within a minute it was level. A long shot deflected in off Dom who could do nothing about it and that was that, 2 each at half time.

The second goal summed up our season to be honest. We've found some brilliant ways of conceding goals.

The third for them came from a good move which left Rich exposed in the cold but we were on terms again within seconds. This time new Matt finished following a cute through ball which gave him a chance to finish with the proverbial aplomb. A fine volleyed goal which gave us impetus but again we fell behind, this time there was no coming back.

The goal scorer ran the length of the pitch interspersed with a one two and was able to find time and space to slot home and seal the points.

The result is we clinch relegation for the second time in a row and fall to the lowest league having been cup finalists and premier division players just months ago. How the mighty are fallen. Has Dom become our Roy Hodgson? Are we just old and slow? Has it all been an effort by our collective sub-consciousnesses to find a level where we can enjoy winning without having to run around too much.

The spring will reveal all. In the meantime the snow is back but school has already broken up and we can't have a snow day. What has the world come to!

Nativity

2010-12-18T06:41:00.002Z

I think this is the first nativity play I've ever seen by three year olds and you can imagine how cute they all were. It was lovely but showed how things have changed so much. There appeared to be too few seats to begin with but once the play started, and it was only a few minutes long, the rows of chairs emptied so the audience could get a better view for their videos. Sad to say I am one of them but it's almost as if no one experiences anything in the moment any longer. The photos and videos are required for future viewing and perhaps the viewer loses the ability to simply engage with something memorable in front of their very eyes? I wonder how many of the videos get watched again.

By the time Maria had finished and gone back to the pre-school, she was one of very few who had not cried; so many were over-whelmed with such a big audience!

Kingston Lacy

2010-12-12T15:57:00.003Z

It was a beautiful afternoon with a low sun casting long shadows. We went over to Kingston Lacy and enjoyed listening to carols sung by a group dressed in Edwardian costume. It was very atmospheric and created a lovely Christmas feel with the hot roasted chestnuts and the green man which had been made a couple of weeks ago.

Saturday morning

2010-12-12T15:44:00.002Z

Maria is an angel in the nursery nativity next week and I bought her some wings which she tried on in the morning. She looks quite ethereal with the light above her!

The others are from her dance group which she attends on Saturday mornings. We were able to go in and watch her and it was lovely to see the girls running around at such a young age with some idea of what they were doing but with plenty of scope for cute mistakes such as the one girl who refused to skip and held everyone else up as she walked at a funereal pace. Maria was so excited she just jumped and skipped around the whole time.

Working and frozen

2010-12-05T18:35:00.002Z

Both Bridie and Glen were working today, Glen doing an 8 hour day for the first time ever in his new job washing up while Bridie cooks for the Christmas crowds. That meant we had a quiet house today until Joe gets here later this evening and I got on with messing about with some of the wood we have for the wood stove. The logs look great covered with snow spray and a festive robin sitting on there with candles either side and I used some of the apple tree cuttings which we use for kindling, to build a wooden log cabin. Bridie actually thought I'd bought it but I think she was humouring me!

Again the snow spray covers up a lot of inadequacies in the construction.

The roads are still treacherous in places and we had a landrover end up in the hedge over the road from us this morning. It had lost grip nearer the top of the hill and skidded down until it crashed through a ditch and into a tree in the hedge. It was well and truly stuck and the front was completely caved in but the two guys got out unscathed but hugely embarrassed.

Fortunately it went to the opposite side from us but it could easily have been different with them skidding into our garden or worse!

Snow day Friday

2010-12-04T18:51:00.002Z

Once again we had an unexpected bonus with another snow day due to the freezing temperatures which had made the snow treacherous underfoot. To be honest I'd have been able to get to school but it's the state of the grounds and paths that would be the concern. Of course others will have had even more snow to contend with and therefore the most sensible thing to do was make the decision to close and wait for the weekend thaw.

It's rained today and overnight which has cleared most of it but we have had some lovely walks with the dogs and it's been a real treat being in the utility room with the wood stove. The cats and dogs love it too and curl up snug and warm despite the freezing temperatures outside. The smell of the wood burning coming from the chimney when you're outside is very evocative and makes it seem so homely and welcoming.

Sparkshop

2010-12-02T10:41:00.002Z

Having the day off school gives me plenty of time to update the world on the travails of Werder Bremen (I ought to stop using Sparkshop) and our attempts to avoid a second consecutive relegation. Things weren't helped with Dom desperately seeking an additional player to give us our seven but Glen stepped in to at least make up the numbers. In the end, he did much more than that and could become a fixture in the team despite being able to run and chase.

Dave C in goal
Dom and Glen (then Matt C) defence
Spanish Dave, Craig, Matt C (then Glen) midfield
Iain forward

It was an inauspicious start and we were quickly 2 goals down with the side unusually exposed at the back. It was a pattern which was repeated throughout with alarming regularity. The second half was better in that we only conceded 1 goal but there had been 5 by then and we were well beaten

The highlights were few but I managed to head home from a corner and Spanish Dave scored from a cross when I returned the set up compliment.

The brightest spark came in the form of Glen who played well and held his own despite his tender years. I think we'd be happy to see him perform again.

Snow Day

2010-12-02T10:31:00.003Z

Up at 5 to the sight of the snow falling heavily giving Dorset its heaviest fall for 17 years apparently. It is over 3 inches deep which is significant for us and of course, it makes for some wonderful photo opportunities.
With school closed by 7am it gave us a chance to go for a walk in the woods together and to be amused by the dogs and their reaction to the snowfall.

Kingston Lacey

2010-11-21T19:06:00.002Z

Despite the cold Maria, Alison and I took a drive out to Kingston Lacey and had the place almost to ourselves as we pushed her round the gardens on the bike she got for her birthday. The acers and bamboos look great and a good deal of effort has gone in to siting some interesting wood art with many odd forms twisting in the borders.

Christmas looms

2010-11-16T06:55:00.004Z

We went to a local garden centre on Sunday and Maria loved the festive scenes. Still seems too early to me.

Werder Beermen win at last!

2010-11-16T06:28:00.000Z

On a bitterly cold evening we managed to win a game even though we actually drew. That means it was a cup game and started a goal down before winning the game 4 - 3. I managed to score a penalty awarded after an exciting run from Phil was halted and Craig brilliantly set up Spanish Dave to tap in after a proper move with passes from the back. We stuttered then and were pulled back to level with the goals summing up our current bad fortune. There were so many deflections I think the ball hit everyone for their second but we hit back.
Again a good move saw Dave freed to score from close in. Sadly conceded again with Rich horribly exposed. Not a pretty sight!
To his credit Richie burst forward on the frozen surface from goal to set up another chance for Dave who saw his shot strike a hand and hit the bar. No penalty but Richie got the ball and tricked his way to a spot kick.
Bravely he strode up to score with a nonchalant strike and see us home by 4 goals to 3.
Craig enjoyed his first victory in the famous white shirt!
Only took 4 months.

