3-2-1...

So the dexterous Ted Rogers used to digitally show his audience in the 1980s and was adapted by every teenage boy in front of his Nan to see if she could spot him giving her the "bird." It also happens to be our record this season - 3 Wins, 2 Draws and a defeat by Chipping Ongar today.

The Gaffer had to carefully manage his squad of walking wounded today and some rather agricultural challenges by the league leaders made for some tasty matches in the middle of the park.

The deadlock was broken on 16 mins when Splinters continued his confident streak with a delicious lob over the onrushing 7ft Goalkeeper to put Roding ahead. Ongar showed they were in no mood for a slick passing game and relied on the pace of their centre forward to make darting runs, but the defence held strong and Stuart proved the rumours of his prowess were true with fine handling from long distance shots. Bumble took a big blow to the ribs and his game was over by 20 mins and worse was to follow with Dave Dawson did what every lonely farmer does on a Friday night and pulled a calf. Steve Mills entered the fray and gave away a penalty when a clash occurred inside the box. Stuart pounced like a pussy and halftime arrived with our lead in tact. The 2nd half was a virtual onslaught, with further changes having to be made due to injury and formation tweaks to repel the long balls on the small pitch. Splinters then broke free and slammed a shot against the bar - it proved to be our high point. Stuart came under increasing pressure and played like a victim from Silence of the Lambs (out of his skin), ably assisted by another good game from Dan Robinson.

A melee in the box gave the home team an equaliser and with 3 minutes a free header made it 2-1 with 15 to go. Cards were shown to Ongar for some less-than-sporting behaviour and despite some half chances and great crosses from Gary, Roding could not make the most of some last-ditch defending. A break-away goal flattered Ongar, who have conceded for the 1st time in the league and we know that the return leg will be a different affair. Special mention goes to Dean who re-purposed some of his (for special nights) nerve-numbing "Delay Spray" on the soles of his feet to ease his troublesome toes and new boots.

Line Up

Stuart

Dan

James

Dave D

Bumble Tel Dean

Spencer

Dom Lucy

Splinters

Steve

Dave E

Gary D

Woodsy