The Shambles returned to form with an emphatic win over Halcrow Yollies. After last weeks "Shambolic" game, The Shambles were up for it from the start. Despite the absence of die hard Captain "Shirehorse" Tim who was suffering at home full of flu and phlegm!, his shoes were admirally filled by vice captain Graham ,who rallied the troops from the start.

It was yet again a very physical game with Nicolas learning the old English art of shoulder barging to great affect. The Shambles took a hold of the game and were soon rewarded with an early " spawny" goal as some would say ( thanks Chris!!). Resurgent striker Dave was using his blinding pace to chase a through ball and even though his initial shot has admirally stopped by the Halcrow keeper , the resulting rebound rocketed back into the net off Daves knee!

The Shambles were soon 2 nil up thanks to a fantastic through pass from Nic which was met by an equally fantastic finish by Carl.  Some excellent subs and tight defending by Ian, Chris and Graham left the Shambles in control, although against the odds Halcrow battled hard and were rewarded by a goal for their efforts.

The second half began as the first had finished with both teams battling hard but with The Shambles seeming to have the edge. This was evident as  the score was soon to be 3 1 , a great throw out from in form keeper James saw Ian intercept and lay on a great pass for Nic to latch on and rocket the ball into the Halcrow net .

Shortly followed what must be considered a contender for Shambles goal of the season!  A superb team effort beginning with a throw out from James to Ian who easily evaded a Halcrow attacker to slide the ball across to the right to Chris. His equally skilful pass up the right wing was met by Carl, who under pressure knocked the ball in to centre which was met by Dave who, although obscured by a burly defender, hit the ball on the turn from waist height and curled a beaut of a finish into the top left hand corner of the Halcow goal watched by a motionless Halcrow keeper. Carl apparantly heard the sound barrier breaking as Chris was alledgedly seen to watch 2 page 3 girls faint at the sight before them.

Like a revitalised Michael Owen scoring  for England the night before, Dave took has tally forward by another 2 goals and rumour has it that Steve McClaren will be at The Shambles next game and working out how he can take all 7 Shambles players without dissapointing too many established internationals !!

A fantastic Shambles team performance

report by

I.M.Biased