Cool thanks Shane. Wasn't having a go was supprised game was on and I hadn't heard anything. Great result, can't believe we are second! Long way to go yet!

They did cry a bit Shane especially there big centre back who took offence to me wiping him out on the edge of our penalty area when the ball was in there half whined to Doug cook the ref about me kicking him then he shouted at me that he would see me after the game.I walked towards him after the final whistle but he put his coat on and vanished to the changing room.Great result and we battled real well see you all sunday and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all.



Except you Browny

Gents, I have updated the league tables, they are not fully accurate with some of the goal differences, and some of the lower teams games I may have missed, but that doesn't affect the real story, which is that, as far as I can tell, we are, officially, in 2nd position at the start of 2004. Fucking hell.

Johnny Lamb I said assume you weren't needed - then as you'd asked if you could skip the game if we had enough squad I didn't bother you with driving all the way down. Didn't intentionally leave you out, I thought that was how you wanted it. Running around a deserted Henwick in the snowy wind or having a lie in with Megan? I did you a favour.

Great result lads, there's only 2 teams left to play who we've yet to show we can beat. But we also know that there are no easy games at all. Home to Post Office this Sunday, who beat MDM not so long ago and we only scraped by last time, so another toughy despite their league position.

Anyone care to talk me through the goals then from the Vodafone match? How did they take to losing? I remember them being a bit childish, did they cry?

Smurf
Beanie
Hilly
Tony
Ghengo (Sub second half)

Matt - Left (Centre sencond half)
Crabb
Paul (Right back second half)
Neil - Right

Rob
Dave

Chris - (Left wing secong half)

And it was bloody windy!!!!!

Shane told me there wasn't a game and he would tell me if there was one. Never mind saved me driving down from up north earlier than I wanted. There has got to be a joke about Paul scoring with his knackers but it just doesn't spring to mind at the moment. What was the team?

Yes it did drunk boy..... We won 2-1 goals coming care of Paul's knackers and Who's the daddy Rob, another vital goal to add to his on-going collection!!

Did the game go ahead on Sunday then? What was the score?

078767 85398

Had a digit the wrong way round!

Ok mate, no probs.

Well they might be open at lunch, if i'll nip in there and get them. If not, i might have a problem getting them, i'll let you know later mate.

Yeah i know sorry mate, I saw I had a missed call but was on my way out...

Atkins i tried ringing you yesterday you ignorant shit

No? Thought I told you to get on e when you were in there on Sunday??

I can get you one thou. Still 3 tickets?

Merry christmas to you all see you sunday i should have the kit done by then if i can find it

Merry Christmas gents, see you on the 28th...

Browny the state i was in you could of told me you was there i wouldnt of known any different i was a mess

hey all, im well annoyed I have absolutly no reason to be at work today, Im just surfing the net all day its great.
Im gutted I missed Sunday, sounds really good.
So are you lot all going out for Christmas Eve??

Especially with his pseudo-cockney accent.

Dunno mate, didn;t you lot go there recently and say it was rank?

I was opposite Steve T when he threw up...and then just sat there like nothing had happened, didnt bat an eyelid!

Whats wrong with jongleurs in reading...?

You kissed that bloke. That's all I remember.

Johnny Sills you still owe £1 for the "Who's Graham?" Challenge - I know you're pissed off that you got caught out with it but it's time to leave your student days behind and cough up.

There are some piccies on the website.

Fuck me i still feel like im dying and i ache all over got a bollocking at work for looking rough as fuck and smelling like a brewery.Im going teetotal cant remember hardly anything

I think by the time you lot were doing the that in the bricklayers i was definatly in bed.

Still think the best comment of the night goes to Smurf (while he could still speak) when we drew the names out for first scorer and Stevie Tab got Tottenham's Gardner.

"Is that an uphill Gardner?"

Quality. Did anyone else see Stevie T blow chunks? And has anyone spoken to John L since he got packed off home?

Couldn't quite beleive it myself a few beers and she turns into shefford fc's new party girl.

Fair play to Tracy as well mate, she sat there all coy at first but soon got into the swing of things eh? "Tracy is your leader..."

Worst hangover in the world damm that yard!!!!!! don't remember to much of the night but dam what a good one.

Just sorting out some of the pics, will then get them up on the website...

Morning you two, dont think there will be many people on here today everyone will be to wrecked to type! Apparently John L went home about 8 O'clock. Steve Cross said he sent him home when we were in the Snooty Fox cos he was mashed. Didn't see Sillsy leave he was there after Lamby left so he didn't go with him. The Reading lads turned up again at about 1.50. They must have dissapeared off to the other side of the club.

Hey all, Sounds like I missed a good one last night. Sounds like one hell of a result to? So who ran the line while I was away??

and what the hell was that all about last night, you must have text me around 20 times between the lot of you??

Any gossip from ladt night then??

Have to say that Paris was lovely, but they are arrogant twats!!!

Vodafone got a convincing 6-1 win over Partick lads, so it means we stay 5th again, but put a bit of distance between us and 6th. They've obviously a strong team, but beatable.

So come on then, what happened to Johnny Lamb and Johnny Sills? I saw Smurf doing a somersault over the wall thing between the dancefloor and the bar area and whack his head against it - then his cousin rescued him (and indeed all of us) by driving him home. I saw Matt with more lager down his trousers than he'd drunk during the day. But the Reading boys disappeared in Liquid. All those sexy Newbury women too much for you? There were some right mingers in there last night, makes me shiver...

Although it was a great night, the club situation really lets the place down, we'll have to start considering Reading as a strong alternative for nights out. But for the Handing The Trophy Back night out, I'm gonna look into getting tickets for Jongleurs in Southampton.

