Pressure was on in the Duffers cup with me facing the reigning champion Brian with a full squad playing. Picking was difficult as Brian had first pick meaning he was always going to have an advantage but I feel the teams ended up being pretty even.

This week was the first time we thought the sun might be a factor so the yellows rushed to the far end of the pitch hoping Brian wouldn’t notice, which he didn’t. The game kicked off and began at a fast pace with Paul Stewart taking control of our midfield and Nick Smith staying solid in the back 3. The whites had both Nathan and Gary Parker making life very difficult for us, well me specifically as I was incapable of playing a 1 yard pass. Most of my swearing this week was at myself.

The order of the goals is a bit hazy for me as I am writing this match report way later than I should be. I think Jay gave us the lead relatively early on but the yellows got one back pretty quickly, a header from Paul Hackett which he celebrated like he’d won the world cup. Another two great goals for the yellows coming from Nick and Paul helped us see out the game. A screaming volley from Nick that flew into the top corner and an equally well taken one from Paul relaxed my nerves.

Nathan grabbed one back for the yellows right at the end of the game but thankfully that is me out of the Duffers.

Good luck to Brian in the next round. Jay, James, Blake and Andy all still in contention to take Bri’s honour.

Highlight of the game excluding the goals, Harvey turning round from defence to explain to Brian in goal that he is in fact allowed to use his hands.

Man of the Match goes to Paul Stewart as he ran the show for us.