OP's 1 - Norsemen 5

The OP's largest away gate of the season, consisting of Four Dinners and Karen Kinky Boots (pictured) watched the OP's huff and puff to an unlucky 5 - 1 defeat.

Unlucky? You may ask increduously. Well...most of it was and I was there. So there!

An excellent turn out gave Mark, Formerly Known as Fatboy, a selection problem as 13 OP's had arrived to play incuding debutant Darren (pictured in the white shorts) who had played a number of seasons as a semi professional goalkeeper for East something or other in Scotland.

The fact that he'd been a goalkeeper in Scotland immediately guarenteed he would not be going in goal for the OP's - although as he isn't actually a Jock but a northerner like moi he will probably see service between the sticks at some point.....

The OP's got off to a flying start with that well known Charging Wildebeast, Ralgex, putting us a goal up after only ten minutes. Judas commented that Ralgex was more akin to a Crazed Gazelle but, as Gazelles are graceful creatures, it was decided Charging Wildebeast remained more fitting.

A worthy first half saw Mark, Formerly Known as Fatboy, put the OP's 2 up with an excellent header only for it to be disallowed by a very dubious referee decision. Considering MFKAFB's usual reluctance to leave the centre circle it was even more unfair if you ask me.

Debutant Darren then earned a 20 pence fine for giving away a penalty shortly before half time with a hand ball in the area from which Goalkeeper Darren almost saved - but didn't.

The second half went the way of many second halves for the OP's. Despite manfully trying to play uphill the inevitable collapse ensued in the final fifteen minutes.

Still, a valiant effort until the legs went.

Goalkeeper Darren narrowly avoided a Tortoise Moment nomination by diving spectacularly several seconds after the ball had entered our goal. Defenders Debutant Darren, Joe, Jinxie and Scouse Deux had supurbly kept the oppostion out until the midfield legs went and the Norsemen charged forwards.

Anthony 'Fuddy' Duddy of the Brothers Fuddy Duddy had an excellent game in the middle as did Judas - joined in the second half by Jesus and Alan. Leotard made a nuisance of himself up front and was unfortunate on a number of occasions when the ball was played through and he would have been clear on goal had it not hit him on the arse...

Wiggy played a great game for the entire 90 minutes and was possibly our best player on the day - which may or may not be a compliment depending on your point of view....


L-R Rear - Jesus,Jinxie,Alan,Debutant Darren,Keeper Darren,Ralgex,Mark FKAFB,Wiggy,Anthony Fuddy Duddy
L-R Front - Judas,Scouse Deux,Leotard,Joe

Refreshments were enjoyed in the clubhouse where Debutant Darren paid his penalty 20 pence fine. Other 20 pence fines were paid by Scouse Deux, Ralgex and Jesus for failing to wear an Old Pretender T-shirt.

The card was won by Joe I think - I was outside having a smoke at the time - who recouped his 20 pence fine for wearing white football boots and another 20 pence fine as they weren't his.

The Tortoise Moment went to Ralgex who fell over a rubbish bin in the changing room.