I like your boss's style. I scrounged an extra hour in bed, but that was it - I had to get up and drive down here. Didn't see Steve T blow chunks, but did see Smurf start a game of 'who can crawl through the table thing' in the Bricklayers with the MDM boys, who's fattest player then proceeded to make the table explode as he got stuck in it, with Steve Cross and Dave Lewis trying to push bits of fat in, like they were packing a suitcase. How was Genghis? Didn't see him much after he downed 3 pints of cider in the yard thing at the Halfway!!!

On the game side, superb from everyone, what a performance and what a day to pull it out.

Tracy is our leftback...

Yep Home 9.45am for a 10:30 kick off. Then home, then pub, if you're getting to Newbury train station any time after two pints past Saints v Pompey kick off then you're on your own. Mind you if there's enough of you then a cab from there to the Halfway aint gonna break the bank...

You mention the Dons and the blogger goes quiet or has everyone pissed off to the pub? Are we at home on Sunday, I forget?

5 points clear with 5 games in hand, AFC Dons make it 19 wins out of 19 games. They even went a goal behind too, just for a laugh. There's only one Gavin Bolger...

Get some ice on it. And while you're at it, put some on your foot too, I've heard it's great for all types of swelling.

Why Would You Want To Know What Bird I'm Bringing Then Smurf?

Not good news this morning shane the instep and big toe have swollen up today and it's very painfull to walk, hopefully should be ok for sunday, but think of other alternatives just in case. (don't blame yourself cos i don't)

About the footy, not about you not bringing your woman.

We'll see tonight what other midfielders/rightbacks we'll have available, to see whether it's worth your while driving down from Sheffield.

Bugger.

Messed my days up, I was thinking of the week after. Still got to come back to work for the three days before New Years day. I'm not bringing my woman on Sunday.

Julie's coming to the Halfway but not on into town after the footy.

Not Me

Hello Beeny have you decided which bird your bringing sunday then?

Nice to know our "solid as a rock" goalie has faith in his team.


Cheers smurf!

Damm funny though.

NWN does not say who is reffing sunday Shane, Sillsy i think you have been shit all season!Only joking . Im running a sweep for sunday its a four timer.
How many times will:
A- Beeny head the ball
B- Matty fall over
C- Browny put his flag up
D- Lewis pass the ball

Place your bets please

Havent seen the NWN yet today, couldn't be arsed to get out of bed to read it.

Went to Villa - Chelsea last night with Ad.... Ha ha! Love it when the big guns lose! Bet Julie was chuffed, providing they can turn over shity Bolton they might have a chance at some silverware for a change.... That'll look nice while there fighting relegation.

I think we're away to Vodafone, who I believe play at Henwick. I thought you were coming down on the 27th after 'cleverly making Megan think it was her idea'?

Where are we playing on the 28th? I might drive down from Sheffield that morning.

Has anyone seen the NWN today yet? Can you tell me who the ref is for Sunday? Ta.

All people in Essex pretend they're from Landan init? You can catch them all out by pretending to be American...

"Hi, I'm Ed Winchester, where you from?"

"Landan init"

"Way to hussle, what sector of London?"

"Er, Romford?"

"You goddamn dickwad."

John Sills, so legend meaning that they think your dead in Essex and all they talk about are rumors of some Sunday league player who couldn't hack it in London?? I think you did alright on Sunday not your best effort but you were not that bad!

1. Of course Im not worried they are gonna steal Cat, ive left essex and made a life for myself, IM a legend in Essex

2. Essex IS NOT LONDON!!!! I LIVE 72 MILES FROM LONDON!! MORE THAN YOU DO!!

3. Decided that i didnt play that well on sunday, and was avarage as a sub the week before, so Im gonna play fu*king well this week. Job Done.

Im free 28th and yes Mr Bellamy i am aloud out sunday and im going to slip back into my mental stupid ways and get mortal drunk make a prick of myself an punch Matty a few times

Shows how fit i am then.... Nothing like digging a hole!! People are gunna expect me to do summit on Sunday now!!

They must want you to do a guest appearance or something? Not even I get text messages?

Us council workers are very caring and considerate for the local community. Either that, or he does fuck all but read the local paper.

Just booked the pitch for Sunday with the council and the guy on the phone said "you boys are starting to do really well aren't you? 5 wins on the trot now! - how are getting on with that radio thing?" Bless him. I told him we're out of the radio thing but that we're going for a 6th straight win and he said "That'd mean a few extra drinks at Christmas eh?" I think we should sign him up as a fan.

How come I got a txt message from Liquid yesterday?

Nice one Johnny L, it was you I was thinking the most would be unavailable, so that's good news. Johnny Sills I forgot you go back to Landan for christmas. Are you nervous that some of your old friends will steal Cat off you with their cheeky pseudo-cockney wit and landrovers?

Shane, should be available on the 28th after cleverly making Megan think it was her idea to come back down on the 27th! Get in! I always play terrible when I've been drinking the night before (no jokes about how I ALWAYS play terrible) but I thought you'd got used to playing with a hangover now Matt. Or is it your bird trying to get you to settle down....

Freaky.... It put them the wrong way around!! Might get away with that one!!

Only joking... Sorry! Wasnt gunna say that but couldn't resist it.

I often think I won't drink, and wonder what you'll say when I turn up and can hardly open my eyes...! I might look into suing the government, there driving me to drink.

I used to claim I play better hungover, but these days that doesn't seem to be the case, cause I've be shite... Maybe it's cause I getting old? Hmm... Paul, you don't drink before games do ya? Other than the hip flask.

I didn't think cattle markets ran over Xmas....?

I'll get you a drink on sunday Shane....!