Werder Beermen

2010-11-04T20:30:00.002Z

Oh dear. Another Monday and another defeat, again by 4 goals to 1. Disappointingly it was against a side we ought to be doing much better against but we suffered again from falling behind and having to chase the game.

Rich in goal
Dom and Dave C in goal
Spanish Dave, Craig and Phil in the middle
Iain up front

It was a good start and we had several good efforts on goal including a great effort from Phil which deserved to go in. It was a pattern repeated throughout the game with our strikes just failing to register time after time. The exception was the goal from Phil which came from a lovely Craig through ball. Phil took his time and slotted home with confidence. It put us just a goal behind at that time but we were left open at the back several times pushing for an equalizer.

Work to do in retaining our place in the league.

Halloween

2010-11-04T20:13:00.002Z

Bridie and Maria went out trick or treating on Sunday but Maria decided to go for the subtle approach of Snow White in referencing the horrific nightmares of the wicked step mother. I'm pretty sure this was her early attempt to create a metaphor for the decline of the family in modern Western Society alongside the role of the coalition government in hastening its demise.

Mushrooms

2010-10-30T15:36:00.002+01:00

We popped in to grandparents this morning and Maria noticed the lovely mushroom growing in the lawn. Quite impressive!

Half term trip

2010-10-30T15:26:00.002+01:00

We drove up to Yorkshire on Wednesday and had a good break including a visit to Hardwick Hall, a National Trust property just off the M1 and therefore a good place to break up our return trip home. It is best known through Bess of Hardwick who built the new hall as a public statement of wealth and power whilst the old hall, now an attractive ruin, had been her home in childhood. Alison is a little obsessed with Bess at the moment and was pleased to be able to add this visit to her summer outing to Chatsworth.

Sparkshop defunct - Wereder Beermen arise

2010-10-26T16:44:00.002+01:00

I think we are now called Wereder Beermen as we begin life in the championship following relegation from the top flight. In fact we are struggling at the moment with barely any games over the past 7 or so weeks and nothing like a settled side.

We lined up last night with 7 players including Dave C in goal, Dougie and Dom at the back, Spanish Dave, Matt C and Vern in the middle and me up front. We were disrupted by an injury to Vern who pulled a calf muscle and had to switch to goal at half time by when we were already behind.

This followed last week's game when we lost 3 - 2 despite scoring 4 of the goals!!

I managed to get a brace, including a penalty resulting from a Dom foray up front where he was pushed competing for a header. Sadly my two were matched by two splendid strikes from the big fella at the back who would dearly like to be the big fella up front one day. In fairness to Dougie they weren't his fault, especially the first when the ball was pinging around with shot after shot raining in until one hit him and deflected back on target and in.

The second was more classy with an attempted clearance proving beyond the actual physics Dougie's body was capable of at that time. The net bulged to a rampant finish which merely encouraged our opposition to go about actually scoring one themselves. The goal came from a very tight angle and just evaded the despairing Rich.

The 3-2 loss was a fair result and we arrived last night with 0 points to our name but hardly a game played. Sadly 3 pint Pete has had the call up from the brewers of Wimborne and is putting in sterling work on their behalf meaning he is no longer part of the squad and he'll be sorely missed.

We ended up 4 - 1 losers but played better than the score suggests. The first half was an even one but we didn't help ourselves. Hilariously we managed to lose the ball from the kick off due to a poor start off but that was nothing compared to putting the next one out for a corner following the opening goal! I'm not sure how Dom was expected to reach the back pass which was to one side and speeding past him before he could move.

We lost the first goal to a mazy run and the second to a missed header and punch from a long throw which gave a free header into an empty net. I was brought down in the box but a clear penalty was waved away before several close efforts were shot in before half time. We were unlucky to be behind but the second half was disjointed. The switch of keepers didn't help and there was a lengthy delay as Dave C slid in and finished the night early for one of the opposition. Despite this there was a fourth goal on the break with a fierce shot powered past Vern.

That goal came the other side of another mazy run and finish for them and a cute side foot from Matt C which went through the legs of two players, the keeper and defender who anticipated a fiercely struck piledriver.

Disappointing but perhaps with a settled side and more regular games we can turn things round next week.

Maria's birthday

2010-10-26T16:31:00.002+01:00

It was Maria's birthday last weekend and we had a lovely visit from several of our Plymouth relatives. Grace and Lily joined the party and we had fun with friends from nursery along as well.

The next day Maria and I went for a walk with her new bike which I got to push along!

The evening was fun as well with a night by the wood stove seeing us dancing around in the old shed which is now the utility room until the early hours.

New Forest

2010-10-02T14:00:00.002+01:00

The final Friday of our summer holiday took us to Brockenhurst and again the weather was set fair. We had a picnic without a single wasp in sight and a lovely walk amongst the horses and cattle.

Portman zig zag

2010-10-02T13:54:00.002+01:00

This isn't a place we've ever been to before despite it only being a few minutes from Boscombe pier. The weather was fantastic and the water was warm(ish) and there was so much space to enjoy the beach.

To add to the visit, the walk down takes you along a zigzag path where many lizards run without fear or bask in the sunshine. I understand they may be an escaped species but they made the journey up and down a memorable one.

End of the summer holidays

2010-10-02T13:48:00.002+01:00

One of our final days out was to Moors Valley where Maria enjoyed the many play areas. A good deal has changed since we used to visit and there is even more to do.

Sparkshop Premier News

2010-08-26T15:42:00.002+01:00

It was the final game of the league season and after the initial win we enjoyed in the first game we have managed to put together a run of 7 matches in a row without a point. No real surprise in that as we were always going to struggle in the rarified atmosphere of the premiership.

We lost 3 - 1 with only a penalty to show for our endeavours and it isn't hard to see whay we struggled with just 9 goals scored in the 8 games.

However, we are more than competent in the championship and look forward to the new season with relish as we have begun to strengthen the squad.

Dougie played in goal and made several great saves even using his face on two occasions!

In defence we lined up with Matt and Craig in the absence of Dom who decided to play for the opposition as they were one short. Despite that they still beat us! We also had Vern who had played a couple of weeks previously.

In the middle we had one pint Pete this week and the returning Spanish Dave.

For what it's worth, I was up front and managed to gain the penalty when Dom generously handled in the area.

With Phil, Rich and Dave to return, we have quite a squad now and will be top of the league to gain promotion in a few months time.

