As I stood surveying the Battlefield before me, I observed my squad preparing for the battle ahead.  On the other side of the divide, the enemy looked mean and eager to get on with it.

Dave the ref then called us to attention, each squad eyed the other from across the divide, working out in their head (obviously Dave was excluded from this in case he got a headache), which player to cover.

Finally the call to war, as Dave blew the whistle and both sides went "over the top".

Immediately the title challenging FC Porto launched their heavy artillery, the Shambles defender was caught in front of the attacker with his back to him, I could sense the killshot coming, and so it did. Guiding the shot around the defender FC Porto drew first blood.

No need to panic I told myself, the boys will come good.

Sadly, FC Porto launched another "smash & grab" raid and, partially due to a lethargic attempt to take out the attacker by the defender, made the kill, 2-0.

I was now concerned for the squad and took the decision to put myself back in defence and send a defender forward.

The squad seemed to become more organised and managed to strike back through 'Flash'....aah-aah, gonna save everyone of us! Yeah right !!

However, the sweet smell of a successful strike against the enemy did not last long. the Porto squad seemed to start coming forward at will. I now felt like the soldiers at the start of 'Saving Private Ryan', pinned down on the beach as we tried to get to the objective. Shots whistled past my ears, and I felt powerless to defend as my squad swept forward like kamikazes, leaving me at times exposed to all out assault.

FC Porto scored 2 more goals to take a 4-1 lead. God have mercy on our souls.

Then....God save everyone of us.....it can't be....Flash Dave is alive.....4-2.

But sadly the might of the Panza-like oppostion, went on to grind the Shambles down and went on to win 9-2.

Well played Porto, who showed great skill and teamwork to get back on track.

Never mind squad, we'll lick our wounds again and get ready for the next tour of duty.

We shall fight them on the pitches, we will never surrender....