I wont be around for the 28th, After 4 frankly scary days in middle Wales, I'll be in Essex, catching up with old friends and, ahem, old 'friends', although that could be difficult with Cat by my side! Talking of which, the lovely Catrin wont be attending on sunday. She'll be staying at home, taking pictures of her ass. For me to sell.

I have often deliberated over whether it's my right, as manager, to ask players not to drink too much on a Saturday night before a big game or even any game. Every time I think about it I pretty quickly come to the conclusion that it would be wrong to do so. If the club were one where we paid you to play, then maybe, but even then I've played some of my best games with a hangover. So if you want to cut down on Saturday night drinking then it's completely up to you. You need to find the right balance between enjoying your night out and enjoying the game on a Sunday. Sometimes one will take priority over the other.

So basically, fuck it, have a beer, you've probably earned it taking scum to court and nailing them.

Fair point, I've already got plans to stay in more and drink less in the new year, so that should benefit my footy more. I get really wound up when I play shite, but still end up doing again the next week!! It's because I work too hard... Have to treat myself at the weekend to justify working!!

Aha! Nice tactic. I like it.

But to be fair, you are fit. It's a miracle, but this is the time for miracles. I don't really know how you got fit - if you take a look at you when you signed for us, then add in how much you drink in a week, then those two together should equal permanent unfitness. But I guess you put the effort in in training, murder runs etc, and you play footy 3 or 4 times a week, so it's enough to get you the right type of match fitness. The true secret to staying off the bench isn't just fitness though, it's performing at the top of your game consistently in actual matches and buying me beer.

The Matty doesnt run jokes are wearing thin these days! I believe I do just as much running as most others these days (most matches), my fitness has improved by at least 87% this year! There are the odd couple of people fitter than me... Beckham, Gazza, Sillsy....Crabs, Le Tissier and of course Smurf (you never no when he's reading this and I can't afford any dead legs on Sunday morning).

and Shane.... Might struggle to score 3 from the bench.

Matt pass in front of goal? OK you're not Dave (the fooker) but I can't see you setting someone up unless you have no chance of scoring! Well unless it gets you out of doing some running....

Sounds fair!

Ok, you can have the food, go to work for me... But if you want my beer, you fu*k right off!

Once I've got my 3 I'll set you up for one... Fair..?

Tell you what matt, why don't you do what browny does stand around in the middle for a little, act like a center forward and I'm sure your get your goals, but on the other hand maybe I should work harder that way no one has to defend and we can all score loads of goals how does that sound. But then again as a team we defend well we attack well, how about I eat your food for you matt that way you don't have to waste any energy on chewing. And I could go to work for you so your all rested up for your hat trick, then I could drink all your beer so you don't have to feel hung over on Monday. Tell you what I'll just my F*****G name to matt that way I can do everything for you! (Maybe a little over the top but I'm sure we can work something out matt). Yes would be my answer I'll work harder.

I'm not quite sure about 3 goals on Sunday? I'd only planned to get 2. Beanie you'll have to work a little harder to enable me to get up the pitch too get my third.

Sorry, that big long answer was really just to say "No."

He didn't mate, he actually played quite well. Maybe a little quiet but that's because we had a bit of a memorial game for Mark Jobson, where Matt would find himself in acres of space out on the left wing, but no bugger would pass to him. It was a pretty steady, pedestrian, run of the mill performance by everyone really, didn't need to be any more than that. Norreys are certainly not a bad side by any stretch of the imagination, but they don't exactly have strikers that put the fear of god into you. Their midfield work well, but are let down a bit by physically poor defenders (although they were organised quite well) and lacklustre strikers. The midfield are their key because they tried to add numbers to the attack and the defence. We were actually at our best when we let them attack, because it pulled their defence right up the pitch and gave Dave and Neil lots of room to run into behind them, meaning they couldn't nullify it with numbers of people. But as soon as we pushed them up the pitch a bit, it all got a bit bunched up so the game was not so good to watch. But hey, that's something to work on once we've consolidated our position in the league. If we try and run before we can walk we'll end up beating ourselves by trying to be too complicated. 3 points from every game between now and the end of the season will suit me fine. You know we've lost the same number of league games as we had this time last season...

Yeah I heard that rumour too. I expect a hat-trick Sunday morning you know...

life is grand though, sorry matt didn't mean to upset ya mate.plus it's two birds in two weeks, you not drinking saturday then matt?

Dunno where all this is coming from mate..?! Your the one thats turned up with three different birds in the last three weeks!!! Although 18 year olds are fine by me...

Better let matty know he likes em like that, not sure if there a little to old and sophisticated for him though???

Colin is coming on Sunday, but might only stay for a couple cos it's also his sister's birthday. I'm trying to find out if she's having a party and if there are girls going and if they're all 18 years old...

Julie's coming to the Halfway, but may well stay there when we head off into town later in the day.

Shane need to set up a login name and user id for simon on the web site he will be wanting to log on this afternoon i'll post a message when he arrives at my house and is ready!

Just want to make sure, but who else is bringing their partners?

Who's Colin? Only joking. I will speak to the man himself, see if he can get a day pass from his missus.

I think the game on the 28th is against Vodafone - so hopefully they might struggle to put a full strong squad out - I think they have a lot of players from up north. It'd be cool to turn them over and get the jump on them in the league as their goal difference is much better than ours at the moment, so a points difference would be superb.

Speak to neil about colin, Would be good to have the full squad there!!

I'm ok for the 28th as well. Any idea who its against??

Shoul try and get in touch with Colin for the Xmas par-tay....

Well I'm avalible for the 28th not that i make much difference. Shane any idea when colin is due to return to full fitness or is he still alive, Will we ever see that estranged shadow again??