Back on the beach

2010-08-22T10:54:00.003+01:00

It was sunny on our final day and we nipped down to the beach for a final time on our return from Saltram. Joe relaxed in the sunshine with his guitar, serenading the seagulls, and Maria walked round and round the beach following the little streams and along the shoreline. We found a dead mackerel which had already had a chunk bitten out of it and a shoal of sand eels before exploring the rock pool with its limpets and barnacles.

Saltram again

2010-08-22T10:50:00.002+01:00

Being in Devon meant we had to spend at least some time visiting Saltram, although we missed being able to tour the house as it was a Friday and the house is closed then. The children had a picnic and a walk, with Murdina and Chrissie proving their expertise at hide and seek again.

Mermaid on the beach

2010-08-22T10:43:00.002+01:00

Chrissie got into making a mermaid sand sculpture which turned out to be something the children loved doing. There is also a photo of Buckfast Abbey which we visited on the Thursday. It's a beautiful place to visit.

Glen - Live from Challaborough

2010-08-20T08:01:00.004+01:00

There was a talent show during our week in Devon and Glen perfomed in front of a packed audience against a mighty line up of two 9 year old girls who 'danced' i.e. moved about a little cutely while their parents cheered.

He managed to retain his credibility by covering Karma Police in a move designed to avoid pandering to the easy option of crowd pleasing with a ballad or similar. I'm guessing not many of the audience were familiar with Radiohead's opus.

Challaborough continued

2010-08-20T07:21:00.002+01:00

We had fantastic views across to Burgh Island which I explored fully for the first time ever. It's cut off from the mainland at high tide but is accessbile easily most of the time across the sand. After years of visiting Bigbury beach which is just around the corner from Challaborough, I made the effort to walk over and climbed to the top of the island which hosts an exclusive and very expensive hotel. It probably sounds as if I made more effort than was actually the case. It isn't a big island by any means.

The photos show Murdina and Chrissie reacting differnetly to the kites they were flying. Murdina looks as if she's about to be attacked! You'll see Maria had a lovely time with her cousins, Grace and Lily.

Challaborough

2010-08-20T06:54:00.002+01:00

Last week saw us in South Devon at Challaborough enjoying a cool but relatively dry week at the beach. Our caravan was right next to the beach but before arriving we had to risk the extremely narrow lanes leading to the site and a sat nav which seemed determined to take us down the most seldom used tracks in the south west.

The campsite was typical of its type with a range of activities provided for children throughout the day along with evening entertainment that was fun to watch despite the variability in quality. I doubt I'll ever watch a balloon entertainer again but he filled an hour and the children seemed to enjoy it.

There were lots of opportunities to meet up with the family and we spent most days with them and are looking forward to Rachael and John's wedding next year as we have a week in Cornwall in the run up to the wedding at Easter.

We played lots of boules and Glen got himself a board to skim the shoreline which he quickly mastered after some intriguing contortions as he sought to gain mastery without plunging into the water.

Day 3 continued

2010-08-03T11:54:00.003+01:00

From Orrset Head we took ourselves to the Lake District Visitors Centre midway between Windermere and Ambleside. The adventure playground is great for younger and older children and Maria was happy to play for a couple of hours. In a nearby field a huge group was playing an impromptu game of cricket with some menacing fast bowling proving unplayable on the uneven surface. We walked down to the water sports area and the sun broke through. The gardens were beautiful with a small putting area and space for croquet.

The three of us were sat on a sloping lawn trying to stop the ball Maria has from disappearing down the hills and into the bushes. She didn't seem to mind us having to go deep into the undergrowth to fetch it!

In the mid afternoon a trio of musicians arrived on the terrace and began playing a mixture of classical and popular tunes. There was a cello, violin and guitar which sounded quintessentially English in the midst of a beautiful English home.

Lake District Day 3

2010-08-03T11:42:00.002+01:00

We spent Saturday evening in Bowness which was very lively with a funfair and large parties of visitors exploring the town which appears to be the most commercialised of the holiday venues. There were many places to choose from to eat and the evening was nice and sunny, good enough to encourage us to take a drive to the southern end of Windermere, Lakeland which was stunning.

The next morning was damp but there was no stopping us from taking a trek up Orrest Head, a mile walk taking us to the summit of the first of Wainwright's walks. Maria needed carrying a few times but she enjoyed running around the trees and boulders. The views from the summit were somewhat obscured by the drizzle but it was interesting to see the cloud breaking to the east as it cleared the Lake District with grey clouds sweeping in from the west.

Lake District Day 2

2010-08-03T10:54:00.003+01:00

We were up early on Saturday morning and took a drive around the Lakes ending up in Keswick and back to Windermere taking in some great views on the way. The first stop was at Glenridding, in fact a small National Trust car park just a little way on from there as we made our way to Aira Force, the biggest waterfall in the Lake District. The car park was opposite a small area of shoreland looking across Ullswater and passers by had been building cairns as they had done when we were at Grasmere the previous day. Maria worked on her throwing technique and was getting some impressive distance as we found plenty of pebbles and stones to throw. Not many skimming stones though and Alison just had to take my word that I had been pretty impressive in the past at bouncing stones along the surface of the water.

Aira Force is another National Trust property with a small tea room as well as a fantastic walk. I did it on my own at first as Maria had fallen asleep by this stage and Alison stayed in the car with her while I got out and explored. There was an interesting tree which had fallen and was packed with coins hammered into it making it look like a reptile sprawled on the floor, its scales metallic in the intermittent sunshine. The waterfall was in full flow and a mist swirled below it as the water crashed down impatiently. Maria managed almost the whole walk, nearly 2 miles, although there were some steep steps on the route back down.

On the way back from Keswick I managed to watch a few minutes of the afternoon cricket at Ambleside. The photo shows a ball which got the final batsman out - I watched just two overs and saw 3 wickets fall which means the fielding side were very much on top.

Sparkshop update

2010-08-03T08:24:00.002+01:00

It was a somewhat depleted side which took to the field of dreams last night with Dave injured in a cricketing accident the day before leading to his having to wear a splint and give the goalkeeping a break for a while.

Rich - in goal
Dom and Doug - defence
Matt, 3 pint Pete and multiple pints Phil - midfield
Craig and Iain - attack

It was a tough game again against a decent side who passed the ball well up front but were a little open at the back. It is fair to say 3 of their goals came somewhat fortuitously but they could have scored others which meant 5 - 2 was a fair reflection. There were some moments of good passing amidst sterling defensive work but we were behind early with a low shot carrying enough pace to hit the net despite a strong hand from Rich. Unfortunately Matt got on the score sheet at the wrong end when he deflected the ball in from a cross which simply hit him.

