After a gentle but less than competitive run out last week following the cancelled cup game, we were ALL (well those that were there anyway) looking forward to a higher tempo performance..........well we certainly got it although it would have been helpful if all our players had turned up!!
Late in the day Bazza had to pull out for domestic reasons but was abley substituted by Ollie (well done to Iain for co-ordinating).
In the 1st half we had 5 men only but held it to 0-0 at half-time with a sterling performance from everyone. Tom played excellently alongside Shaggy who, as usual, put in a good shift with some composure to boot. We played a zonal marking system with The Nic and Longbaldie marshalling the team excellently with Steve still able to get up and down the line......even the ref applauded us off at half-time.
He also applauded us at full-time for our efforts but alas when the Sporan came on we lost 2 goals. This doesn't though tell the story or in fact the unfolding farce at half-time with the referee telling Iain he couldn't play in Jude's knickers!!!!!............I think this is what she says now anyway,as a matter of course!
Iain stayed up front and occupied one of their defenders. We were hoping they might put 2 players on him but I think they've seen him play before! Mind you, if it wasn't for the Sporan's assist from a throw-in, Shaggy wouldn't have scored with a deft flick off his shin over the goalie. 1-0 and looking good value.
As the game progressed we were still the better team. Ollie was unfortunate with a shot from wide which looked like he was going to save before it squirmed through his arms, across his body and into the net. 1-1 but still Sarum were the better team.
In their quest for victory they abandonded the "last post" occupied by Iain and gambled with 5 men pushing forward. We were overloaded and with 10 seconds to go a one-two left their attacker stretching for the ball. He managed to just get a toe on the ball, ahead of the Nic's oustretched leg (if only he had legs like shaggy) and direct past Ollie.
Disappointing way to lose but we were still upbeat because Iain didn't have a heart-attack..... but mainly because we played so well against a team 2nd in the league. Quality performance and a mature performance from everyone involved, recycling the ball extremely well.
Tom is a great addition and was very impressive. When the treatment table is relieved from the weight of half the squad and Chris is back from international duty, the Knights should be stronger than we've ever been.
Well done all.

Longbaldie

Sounds like you did really well & were unfortunate.
Back from my scouting mission at the New York Cosmos. Pele's retired, Best is dead and we're better anyway so I didn't make any transfer bids.