Um, I think you've missed the point here, the whole volunteering thing occurs when I have too many players available and ask whether anyone fancies a week off. It doesn't apply if you've told your family you'll take them to the cinema... Cheeky cheeky.

As it is we're already at a bare 14 this Sunday, before anyone else tells me they can't make it. So there's a good chance of a fair chunk of the game - and don't forget it's go straight home, grab a shower, shit and shave, aftershave, bite to eat, bunk up, second shower, then off to the Halfway for the Shefford FC Christmas Thing, featuring Pompey v Southampton and Spurs v Man U. Lets all laugh at Genghis, lets all laugh at Genghis... And Rob if after beating Liverpool at Anfield the Saints fail to overcome struggling Pompey at Fratton Park.

It's a good question, and a Blog I meant to put up yesterday, but I got reading Belle De Jour again and lost my train of thought.

There is a game scheduled for the 28th December - so I'll need to get an idea of who is and isn't available. Let me know on here and someone remind me on Thursday so I can ask the rest of the squad who don't know how to use a computer.

I cant believe Beeny STILL didnt take the piss out of Browny, even after Matty's warning!!

You're right about using the wings Shaner, I think is helps spread the play giving more room for runs into the box, and it stretches their defence. It also makes it easier for whoever is playing in the middle, as we know we can take a touch then knock it out wide, rather than getting it under control and only being able to pass it backwards.

Whens the first game after christmas Shane?

Whatever smurf, you old boys thinking your all that! don't forget your pipe, smoking jacket and slippers!!!!!

You allowed out then Smurf?

Own up who invited Beeny on here? Im going to drink you all under the table sunday and shag all your birds.......Again ! Bring it on you young whipper snappers

You were lucky mate, Julie had our digital camera with her on Sunday.

Steady on shane things won't get that bad, but my god you need to see someone about your delusional behavior!! you've been talking to brownie on the sideline to much!!!

I think at the time mate it was just me. Then I asked Julie and Megan whether they'd spotted anything wrong with the picture and Megan said she had. That was it. We just figured you'd been touching up your new bird at half time. Nothing wrong with that. This was the first I've mentioned it, I'd be surprised if anyone else really knew what was going on earlier on in the Blogger. John Lamb obviously knew cos he asked Megan (being her beau he had better access than the rest of us). But there you go.

Was that a Stevie T "interesting"? Partick beating MDM you can probably take as a good sign - we're capable of beating Partick. Shalbourne beating WKD is a bad sign for us cos it means we'll go into Sunday's game expecting a nice comfy win and we'll get turned over and it'll ruin the Christmas party and I'll drink too much to try and make sure it's a good entertaining night out so then I'll be bad on the Monday and my boss will smell the alcohol on my breath and send me home, but then the cops will stop me on the way home and breathalyse me cos they're upping their efforts for Christmas and I'll be just over the limit even though I haven't drunk since the night before and I'll get banned, then I'll lose my job cos I can't drive to work or to meetings, so I'll get a new job working as a barman in the LSB and it'll turn it that it really is that sort of pub and one night when I'm down in the cellar on my own...

Lads we have to win on Sunday. Shit.

so come on all own up who new about this and wasn't gonna say anything. cheers lads and theres me thinking i was part of a team!!!!!!!!!!! (except shane cos he was the one pointing at it!!!!! only joking lads, seriously who new???

NTS 1 - 6 VF
Partick 2 - 1 MDM
WKD 1 - Shalbourne 3

Interesting.

oh well i'm making every one else look good with my small beeny!!!!!!!

Ooh tape!

No need to be embarassed! And I think she only looked cos I stood there pointing at it. Which is probably bad of me, but I get uncomfortable when confronted with a grown man's erection. And to be honest, from what I saw, it can only have been half-cocked...

Plus Vodafone's trouncing of NTS means that we stay 5th in the division, and their goal difference goes further away from ours. As we're not going to win the league or anything, I'm really not that fussed about goal difference this season, I'd rather enjoy a 1-0 win than get stressed about creaming everybody.

Steady Beeny.

dunno why but i'm quite embarrassed now!

Right then better get some tape for that!!! but it was cold!!!!!!! anyhow why is she looking in that particular area!!! tch tch naughty!!!!!!

There are 2 elements you're after Beeny.

The first is the Norris McWerter reference so correctly spotted by John "Free Pint" Lamb.

The second is more, shall we say, sensitive, as it appears that after a bit of a pep-talk from your new ladyfriend at half time on Sunday, that Little Beeny appeared to be pointing the way forward for the second half. No wonder you had so much space... Never has a call of "Man on!" been more accurate.

Just looked at Vodafone's results so far this season - they have been beaten 9-2 by Cold Ash so far this season, but had a good result yesterday, beating NTS 6-1. They lost to TVS 4-3 and beat WKD 3-1. Basically their results are all over the place, some are good, some are bad. Sound like any team we know?

The only reason I look at them more than anyone else is that I think we'll be vying for positions up against teams like them an Partick this season.

Right lads now your talking about norris and spotted dicks something your not telling us all, or is the joke allowed to be made pubic sorry public!!!!

Is it to do with Norris McWerter or however you spell his name, when on record breakers they put him on the spot? Is the joke Matt said about the festive tampon that's designed for the Christmas period? Turns out the lesser spotted dick that was seen on Sunday has been spotted before according to Megan!

Nutter he may well be, but his Christmas Period joke has boosted my popularity today no end.

As for WKD, I shall see what squad I have available, but I should expect the back four will remain the same as the four that put Norreys on the spot, on the spot!!! (Anyone who can tell me what that's all about gets a pint on Sunday).