The other goals seemed to deflect about in front of goal and seemed to support the opposition's early assertion that they could wear us down by passing the ball about. However, we finished quite strongly and pulled a goal back through Craig's first goal for us, a superb shot which dipped late to lob the keeper and go in via the underside of the bar. The second was a simple goal from a long throw by Rich and controlled by me in the area with plenty of time to contemplate trying to get it on my right foot. However, the shape was all wrong for that and it was the left foot swinger that incredibly didn't just fly wide or over.

The sausage and chips provided some compensation but there is work to do if we are to avoid relegation from the top flight once again. It is fair to say life in the championship is probably where we are better placed.

http://www.stinkyriver.co.uk/

Here's the link to new Matt's blog of his travels around Europe. It continues to be a great read.

Crossing Windermere

2010-07-31T07:17:00.002+01:00

We had a half hour cruise across Windermere from Bowness to Ambleside with the intention of catching a bus out to Grasmere from there. It was a day when the light would have tested all the skills of landscape painters, patches of light brightening the enveloping gloom. The rain held off still but the weather helped 'toughen' up the appearance of the hills sliding into the lake.

It was then on to Grasmere, home to Dove Cottage where William Wordsworth lived in the early 19th Century little realising that his work would torment me as an A Level student almost 200 years later. Somehow I feel had he known, he wouldn't have written some of the poems as he would have had some sympathy for struggling schoolboys. There aren't many young men who will admit being moved by a poem about daffodils. Perhaps Morrisey but that's about it.

The Lake District

2010-07-30T21:40:00.002+01:00

Alison, Maria and I arrived at Windermere yesterday at lunchtime, much earlier than we'd anticipated thanks to Maria getting us up at 5a.m. which meant we set off some 5 hours earlier than expected. The beneift of that was to help us avoid traffic on the 317 mile drive which allowed us to arrive shortly before 11.30, just the six hours ahead of when we'd told our hosts we'd be arriving.

The first stop was the Lake District Visitor Centre with a lovely adventure playground and colourful gardens followed by a drive to Ambleside where we sat by Windermere impressed by the lush greenery which was out of keeping with the harsh slopes I'd expected. The local environment was far less like Dartmoor or the Highlands tahn I'd anticipated but it was nonetheless very impressive.

Today we started out by walking to Bowness shortly before 9 and avoided the threatened rain as we wound our way past the dry stone walls and slate buildings toward the centre of the town and Beatrix Potter World.

Sparkshop update atumun cup

2010-07-28T10:48:00.003+01:00

It was a balmy evening in Wimborne despite the late kick off as we started the next incarnation of the 7 a side cup, the competition with no discernible format. We were in our first game whilst the quarter finals of the summer cup were in full swing and were pitched against the team we'd beaten 2 - 0 a few weeks previously.

Line up

DAVE in goal
DOUGIE DOM in defence
PHIL PETE MATT in the middle
RICH IAIN in attack

It was a very good game for us despite only winning 2 - 1 on the night which turned into a draw with the goal advantage the opposition started out with. They are the kind of team we were always well matched with in the past but we seem to have progressed and played some quality football at times, particularly in the first half.

Dave created the first goal with a quick release which set Rich free to set up Phil with a great pass. He smacked the ball in with confidence and was quick to return the favour with a superb ball after a strong run down the right bringing together a flowing move full of controlled passing. The ball played inside released Rich in the area and he kept his remarkable scoring record going with a neat finish to the far corner.

It's not always been the kind of football we've been associated with but there were some genuinely good moments which threatened more goals throughout the game. It was an unfortunate goal we conceded but it didn't really take the gloss off a fine performance.

Continuing the film reviews from last time with Inception, we went to see Toy Story 3 yesterday and it is just as good as the first two. Very funny in places with stand out performances from Mr Potato Head and Barbie and Ken. Having seen plenty of comparisons between Wayne Rooney and the animated vegetable, Mr Potato Head looks better than Wayne Rooney to be fair. He also had an equally effective World Cup.

Finally, have a look at stinkyriver.co.uk for a fine read full of detailed descriptions of new Matt's journey around Europe. If you enjoy castles, it's the place to go. There is a lot more to it than castles but they do get a few mentions.

Glen's prom

2010-07-20T21:13:00.002+01:00

Glen had his prom a couple of weeks back and is pictured with his mate, Rob, and Bridie. With exams out the way he has got himself a busking licence and today earned £15 in 3 hours in Poole. If you want to see and hear him sing, go to You Tube and type in Glen Salmon. He isn't the footballer but is the fifth video down.

Football update

2010-07-20T21:03:00.002+01:00

It's been quite a while since the last update but truth to be told, there have not been many victories to report although the food in the Pye has been excellent post-match.

Starting with games, we drew 1 - 1 in the cup last week with new Matt hitting the bar with a deflected shot which fell obligingly to myself to head home and lost last night in a league match which saw us stumble to a 3 - 1 defeat.

It would be a lie to say it was unmerited but it was a spirited performance against a useful side who were able to break quickly and exploit an increasingly noticeable lack of pace at the back. Looking well out of it at three down, we did hit back to score as new boy Craig threaded a nicely weighted ball into my feet allowing me to turn and hit home.

You'll have noticed a changing line up were you in the crowd. Last night we took to the field with Rich in goal, Dom, Dave and Craig at the back, Phil and Matt C in the middle and me up front. Dougie was otherwise detained, as was 4 pint Pete and in the big news, new Matt is now old Matt. He has left for adventures abroad in his converted van which has all the conveniences you could wish for in a home.

He'll be missed enormously as spaceships are not easy to come by but he has left a legacy of goals on which to feast the memory. First Kev, now Matt. Truly the end of an era. What does the future hold for the boys in Dundee Utd white? I'll try to keep you updated.

In the meantime don't forget to check out old Matt's blog to keep up to date with his travels. Use the link below to visit the attractively named 'Stinky River'.

www.stinkyriver.co.uk/

One final thing - go and see Inception - great film.

Maria in her dance outfit

2010-06-12T10:50:00.003+01:00

Maria has started dance lessons

2010-06-12T10:23:00.000+01:00

Summer photos

2010-06-12T10:10:00.003+01:00

It felt like summer was here last weekend and we had a lovely time on Bournemouth beach despite being surrounded by students from school!

Sorry about the picture of me - let that be a warning to you all. Go for a healthy lifestyle.

Sparkshop update

2010-06-12T09:38:00.002+01:00

It's been a little while since the last account but we had only played one game in the league by last Monday when we had an early top of the table clash. Suffice to say they were the reigning champions and they certainly played like it despite the heavy rain.

