With player availability low due to international duties the blue and yellows were missing old stalwarts Graham, Ian and Carlos. Much had been speculated on the back pages this week with regard to this squad weakening, however, a shrewd acquisition in the form of Frenchman Nicolas had stifled the media doubters. Last weeks friendly had seen a triumphant debut from the wonder kid and all eyes were firmly placed on him to see if this rich vein of form could continue and in turn consolidate his place in The Shambles for the long term.

So to the match. Previous encounters had seen wins for both teams and as such the points were within the grasp of either team. The first few minutes proved a scrappy affair whilst both teams sounded one another out and found their feet (and those of others!). The deadlock was broken though with a cool finish from Dave of the Shambles, when lack lustre defending from the Giants afforded Dave some space.  A commodity that was rarely seen for the remaining minutes of the half. The early lead was quickly rectified by a competent Giants attack which brought the scores level. A goal that was richly deserved as the early run of play was dominated by the hooped team.  The Shambles answered back with an inspired goal. Possession was won back near the half way line by Carl which then bobbled to the corner flag, quick feet from Tim ensured he was the first man to the ball and this turn of pace was equalled with an excellent cross goal delivery that was calmly but firmly volleyed home by the new kid in town, Nicolas. Alas, the lead was again not long lived due to an un-characteristic Lehman-esque blunder by James, a communication breakdown from keeps and Dave left the ball to roll into the net. Any embarrassment felt was not displayed and heads were held high. The first half culminating in another goal by Dave who slotted one home with deft and dexterity. The whistle blows, players huddle.

If the first half was scrappy then the second was ugly. Grudges held in the first half carried through to the second and saw rough challenges distributed by both teams. Though the duty ref stamped his authority on the game and order was resumed by and large. As per the first half, the lead gained by the Shambles was quickly clawed back by the Giants this time in comical style. A crunching challenge near the half way line was seemingly blown for by the ref. All but the striker stopped, who found the net all too easily. The Shambles defenders had played to the whistle though it seemed the whistle was that of the adjacent game! Heads were scratched but the goal remained, 3-3. The heads of the Shambles players dropped and the tempo was raised by a fiery Giants team which saw them take the lead for the first time with a goal borne out of sheer determination and will.  The Shamble players responded with commendable gusto and the resilient side banked 3 goals in quick succession. The first by crack striker Dave securing his hatrick and bolstering his league tally. The second was efficiently put away by skilful Nicolas as was the third which was hit with such venom that the stand in keeper was unable to keep it out. The lead was then secured with a training ground favourite of Dave and Carls. Some finger semaphore from Carl indicated the path of his intended run which was read perfectly by Dave with an equally perfect weighted path, this followed with a side footed knock in to the far corner by Carl. A late response was formulated by the Giants, but the whistle blew shortly after.  7-5 to the Shambles. In summary the game was a bolshy affair with neither team playing particularly "pretty football". However, this was punctuated with flashes of flair by Dave, Nicolas and Planty of the Shambles and a notable performance from the tall Striker for the Hoops. The Shambles though can take solace in their three points and look forward to the next game!