Midfield I don't know, everybody's playing at about the same level at the moment, but with the injuries we have it also kind of picks itself. I was quite pleased to see Browny get straight into the game on Sunday when he got his chance. He hasn't hit his form of last season yet for us when he was immense either as a sub coming on or for the games where he started, but this week he showed no signs of taking ten minutes to get into the game. Unlike me.

I'd like to use the wings a lot more, we did for the first 15 minutes and then got sucked inside, so I'll pay more attention to that this Sunday. When Rob and Matt stick out wide and we find them, we automatically have good attacks, but when we stop finding them with the ball they get sucked into the middle and the game becomes a bit of a stalemate like Sunday.

Anyone definitely not available other than Mikey and Browny?

Beanie - Thats about 5 posts now, and in all 5 you've failed to take the piss out off Brownie... Now sort it out.

Was walking alone Northbrook Street at lunch and this loud voice next to me said 'NO' so i looked across and this old bloke was starring at me and went... 'Play on' with a sweeping movement with his arms... Mr Cleeves!! Then he walked off laughing out loud to himself! Nutter!!

Us Against WKD, any strategies?

What big game?

big game sunday any team news?

You'll have to ask Megan mate.

Matty your like a baboon on heat, do you like to shag anything that moves or do they just still have to be warm!!!! what was being spoke about was shane was saying about my girlfriend and her kids. so if your in to that kind of thing matt??? Finally got onto blogger thanks shane. what was spotted at half time shane???

Matty your like a baboon on heat, do you like to shag anything that moves or do they just still have to be warm!!!! what was being spoke about was shane was saying about my girlfriend and her kids. so if your in to that kind of thing matt??? Finally got onto blogger thanks shane. what was spotted at half time shane???

Just trying to keep my popularity with the fans John, it'd be the same Megan calling for head, ahem, I mean, calling for my head, if we were still bottom of the division. I should think it was probably more because Megan was stood next to Julie for most of the game, so the two of them got to talk about shopping and dolls and cooking and sowing and stuff, while we ran around.

As Smurf is now also a married man it will be interesting to see how little beer it takes to get him rocking, slurring and goggle-eyed. My prediction is by half time in the Pompey v Southampton game.

Beeny got onto the Blogger then, well done mate...

I'm with you John, I thought yesterday's game was dull, we kind of played as well as we needed too, though I think if we'd played much better we'd have still only won it closely, their keeper was pretty good. But there you go, 15 points from 15, only WKD standing in the way of us and a damn good celebration.

Oh, and John - ask Megan what else might have helped her to enjoy the game, something at halftime that only she and I spotted. Seems that some players were more up for the second half than others...

How many birds are you bringing then? !!

Cheers shane might just do that!!!! there probably better drinkers than smurf anyhow
they know how to hold their beer!!!!!

I thought it was a bit of a dull game but Megan seemed to think we played well and enjoyed the game - I'm guessing that had nothing to do with you giving her a hug at the start of the game - did it?

Proper Crimbo party is open to all, you can bring a bird or bring no one, it's up to you - didn't want to make any rules this year, so yes Beeny you can bring the family.

John S - I did notice you flapping your flag around like a lunatic and was next to their player who shouted something at you. Unfortunately at the time I was trying to remember what a striker does so I forget what he said.

5 straight wins, 4 clean sheets, not bad form we're showing. They were quite difficult to break down in the end yesterday, but like last season they didn't show too much promise up front. Another thing in this division which is a little different is teams don't tend to switch off when you score against them. Shalbourne definitely didn't and I thought the goal yesterday didn't seem to change the game too much. Thought they were a little bland really, no danger but not shit, made for a crap game to watch, won by a crap goal, but the history books will show Shefford getting 3 points...

John we are going to drive to the game and then go straight back afterwards, get changed and then get the train to Newbury. Then get a taxi back afterwards.

Morning all, Great result yesterday. I agree Jon don't think we are playing anywhere near our best but the good thing is we wake up in the second half of games and grind out results.

Are partners allowed to the proper crimbo selecta party??

Another strong win today lads, 5 on the trot. I still dont think we are playing near our best, last season we really picked up in the second half of the season, so hopefully, if that happens again, we will keep winning, but more convincingly!

Anyone else notice while i was linesman that i got annoyed about something and started throwing my arms around, only to realise i had a flag in my hand! The ref didnt, but one of their players did.

So whats the plan for the Proper crimbo party then? Us reading lads are gonna have to organise taxis etc.

The website is truely brilliant, wish I had so much time on my hands...;-) Shocking that I havent got a mention in any of the match reports, I got 3rd in man of the match in 2 of those league matches! At least a mention for attrocious shotting? Well? Anyone? Hello....Youve all stopped listening, havent you.

Your right about Johnny Lamb, he gets stuck in and doesnt give up. Like Stevey Tab.

Ghengis, Have your legs fallen off yet?

Dont let the Bell's End.

Proper Crimbo.

Genghis is out injured and Paul has a family arrangement, meaning we are one right back short of a team. I can play there but may be needed up front, so the Lamb scenario had certainly entered my mind. Don't get me wrong, I would also much rather play you in midfield, but needs must.

I think other than that then it will be a similar squad availability as last week.

Is ghengis not playing sunday then or are him and paul out? Who else is not avaliable then?

I wasn't hinting at that and would prefer to play in midfield but if it means I'm in the team I'm happy to play there. Has everyone else gone home today? I'm messing around on the internet (while listening to The Darkness on AOL), it makes a nice change!

Excellent.

That's a good question John, I'm glad you asked me that. I was watching last night and you're a very difficult person to take the ball around, you get stuck in and don't give up do you? Interesting...

There's a slim chance that it might be me, as a new option came into my head last night.

Any jokes about "coming into my head" will result in instant dropping.

Any jokes about "instant droppings" will result in long term dropping.

