Following their two wins at the start of 2009 the Shambles were hoping to continue their fine form. Sadly this was not to be.

Although the Shambles held their own for the first 2-3 minutes, this manager could see the signs were ominous. Then suddenly the Shambles found themselves 1-0 down. "Jethro" and "Worst" were man marking in defence, unfortunately it was each other! They ran a perfectly smooth synchronous  line down the centre of the pitch, a positioning which would have earned much credit in Synchronised Diving, or "Dancing on Ice". Unfortunately they were not marking anyone and through a crowded group of players the Shambles defence were watching, the Flounderers took theirvchance well.

This reporter was almost tempted to burst into a rendition of "Let's do the timewarp again...", as he spotted "Bully" blowing hard with his hands on his hips.

The Shambles were not defending from the front as mentioned so many times. No, standing 3 or 4 yards ahead of your man with your back to them is not marking. This allowed the Flounderers players the luxury of sneaking past unmarked.

A second goal was quickly conceded due to lethargic defending, tackles that could have been made were not due to breathlessness, and the Flounderers scored from a tight angle.

What's this, the cavalry coming?? No it's "Postie" arriving late......Frickin, ricin' Dick datardly!! (Children might be reading).

The first half continued to go as miserably as a further 3 goals were conceded to make the half time score 5-0. The Shambles cause not helped by a slowness to substitute.

At half time, guest captain "Blink" gathered his troops apparently telling them they were now playing for pride. A noble action but by now I believe that "Pride" had put on it's coat and left the building.

To the second half, and what's this, "Pride" changed its mind and came back. "Blink" produced a goal after some fine team play.

Playing a captain's game a fine individual run gave "Blink" another goal.

This was now looking like a performance that would threaten any team.

Flounderers however found another goal. But "Flash" who I noted did run back to defend scored a great goal from a tight angle.

Unfortunately this was to be the Shambles last hoorah. Their game now epitomised by poor marking, lazy back flicks, and poor decison making/teamwork (3 attackers and one defender??).....and of course tiredness.

The Shambles conceded 3 quick late goals to lose 9-3.

Well played to the Flounderers,, who took full advantage of their opponents failings without actually playing like they were a top of the league team.