In a game that could have been a banana skin for them, missing not one but two first team defenders in Ian and Keith, it was up to player manager Graham and spiritual captain Tim to step back in to the fray.

BJH in yellow kicked off against the Shambles in their green away bibs; for the first couple of minutes it was an even contest with both teams moving the ball around well, but neither having any real end product. That was until a wonder goal from Craig sparked the game to life; in space he picked up he ball in his own half and glanced up to see little on in the way of passing opportunities, so in one quick snap shot he hammered the ball, it flew into the lower left corner giving the keeper no chance, 1-0. The shambles then withheld a spell of possession from BJH, that was until Captain Shirehorse entered the match; subbing on for Graham, this was the first time he and Chris had played together this season and it showed, a complete lack of understand led to Tim inexplicably chasing a runner who was heading towards Chris, leaving the man with the ball, Chris couldn't get across and the resulting shot gave Darren no chance. At 1-1 the question was would they capitulate like they had so many times last season.  Thankfully, a brief “discussion” between the two defenders seemed to stop similar incidents happening again and the Shambles showed a resilience and team spirit that was lacking in the last campaign. The Shambles started playing again; Chris had two shots saved well by BGH’s keeper before Craig struck again 2-1.

Half time came and went with the Shambles controlling the game and playing well. Then for no apparent reason the wheels nearly came off, as BGH started to up their game, the Shambles decided to revert to their old faithful defensive tactic of running around like headless chickens, only keeper Darren kept his cool, making some good stops. And headless they might as well of been, certainly earless, as Dave and Chris shouted themselves horse trying to get there team mates to sub. In truth the Shambles were lucky to get away with this as BGH pushed more players forward sensing a goal was coming.

A goal came, unfortunately for them it was at the other end; with too many players committed forward searching for the equalizer, the ball broke to inform striker Ade and with just the keeper to beat he slotted it home to give the Shambles a two goal cushion, a first for over a season. Finally the subs came on to close out the game and Dave and Chris were super fresh from their extended spell on the bench. The goal had settled the Shambles and they slowed the pace down to suit them, the only scare was when Chris used the tactic of just holding the ball in the corner one to many times and nearly got caught out, fortunately keeper Darren was on hand once again to save his blushes (and 30 lashes from Graham). Dave then showed his tenacity chasing a BGH defender until he made a mistake, Dave nicked the ball away, squared it selflessly to Ade and that was game over, 4-1 to the boys in the bibs.

Well done lads, overall a good hardworking performance.