Oh fuck it.

Shane, any clues as to who's playing right back on Sunday? Might it be you? How come Steve T won the backs to the wall competition last night?

New Poll up on the website, got rid of the Genghis one finally after a call from the police asking why 93% of the population wanted him kept away from children. Apparently Michael Jackson only scored 62%...

Yep 8.30 start. I will be doing some of the fitness stuff tonight so bring your biceps...

Training tonight is normal stuff, ickle bit of fitness, then footy in the nice warm, dry sports hall. Who could miss that?

Smurfy you're right, that first match against Cold Ash we only lost 4-2. If we do well against all the other teams, we can probably guarantee them promotion and that way they go up and aren't our problem next season. Every one else is fair game, we don't need to fear TVS, Vodafone are an unknown quantity and MDM look pretty hot. Switched on is the key. Half on, or dimmed, just isn't good enough at this level.

Ok we will blame you then,my legs ache till about thursday normally then i go and do it all again on a sunday love it.If we just play our game like normal we play some good stuff keep switched on for the full 90 in all honesty we could take any team in this division.

I'll take some of the blame for Shalbourne because they changed their formation at half time and we probably should have reacted to that earlier than we did. But in my defence, it's really difficult to see the shape of the game when you're running the line, it's possibly the worst angle of all to watch from, and at the same time as they changed tactics, some of our players started playing the worst I've ever seen them, so it was difficult to tell whether a change in formation would have worked, considering we couldn't kick the ball anyway.

As it is, it's always a big decision to change your tactics to match the other team, particularly when we're ahead, but I guess they were overrunning us for some time before they scored, so maybe I should have pulled Neil back towards midfield earlier than I did (5 minutes to go). Still, we're all learning and this is all good for when you guys get too old to play anymore and move into management.

My legs still ache from playing in goal on Sunday.

We got to complacent against Shalbourne we thought we had it in the bag we deserved to get beat for doing that.I dont ever want to see us do that again i think we should no by now that we cant walk in to any game thinking its going to be easy cos it just aint going to happen.A game last 90 minutes not 45

Right it's now up there. Strictly we are in fact in 4th place, as Vodafone have 3 points from a game they have not played. But I don't want to be petty, I thought I'd just put it in as it is, because it'll feel better if I get to change it for the better, than if I change it now and at some point have to change it back.

Haven't heard anything from the B&B for a while about the appeal. There's no way they can contemplate upholding the decision, they don't have a leg to stand on. Cool. But there you go. Now I don't want everyone looking at that and thinking we have 3 points in the bag on Sunday, if we play like we did in the second half against Shalbourne, they'll tonk us just like Shalbourne did in that half. If we play like we did in the first half against Partick, we'll tonk them, but we still have to play like that, not just know that if we did...

Steady Jonny, thats two posts in two days?

Web sites looking superb, although i keep getting caught on it at work! It's not as subtle as blogger!!

Yes I am, just doing it now in fact...

Are you putting the table up on the web site today?

There's that take it like a man thing again, can we stop it please? Such bad memories, I'll never toss a coin with Steve T again...

21st we play WKD at Fortress Northcroft (it's all on our new website...) so we should be looking at 3 points and probably 3 beers then an early night. I'm having a look to see if there are any Christmas Carol Services at any churches in Newbury, that'll be pleasant.

Hampstead Norreys beat NTS Casuals 1-0, same as we did, so if anyone's expecting an easy game this Sunday then think again.

Division 2 has gone fucking mental, they're all beating each other and Monument lost to PO Reserves! Banks beat Travellers Friend and Herm Res lost to Westwood. Glad we're not in that division anymore.

Got me name in the paper.

Browny dont get stressed you know im only joking your a fair player and part of the team but at the end of the day someone has to have the piss ripped out of them and im afraid that is you my friend so take it like a man.

cheers smurf, that all you think Im good for???

Oops forgot leave Browny behind we will need a linesman

Shane you can play me in goal hilly at the back,Smiler in midfield and Lewis up front.The rest of you can sod off to the cinema with grandad Curtis we would get a result.Who we playing sunday 21st then and were at so we can get on the drink quicker

Sent you an email to your lycos address Mr Lamb.

But www.intheteam.com/sheffordfc

What's this web site everyone is talking about and what's the address?

Not to worry - John Sills just sent me a txt to say that Hampstead Norreys are 3rd from bottom but haven't won since we lost to Partick (seems like last year now). So either they're on a good cup run or they've faced some unfortunate fixtures, or they suck.

We beat them last season too, quite early on. They were a good footballing side, passed it very well, but lacked a little up front and couldn't handle us at the back, let's hope things are the same this season.

I don't want everyone getting all complacent. When you think about it we've had no easy games in the league, we've had some that we think are easy, but then we've only come away with a 1-0 or 2-0 win, so a goal against us would have made things very different. I know we can't play every game as switched on as last Sunday, but we need to stay focussed if we're going to consolidate our Div 1 status by Christmas...

Web site looks good, a few good wrtie ups on their too.
Roll on Christmas, I need two weeks off. Shane I'm not here for the 21st, christmas party I know, Im taking the Mrs to Paris for her birthday, I might meet you lot out afterwards though, if you are still half with it.

Ahmen to 6 out of 6, that would be a really good acheivement, by all.

Hehe, sorry mate, didn't mean to make you feel so replaceable. As you are a confirmed member of Shefford's Iron Curtain I'd be more than happy to leave the back four as it is from last week. Fortunately I'm in the position to be able to make changes without necessarily compromising on quality. I will probably hand Smurf his place back though, my nerves can't stand many more games in goal.

Hyperthetically that would be fine I think Paul, even if Genghis isn't fit there's always me and others who can play right back, plus I'm thinking of going two at the back so Smurf looks bad compared with me in goal.