We had a full strength side out with Dave C in goal meaning Rich was out on the pitch again alongside a returning wanderer, new Matt, fresh from his journey to the wilderness of the Midlands and the North. Lining up at the back we had Dom and Doug, Phil, Matt C and Pete in midfield. I made up the numbers.

It was a difficult game throughout against a slick side who were all comfortable on the ball and it was no surprise to be 2 down quite early on. The pleasing aspect was the fact that we did not collapse and were putting on pressure as the half went on. Indeed, the second half was drawn with a further goal apiece for both sides. The last time we played them, we didn't even have a shot on target so it was great when new Matt turned and hit a great shot goalward only to see it come back off the post leaving me with a simple enough finish to pull it back to 3 - 1.

There was never any doubt where the points were going but many better teams than us will lose more heavily to this side and we are confident another win in the top league will follow before too long.

Football returns

2010-05-23T13:36:00.002+01:00

Having left such a gap between posts, I am in the position of being able to gloss over a rather one sided cup game which we lost rather heavily.

There is a story behind that sad fact which is that, despite leading the side to league glory, the gaffer has decided to call it a day for the time being, Mourinho like in bowing out at the top. Kev has discovered there is more to Tuesday mornings than nursing aching limbs and has relinquished the reins in favour of a younger man. This being Dom does raise questions about his experience at the top level but the club, after lengthy discussions, put aside the usual favourites e.g. Bryan Robson, David O'Leary, Alan Curbishley et al, and opted for the potential he has shown over the past seasons.

That was demonstrated in our 9 - 1 thrashing by a lower division side but I have put that badly in an attempt to make a weak 'joke' at the expense of Dom. The fact of the matter is we were missing a keeper and two outfield players and completed the entire game against a league winning side with just 5 on the pitch. It was actually an achievement to avoid an even heavier loss!

The best part was departing new Matt getting the only goal of the game for us, a suitable note for him to bow out on. Although in goal, hope you're reading this Richie, he sauntered upfield as the score didn't matter by then and lined up for a corner. Beating his man as the ball fell in the box, new Matt neatly side-stepped a challenge and thrashed the ball into the top corner with his left foot. A great goal to say goodbye with.

This week's game was our first back in the top division and we incredibly won.

Rich in goal - superb but not called on a great deal
Dom and Doug at the back - reliable as ever and even got forward!!!!
Matt C, Pete, Dave C and Phil - dominant in the middle with boundless energy
Iain the lone striker - perhaps more proof that running is a thing of the past or never was

The shape of the team gave us the chance to build some effective attacks and we never looked likely to concede until they scored a break away toward the end.

It was Pete's corners that proved the key with two off them giving me the chance to stumble forward and get a head to the ball. Pete actually won one of the corners as well with a shot saved well by the keeper. He also scored the third goal which clinched the game, a toe poke home as the keeper sprinted from the line to narrow the angle. His shot was right in the corner and restored our two goal cushion after being pegged back to 2 - 1.

I'd been worried where the goals would come from but Phil and Matt both had good efforts on goal saved or narrowly wide. With the goal from Pete, he may have already sealed at least a share of second highest scorer for the season! And we have almost as many points now as we did after the entire series of games last time we experienced this standard. Not a bad start for Dom after all.

Champions!!!!

2010-04-27T20:55:00.003+01:00

This wass the one we'd been waiting for. It was a massive night in the history of Sparkshop last night amidst the dying embers of the setting sun; the blood red skies a portent of glory or savage humiliation with just one team standing between us and the glory of a division winning victory. Our destiny was in our hands as we took to the pitch with a full strength squad, a destiny which had turned on one penalty which gave us a shock win over the league leaders just a few short weeks ago. Three points would mean no one could catch us and it was with fire in our bellies and strong mental fortitude that we warmed up with our usual vigour.

Rich in goal
Don and Doug at the back
Matt C, Kev, Phil and Pete in the middle
new Matt and myself up front

and Dave C, our back up keeper fresh from his clean sheet, in the crowd and time keeping to ensure the subs got a fair crack of the whip.

A nervy start saw the opening stages played in cagey fashion but before long, glory fell to new Matt who burst onto a long throw out from Rich which was misjudged by the youthful defenders. Smashing the ball home new Matt quickly doubled the lead with a smart finish after I'd nutmegged a defender and squared the ball. It already looked a question of how many goals would come.

Another throw out was mishandled by the keeper leaving me with the simple task on tapping home into the empty net and we turned round 3 up and on our way to victory.

Rich was in fine form with his distribution in an otherwise quiet night as Doug and Dom shut up shop in their inimitable manner. No one was going to pass them by tonight and each looked like a colossus as they stood manfully daring the opposition to have a go.

In the middle, Kev barked out his orders like the general he has become and saw Matt C and his extendable legs stretch out to nick possession time and again. Phil and Pete were like marauding pirates intent on laying waste any attacks we suffered whilst setting up chance after chance with pinpoint passing and adept use of the ball.

Up front, new Matt launched like some cosmic spaceship, propelled himself up and down and side to side with boundless energy, the epitome of an old fashioned centre forward. It was a privilege for all who saw the game to witness the carnage we created in the opposing defence and more goals followed in a one sided second half. Key struck home from close range as Pete's short corner left him free at the front post. The keeper almost audibly sighed in reluctant admiration of the neat finish which saw the net bulge with welcoming arms.

Matt C smacked the ball with the instinct of a seasoned pro to leave the keeper stranded agog at the audacity of such a clinical left footed finish. More goals came with a perfect cross delivered by Phil for me to head home and another cross field ball from Pete left me with time and space to control, size up the situation and hit home at the near post.

A final goal came courtesy of another keeping error as a long throw from Kev slipped through the shell-shocked keeper's hands and in, to leave us 8 - 0 winners and champions of the league. A magnificent achievement for a bunch of old timers with willing minds and ageing limbs.

Well done to all who contributed and supported. A well deserved triumph that surely indicates the best is yet to come.

Almost heroes

2010-04-14T23:29:00.003+01:00

Sparkshop's fine cup tradition, and it isn't too strong a phrase to use after our recent exploits, saw another glorious but ultimately unsuccessful chapter written this evening. Our first Weds game saw Richie out and Pete as well - Pete watched from the sidelines after his wounds in action on Monday - but in came Dave in goal and Phil in the middle where we likely to need strength as it was a top division side we were up against.

