Sniper Special...

It was almost perfect playing conditions... a solid surface and lots of rain, as White Roding welcomed the perennial travellers now playing as Bocking this season.

2 keenly fought contests last season both ended in a draw and neither team wanted to make it 3 in a row. Fielding strong squads, despite injuries the game kicked off under the supervision of Glenn Thurley in the middle and sporting Hulk Hogan-esque handlebar facial hair. Last Season's Manager's Player, Dan Robinson took the Captain's armband and debuted his new personalised boots for the occasion. Molty forsakes his romantic weekend with Mrs Molty to start between the sticks. With a trophy up for grabs, nerves were somewhat evident whilst Lee Weatherhead and Fraser Higgs playing their first game of the season. A few disjointed passes made the Gaffer reach down for a drink and when his back was turned, a defensive slip up led to the first goal and a lead for the visitors. This spurred Roding into action and with a few short, sharp words of encouragement at the water break meant quicker, shorter passing, more decisive movement and Weathers setting up Splinters in re-jigged frontline. There are 2 things almost guaranteed to happen in every game... the first is that Holly will score So it came to pass, 2 mins after his introduction on 27 mins, following another pass from the long-haired Lee sporting a very 1990's Curtains hairstyle. Provider then turned into attacker when Weathers was left alone, 4 yards out, in front of an unguarded net and managed to power a header 6 yards wide... blaming his lockdown locks and requesting a team-issued Alice Band for next week. The first half drew to a close when Fraser connected with a sweet half-volley and deserved lead based on a much improved performance. The 2nd half saw a freshening up of faces with Spencer playing on the right, delivering some great service and rattling the woodwork. Little Paul added fresh legs to midfield, before succumbing to Hamstring strain.

The other guarantee is Ian "Bumble" Carter re-enacting the final seen from Platoon after tweaking muscles, getting a finger in the eye or one in the family jewels - all 3 happened in one half yesterday. The Gaffer will be introducing an outdoor speaker to play Adagio for Strings during the next home game in readiness for the next injury. The home team missed chances galore, including Holly, whose goal/min ration has slipped from 1 every 11 mins to a rather shoddy 1 every 23 mins. The Gaffer came on for the final 25 mins between the sticks and ruined the day for the man whose name the game bore the honour of, with a point blank save to maintain his clean sheet record. A good run out, despite some further knocks, but another step along the path to the season proper and more difficult decisions for the Gaffer. Post Match Meal Ingredients Chicken

Chorizo

Peppers

Chilli

Garlic

Smoked Paprika

Tomatoes Parsley

Corriander

Seasoning

Potatoes Pomegranate Molasses Red Wine