That should be fine mate.

This week Hampstead Norreys, next weekend WKD, can Shefford make it 6 straight wins before Christmas? It's in our hands...

Website is great boss, and Im fairly happy with my profile too! Good decision to only put our results since we started winning on to! Your right about not needing to fill oin the stats, half the squad probably wouldnt understand them. Yourself, Paul, and Matt not included, of course. You are the only other people using the blogger, right?!

If anyone wants to know their login for the website it's just your initial and your surname all in lower case:-

e.g. pcurtis, ncurtis, dlewis, staylor, gboy...

You are sick.

I'll get the league table up on there on Thursday.

Oh, and I don't think we are 4th, I think we're 5th on goal difference, but with Vodafone losing to Shalbourne that makes them fair game.

John get Cat to fix the lights and send us all more photos.

Smurf was that the first of your 'thank you letters'? Very polite indeed, other than the words 'prick', 'twat' and 'fuck'. I suggest you rethink your letter to your nan.

Evening boys two things to say,Firstly great result sunday boys well proud of you i must have to try now to get back in.Secondly thanks to so many of you for making the effort to get to the wedding much appreciated by both of us we had a great day and an even better night,I nearlly looked a prick though i thought the big present was a joke and full of bricks i was going to chuck it, what a twat i would of looked much relief when i opened it so cheers lads thank you all,well done and see you sunday at fortress northcroft.

ps fuck radio1 bring on 2tenfm

Shocking stuff with Radio One, not least because we got cheated out of it, but after weeks of noone listening, it turns out everyone i know was listening yesterday to here us go out, and have practically nothing said about us! Oh well, Nemone was an ugly slag anyway, wouldnt have wanted to meet her, or that United Scummer Mark Chapman. And you can quote me on that.

As for the game, great result and great performance. I thought you had a great game Matt, especially as Im trying to get back in the team for next week. Thanks for that.

Very similar to the Hermitage match from last year, think im right in saying that the top 3 man of the match were all defenders then too. Shame though, first 20 mins they seemed like an alright bunch of lads, then it turned out they were twats, in particular the fat one with the joe pasquale voice, and the manager. It was pretty funny though, when, after having screamed at Browny for a good five mins, his team mate turned to him and said 'yeah, he was offside though'. I wont print his reaction...

Off to fix the christmas lights now, they broke after just a day and a half! Thats surely a new record...

Major squad picking headache for next week though.

I think that should mean that we're definitely in 4th position now, which is bloody excellent lads really, we're really doing ourselves proud at the moment and it's great to have regained the momentum we built up last season despite a tough start to the campaign. I quite like the training indoors cos we do just the right amount of pure fitness work and then leave the rest of the fitness to the fact that we play about an hour of two-touch five-a-side footy, which is enough to knacker anyone out, except Crabbeman and John Sills. Be nice to have an easy game again though, a PO Reserves or a Mobile Streams, just for old time's sake. But there you go, you suffer for your arts, we're in Div 1 they're not. And maybe Hermitage won't be coming up this year either, that's gotta sting. Thank fuck we got the top spot when we did. Bet that Vic French Cup don't look so shiny anymore...

HOw did you find out those results anyway?

Cold Ash will be gutted that they only drew the same day we beat TVS. Ha, good, cos I felt a bit bad beating TVS cos of that, but then I guess I'd rather see Cold Ash go up so they're not our problem for another season....

Blimey, just goes to show it's all open. MDM looking good though, could be a tough game. Also shows that it's pointless looking at the table at the moment to get an idea of how we should fare against teams. Same as last season really.

Anyone remember when we only beat Hospital 1-0, that was nervy eh?

Good news.... Shalbourne beat VF 5-3 !!!

MDM 2-2 Cold Ash.
WKD 1-5 Partick

Like I say, wasn't that much of a mare, just a mare by your standards, and a few of the things you did could have turned it into a brilliant performance.

I tell you what though, I certainly enjoyed doing the write-up this morning, put a smile on my face. I think it's a shame because Vodafone played Shalbourne so they should have won which means we won't have gone up in the table at all, but it means we might have a bit of a cushion between us and teams below us. To think at the beginning of last season I was worried in case we got promoted... Shows what I know.

Afternoon, keep logging on but havent had an opportunity to write anything. (Court tomorrow so I have to earn by money this week!)

I'm not sulking! At the end of the day I was piss poor, and no ones more annoyed about my performance than me! It wasnt the fact I was hungover cause I felt ok, just had a mare.

I don't mind all the flack, certainly makes me more determined to prove you all wrong, even thou I'm sure I've got more than most get!! But then again, I give more than most too, so I guess what goes around, does come around... Dave. And at the end of the day "The other 10" had a great game which is what pulled a cracking out of the hat.

(shiver) reminds me of when I lost at poker to Steve T.

I know you're reading this and sulking Matt so let's just put things into perspective, you weren't that bad in comparison to everyone/anyone else on the pitch, you were just bad in comparison to you. Fair enough in the first half you had the wrong studs in so everytime you go the ball you ended up with your arse or your face in the mud, but you got that sorted out in the second half, and a lot of your passes were those ones where everyone winces because they just haven't come off but if they had they'd had put people in the clear. But everyone expects you to produce brilliance, so when you pull out a slightly polished turd, it's more noticeable.

You don't even remember the game do you?

Excellent result yesterday lads, we did ourselves proud. Just prroves how far we have come over the past year, that team have never lost to cold Ash. I think it is just a psycological thing against them. But it prooves that we can hold our own in this league.

Fantastic game from Beanny best I've seen him play, he even headed it twice. Got to see him quite closely too as he was on my wing. Another great performance from Rob, and I thought the defence were awsome.