Given we were playing a better team, the handicap system gave us a goal start and it was no surprise to find we played deep for almost the entire match. To be honest, it felt like the longest game we've ever played at Wimborne and Gary had something of an off night in respect of decisions going for us. However, Dave was inspired in goal and pulled off a number of high class saves in as close an impersonation of Richie's great game on Monday as you could get. There were 2 saves on to the post and bar which kept us ahead before, with our one and only shot of the night, we took a shock lead as the ball broke for new Matt to continue his rich vein of form in front of goal. He stormed forward and slammed the ball to the keeper's left with the coolness borne of confidence. This meant we turned round 2 - 0 up in effect.

In fairness they were a very good side with all of them comfortable on the ball and, we heard later, playing at a high level. Despite that we held them at bay for most of the second half and it looked increasingly less likely that they'd score. I lost count of the number of blocks made by Matt C, Dougie and Dom with Kev and Phil fighting alongside them with a succession of lunging tackles and desperate clearances.

It was unfortunate that with just minutes remaining 2 goals were scored in rapid succession and neither of them reflected the quality of football they'd played. They were slightly fortunate goals much as they might have been deserved.

The final whistle saw us standing at 2 apiece and confusion reigned as Gary clearly forgot it was a cup quarter final. That meant we should have been moving to penalties and eventually they got underway with memories of our loss last year still fresh in the mind. We'd lost the final on pens last time but this time we started with a perfect three. Kev, new Matt and myself all hit home but sadly Dave was unable to keep any of theirs out despite outstanding efforts. Up stepped Dom and he smashed the ball high into the net with something close to aplomb. It was sudden death by this stage and a save by Dave would see us through. Again his dive was one of despair as the ball flew in. It was Phil next and he experienced the heartache of seeing his shot saved and walking back disconsolately. As Matt C pointed out, at least it wasn't the final!

The final kick of the game was when the winning penalty followed and we were out on penalties once again. Questions about the lack of preparation for this eventuality will possibly be asked, as I have no recollection of us taking practice penalties at any stage. In a competition as big as this that may be something we have to address in the future. A club as full of tradition as ours, and with the weight of history borne on the current crop of players' shoulders, needs to be preparing in this area as well as we do in every other aspect of the game. There's no point us watching our weight, eating healthily, pounding the tarmac in all weathers to maintain the peak of fitness we have honed over time and endlessly discussing tactics and formations if we can't get this right. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Wise words.

Tongue firmly in cheek. By the way, what word can be placed in front of the following three words to create three new words?

her
homed
ten

Good luck.

Hero

2010-04-12T22:11:00.002+01:00

It was a close game on a unfamiliarly dry evening in Wimborne as Sparkshop lined up against the top placed side in the league. There was confusion from the start with both Matt C and myself trying to start off as sub but there may as well have been 8 subs as the first attack of the game saw us fall behind to a strong run and clinical finish which augured badly for the rest of the game. However, there were heroes all over the pitch with a solid defensive display from Doug and Dom supporting Richie who was absolutely inspired, tipping the ball onto post and bar with fantastic saves throughout the match.

There was Kev as well with two goals which ultimately brought us victory. The first came in the second half from an intelligent throw from the big fella which caught the opposition completely unaware. Kev was able to shoot and got a little lucky with a deflection which took it into the goal. From one of the few constructive moves of the game, Matt was put through on goal but facing away from goal. In turning he was brought crashing down and it was a clear penalty. Kev stepped up and smashed home with aplomb.

The turnaround was in spite of the early loss of 4 can Pete who took one for the team in challenging for a header in midfield. Winning the ball he was caught on the eyebrow by an opposing head and had to miss the rest of the game with a blood soaked shirt in the company of an allegedly lovely lady who tenderly saw to his desperate need. He's probably still in the pub right now showing off the wound - but he says he'll be available for the big cup game on Weds as Sparkshop line up in the quarter finals.

Monday night football - play hard or go home.

Easter sunshine

2010-04-12T10:36:00.002+01:00

The weather on Saturday was warm enough to encourage us to the beach and Maria and I built some lovely sandcastles despite a cooling breeze which made paddling painful. The improved weather has seen lots of opportunities to walk the dogs in some lovely settings and the pictures show some of the sand martins at Blashford lakes in the newly constructed nest sties which are metre long tunnels filled with sand. In addition there is a little ringed plover nesting just feet away from one of the hides.

The final photo shows a roe deer in the bluebell woods just sat as we past it and the dogs remained oblivious to it despite it being only about 10 yards away.

Chicken Pox

2010-04-09T22:32:00.002+01:00

Oh dear - Maria had a bit of a rash the other night which we put down to a little eczema but last night there was a definite rash which initially caused some panic but the doctor was able to reassure us on the phone before seeing her this morning. He said she presented classic chicken pox symptoms and told us we have to keep her away from vulnerable groups etc. Poor Maria but at least she doesn't seem to be itching.

Kingston Lacey

2010-04-08T19:45:00.003+01:00

It was a beautiful day today and one on which we spent a good deal of time with family remembering Natasha who would have been 21 today. It was touching to read the comments of her cousin reflecting on the fact we'd usually have been celebrating together with a party but instead have flowers arriving to lay at her grave.

It is also Robin's birthday and we decided to enjoy the weather with a visit to Kingston Lacey and a birthday tea. Maria loved running around but stayed still long enough for a butterfly to land on her head!

Moors Valley train ride

2010-04-08T19:36:00.002+01:00

Despite patchy sunshine, there was a cold wind which made for an uncomfortable picnic at Moors Valley yesterday. However, it was a lovely trip out as we walked from Potterne seeing signs of spring everywhere and feeling warm when the sun actually peeped from behind the cloud. Maria had a play in the park and then got to ride the train with Bridie who loves going on it more than anyone.

Easter 2010

2010-04-06T23:12:00.001+01:00

More Easter photos

2010-04-06T21:43:00.002+01:00

It's been a frenetic start to the Easter Break but all the btter for it. We had a surprise visit from our University friend, Chris and his family, over from America for a family get together in Bournemouth. It's been a few years since last seeing them and they were surprised to see we had an extra member to the family with Maria.

She was delighted to see her two youngest cousins from Plymouth as we had a party to celebrate the completion of the building work. We managed to stay out in the conservatory all evening with the wood stove burning fuel fiercely all the while.

The next morning it was time for an Easter egg hunt and Bridie's Easter bunny cake.

New conservatory

2010-03-28T09:57:00.003+01:00

The building work is all complete at last after a year or so with the new kitchen, utility room and conservatory finished and furnished. The new sofa and seats for the conservatory arrived yesterday and it was lovely in the evening sitting out there with the wood burning stove blasting out heat from the utility room. We've got a good log pile and the garden is looking fairly up together despite the late start to the winter.

It wasn't until last week that we had frog spawn in the pond, a good 4 weeks later than has been the case in the past few years. Just 4 days until Easter and a good long break. It's been a hard term but the result of the early entry in GCSE Maths and English means we have already beaten the outcomes from last year in the summer exams. It looks like we could be in for some outstanding improvement which will be a great pay off for an incredibly demanding year.

Sunday morning sunshine

2010-03-07T13:11:00.002Z

We were up and about early on Sunday morning with Maria already dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood, a costume she'd worn to play group on Thursday for World Book Day. From there I had a trip out to Blashford and got a pretty poor picture of a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Back home again and time to light to the new wood burning stove which is lovely and warm as we try to warm up the conservatory which is not largely finished bar the electrics and floor covering. Maria calls it the new house and thinks Daddy built it which is something I will hang on to given my poor record with DIY. Isn't lovely how your children think you can do everything until a certain age when they realise just how hopeless you are.

We also had a trip to the parks and made the most of the sunshine depsite it being rather cold still.

Off and running (but not very fast of course)

2010-03-05T21:19:00.002Z

At the second time of asking Sparkshop got the new season up and running with a comfortable 3 - 1 victory over rivals relegated with us in the reorganisation of the two divisions into 3. Thanks to a well taken hat-trick from new Matt, the win was an assured one as we lined up with Rich in goal, who pulled off a wonder save low to his left hand in the first half, the big fella(s) Dougie and Dom at the back (although Dom is starting to maraud this season), 4 pint Pete, Matt C and Kev in the middle, and myself and new Matt up front.

The first goal came from a quickly taken free kick on our right and saw Matt C cross to new Matt who volleyed a sweet shot first time into the goal despite the close attention of the defender. We looked comfortable in the main and Pete was having a fine passing game, setting up several chances. Our lead was doubled in the second half when new Matt picked an astute pass up and shouldered a defender to one side before steering the ball home with aplomb, high and handsome into the back of the goal. A momentary concern came with a long cross seemingly destined for safe hands Rich, deceiving him and flying over his outstretched arms and in for an unexpected goal.

The now fragile lead was well protected though with a dominant performance at the back from the 2 Ds and a good ball from Kev set new Matt free but pushing him out slightly wider than hoped. Despite this he beat the same defender twice and crashed a cool finish home to leave Sparkshop victorious at 3 - 1.

Good game all round.

Disappointing result in latest fixture

2010-02-23T09:10:00.002Z

It was a murky evening when we took to the field again last night in the first game of the new league against one of the sides reorganised into the middle division with us. We lined up with Rich in goal and he, as ever, put in a cracking performance including a late foray upfield as we sought an equaliser with time running out. The back line was unfamiliar as Matt C and his brother Dave taking defensive duties over in the absence of the big fella and Dom. Pete, Phil and Kev took the midefield leaving new Matt and myself upfront and initially things looked good.

We were comfortable in dealing with limited threat from their attack whilst we were creating chances at will and it wasn't long before we took the lead. The ball came out to the left finding me in plenty of space and I was able to nutmeg the defender to release Kev bursting forward up front. He didn't have to check stride in sliding the ball home and it looked likely we'd have a straightforward game to see us off to a successful start to the season.

Things changed rapidly though as the shape of the team went awry and we began to leave too much space and it was no surprise that we turned round at 1 - 1 at half time. This became 2- 1 behind within a few minutes of the restart and we looked unlikely to score with little threat up front. Again we changed shape and this led to an equaliser as I received the ball from Phil and took the ball round the defender to the left and shot home into the far corner. The poor guy got barracked by the crowd for being beaten by 'his dad!'

Unfortunately that was not the end as a shot from distance sped across our area and fortuitously found a free attacker at the far post, certainly a lucky 'pass' but one which left him the simple task of tapping in for the winner. We had a late chance from the throw which Rich went up for but my header from a flick on was saved on the line and we finished pointless.

Maria the princess and the conservatory

2010-02-21T14:53:00.002Z

The photos show Maria dressed up the other day - she's very much into being a proncess like Snow White - and enjoyts listening to lots of fairy stories like the Billy Goats Gruff, the Elves and the Shoemaker and the Gingerbread Man.

The others are of the conservatory which is well underway with the glass etc in this week. You will see one of the dogs walked on the wet concrete floor and the other photo captures the culprit!

Building work

2010-02-18T17:09:00.002Z

The new conservatory is underway with the brick work now finished and the floor laid. Next week will see the remainder of the building up leaving the electrics etc to follow before we have it ready by Easter at the latest. Also next week our new wood burning stove is installed with the flue going up on Tuesday and we're looking forward to maybe a little bit of cooking on there as well - few jacket potatoes, casseroles and similar.

Pictures to follow.

Sparkshop's end of season round up

2010-02-18T16:52:00.002Z

It has been a few weeks since the last update and we have managed to squeeze in four games in that time, three in the league and the most recent one in the cup.

Sadly we finished second from bottom in the top division which, with a reorganisation of the league again, means we'll start next week in the middle division which is likely to prove quite a challenge still. However, we were not disgraced in our short stint at the top and the three final games saw us play the top two in consecutive weeks.

The top side beat us 1 - 0 with a goal at the very start of the game. Right from kick off without any of our side touching the ball we let in a goal from a tight angle and that was that. The remainder was a tight affair with us offering little attacking threat but seldom in trouble at the back. The next week was very similar although we lost that one 2 - 0. We had far more going forward this time and were unlucky not to score on several occasions. I hit the bar from distance and new Matt was close twice in addition to other chances.

Truth told, it's the lack of goals that has cost us most but we finished with a flourish in the final game with a three each thriller against the bottom side who took the lead against us each time. New Matt was in good form and slotted home twice including the final equaliser which hit him off a clearance by the keeper and straight in to the empty goal. The other goal was from our third top scorer in the league as an own goal was slotted home leaving o.g. with a single goal, enough to clinch third place.

The cup game was a very different affair which saw us start a goal down due to the handicap system. Nevertheless we won 5 - 1 on the night and should clinch a place in the next stage of the complicated cup. New Matt again scored a couple, a nice shot at the end of a flowing move which took the keeper out of play and a power shot into the corner for the other.

My hat trick came from a lovely cross by new Matt giving me an easy chance to flick the ball on from close range. The second was from a fine through ball by Matt C which I put through the advancing keeper's legs before new Matt turned provider again with a neat headed flick on to leave me free at the back post to tap home high into the unguarded net.

We start again on Monday.

A big well done to the big man at the back who played the last game despite his recent operation, a very personal one which usually requires a lot longer break than the two weeks he took off.

More snow pictures

2010-01-07T15:18:00.002Z

The children made a big snowman yesterday and it's been another day off for me today as well as Alison. Poor Glen is the only one in school. To be perfectly honest the school could have stayed open if roads here are any guide but I understand they are worse in Southampton. The garden looks just as lovely in the snow today as you can see with lots of birds at the feeders.

Snow Day!

2010-01-06T11:02:00.002Z

You'll gather from the pictures that we have had a little snow overnight and there's more falling now. It was a rush home yesterday to beat the forecast snow but Dorset escaped the worst of it with the east of Southampton being more badly affected. Nevertheless my school is closed and I'm sat at home watching the snow falling and working (honest). Maria and Alison were both able to get to their school but maria looked very interested in the snow.

Sparkshop avoid being frozen out

2010-01-05T19:30:00.002Z

It was a bitterly cold evening yesterday when we played at QE with the pitch harder than I've ever known it as we lined up for a cup game without Kev or Rich in goal. The big fella returned and we had the pleasure of Dave in goal and he didn't anyone down in a solid display only marred by a bizzare goal late on when a clearance struck one of the opposition closing down and deflecting the ball goalwards.

It's a measure of how far we've come that we won comfortably against a team we've been evenly matched against in the past and it should have been more than the three goal to one victory (3 - 2 overall as they start with a goal advantage).

There were plenty of chances throughout and I missed several of them with new Matt dominating in the air and providing good chances from flick ons. One chance did eventually go in with a shot from, for me anyway, quite some distance which thumped into the corner of the goal from the edge of the 'D'.

A second goal had to wait till the second half but Phil had gone very close with a flowing move setting him free wide right and smashing a low shot goalward only to see it smothered anxiously by the keeper. The goal came from Matt C and was a nice finish from a tight angle, my pass being further in front of him than I'd have liked. He made it look more effective with an assured finish.

The thrid goal was from a throw which went no distance and allowed me to control the ball on my chest before hitting home from some distance again. It didn't quite make up for the miss earlier when I'd skied a shot when the goal was at my mercy but I didn't take the time to take a touch and tried to hit it harder than required.

We had plenty of pressure throughout and there was lots of running and passing with Pete and Phil tireless in the middle and Dom and Doug more than solid at the back. Matt C was able to get forward more than in recent games and he linked a lot of the moves together.

The pub discussion this week was centred on crime figures and the death penalty. For what it's worth I've copied in information from the 2009 crime stats (recorded crime).

Police-recorded crime in England and Wales fell 9% in the 12 months to March, latest figures suggest.The statistics also show that while the risk of being a victim is at its lowest ever level, people still think that the rate is going up.

The annual crime report for 2007-2008 reveals the longest recorded period of falling crime - down 48% from 1995.

http://www.epolitix.com/mpwebsites/mpspeeches/mpspeechdetails/newsarticle/miscarriages-of-justice-paper-given-at-the-centre-for-legislation-studies-at-the-university-of-hul///mpsite/chris-mullin/

The above is a link to a paper concerning miscarriages of justice and it attempts to deal with the idea that although there may have been mistakes in the past, things are better now. There are still too many areas in the judicial system where there is scope for errors, deliberate or otherwise, to be made.

Happy New Year

2010-01-03T12:32:00.002Z

It was a quiet New Year after the hectic Christmas we enjoyed but we had Julie and Andy visit along with their twins, Fergus and Peggy. You'll see from the pictures that we had a lovely sunny day for a walk although it was very cold. Poor Andy had to wheel the buggy on one side as the pushchair had a puncture and with two babies in it, there was quite some weight to shift along the bumpy track.

Maria has been enjoying playing with her new furniture for the doll's house courtesy of the Pettys.

A good break for all of us and even better with Plymouth on a better run of form. Two wins in the league and a draw with Newcastle despite them fielding that legend Shola Ameobi who the big fella still believes could be the next Alan Shearer.

2009-12-26T19:30:00.002Z

The photos show something of our Christmas Day which started at the civilised time of 7am which is long way from the days when we literally got no sleep at all with the children being so excited waiting for Santa.

Bridie did the cooking this year for the first time and what a great job she did with everything from a green leaf starter with roasted veg, carrot and coriander soup, Christmas dinner itself, Christmas pudding and yule log and cheese and crackers to finish. I struggled walking the dogs afterwards and perhaps wobbled along rather than walked.

'Snow' blow as Sparkshop frozen out

2009-12-22T16:20:00.002Z

In a first for all of us, we played our latest game in the snow yesterday evening and despite the inclement conditions it was a full squad that arrived bar the big fella at the back and Rich, which meant we had Dave back in goal. He was suitably attired in massive hat and at least four layers of clothing which proved necessary as few actual shots found their way to him during the game.

Sadly it was not a result that did us any favours though as we conceded two goals in a tight game and lost ground to a team below us in the league.

Dom and Matt took the duties at the back with Kev, Phil and Pete in the middle. New Matt and I found the going tough up front against a well organised and physical side who have let in very few goals.

It was a very poor start from us which saw the opposition dominate possession early on and we struggled to adapt to the slippery conditions which meant turning was a nightmare. Going over simply meant sliding along for several yards as I found when off balance and pushed. I skidded along helplessly like a careering snow plough sending the slush out in front of me like the wake from a speeding tanker. It was freezing cold by this time and I was soaked through.

The opening goal came from a very good tight angle shot which found the corner with great accuracy but we'd had a chance ourselves just before with Kev unable to keep his shot down as he bore down on goal (the temptation to state the obvious is over-whelming here but I'll resist). However, the second half was seconds old when we scored an equaliser with a few passes straight from kick off leading to a toe poked shot from me which was kicked out uncertainly by the keeper landing right in front of new Matt who took no time in adjusting his feet like Michael Jackson (when he was alive of course) and slotting home from the edge of the area.

The second half looked likely to be very tight but we conceded again soon after with a free kick unluckily falling kindly for them from a brave block. Once more the finish was very good from a tight angle but it signalled sustained pressure from us. That was more or less the case for the remainder of the game with chances falling to Pete and Phil. Phil's was close in but the ball was arriving at speed and he was only able to move his feet like the now deceased Michael Jackson sending the ball narrowly wide.

We pressed again and again but produced few clear chances until Gary blew up for the end of the game and the Christmas break. Time for a few drinks in Wimborne tonight.

Pantomime

2009-12-21T05:55:00.002Z

There was a big group of us setting out to enjoy Snow White at the Pavillions for Bridie's birthday, 11 in total, and we had a great time. It is the first time I've seen a panto and it was much better than I'd expected. Maria certainly was mesmerised by the performance with the bright lights and music keeping her entertained throughout the two hours of the show.

Even Su Pollard wasn't irritating and perhaps that reflects the over the top nature of the form. Chris Jarvis was very funny and does a good line in impersonations.

The photo was taken just before we left to collect the other members of the group.