Bring on Hampstead Norreys and lets push for a 5th succesive league win.

Top notch result yesterday lads. Especially playing with just 10 men and Matt on the left.

I had a strange feeling as the second half wore on that we were going to get a goal. Thought it'd be Dave, but there was Rob with a cool head when we needed it. Mikey the MOTM results were, as far as I remember, Tony 3rd, Hilly 2nd and Beeny way out on top, and deservedly so, he didn't put a foot wrong all game. Paul Curtis too on the other side, other than a few nervy moments towards the end (fair enough, I was bricking it) had an immense game and didn't let much come down his side for the full 90 minutes. Crabbeman and Johnny Lamb for breaking up nearly everything they tried to do in midfield and Dave and Neil (and then Rob) for giving us all some decent breathing space whenever they got the ball. Not the best footy we'll ever play, but a brillian organised and disciplined performance by everyone.

Did have a slight panic attack last night when it struck me that something bad had actually happened to Dave Lewis, don't think the world has seen that before, but hopefully it will be okay.

They didn't like it up em did they? I expect we'll face a bit of an onslaught when we play them again, but it shows what we can do when we're all switched on, okay when 10 of us are switched on and on top of our game.

Hampstead Norreys at home next week, they're a good side, fairly established Div 1 team, so we'll need to work hard again, but no reason why we shouldn't be aiming for our 5th straight league win...

I dont think 3-5-2 will work, judging when we played it before the wing backs didnt move enough, meaning that we basically had one centre midfielder and two wingers, and we were overrun in the middle.

You head out of Newbury on the A4, as if you're heading to the halfway, but at the big roundabout just over the bridge over the bypass, you take a right, towards Stockcross and The Vineyards. You stay on that road for effing miles, through Stockcross and through Wickham, then you hit a T-Junction, turn right towards Great Shefford and you eventually head down the hill into the village. Past the Swan on the right, the road bends right and then you want the first left towards the village hall, follow the road across the ickle bridge, bend left and there you are.

Alternatively, head straight straight past the Halfway Inn, right along the road towards Hungerford, then turn right at the roundabout, up the hill, straight over the M4 and that brings you down the hill into the village.

Alternatively, turn right at the Halfway Inn and head up the hill, carry on going straight (don't turn left off it at any point) and then straight over the road at the top, this will bring you down into Boxford, turn left and this will bring you into Great Shefford.

Alternatively, turn right at the Halfway Inn and head up the hill, at one point the road forks, take the left fork (rather than going straight ahead) and then turn left at the top, this brings you through Wickham, turn right at the T-junction and head down the hill into the village.

Bloody hell.

Pub lunch. Sorry.

Still, we can play down the left...

Fucking thing took all my spaces away.

^ ^


^ ^ ^

^ ^ ^ ^ ^

^

Easy. Everybody understand? Cool.

I think it's worth a stab, but we'll need discipline from the 2 wing backs that when they go up they must be prepared to get back, so everyone will need to be communicating. Could be fun. Plus Crabbeman can then pretty much sit in the middle of the park without needing to get sucked too far back or forward, leaving Matt and whoever to be a bit more creative when the chance comes.

Yeah, sounds like a pretty good idea. I'd say teams like TVS/Vodafone would be the only opportunity to test it out???? Wouldn't be much point trying it against the likes of the Post Office because they wouldn't cause us as much trouble upfront as TVS, so it would almost be a player wasted at the back? If that makes sense?

It should in theory, (this isn't me trying to make excuses not to come back) it should help us attack in numbers, as we wouldnt need the whole midfield as deep as often, cause we'd have an extra man already back.... Would mean a hell of a lot of running from the midfield to ensure that there isn't a huge gap in the middle of the park? Otherwise there just control the game from there. But hopefully thats where we'll be controlling the game from.

Yeah, the thinking is we're up against a tough team who don't mind having shots from around the edge of the area, so to restrict their options for that. The plan would be (I'm in goal). For Beany to be on the left and Paul Curtis on the right, with Tony, Hilly and Frew in the middle, basically ruining every attack. Beany and Paul can then have some freedom to join up with you, Crabbeman and one other in midfield whenever we break for an attack. We've not played it before so maybe a game against TVS isn't the best place to debut the strategy, but I just don't want to give them free range against a four man defence without Smurf behind them.

And with so many midfielders out injured or in but carrying injuries at the moment the midfield choice isn't so hard. We've got John S still injured but saying he's alright, Adam out, Paul at right back, so it only leaves Crabbeman, you, John L, Rob and Browny for selection, and Crabbeman's only just back from busting his ribs...

Whoops.... I've done a Browny and published it twice....

He's my idol.

I'm up for weekends away to both Prague and Stockholm.... Beats liquid, just! Can just call one 'end of season' and one 'start of season' easy, plus Paul can sort us out with some £1 e/w flights.

5-3-2.... From a midfielders point of view, and taking in to account we have about eight midfielders! It's hard enough fighting for four places in midfield, never mind three !!

Whats the thinking behind the defence? You - right, Beany - left (playing wing backs), and the 3 centre backs??? Or just a flat back 5?

I'm up for weekends away to both Prague and Stockholm.... Beats liquid, just! Can just call one 'end of season' and one 'start of season' easy, plus Paul can sort us out with some £1 e/w flights.

5-3-2.... From a midfielders point of view, and taking in to account we have about eight midfielders! It's hard enough fighting for four places in midfield, never mind three !!

Whats the thinking behind the defence? You - right, Beany - left (playing wing backs), and the 3 centre backs??? Or just a flat back 5?

Oh Man, a weekend in Prague and a weekend in Stockholm, I best start ordering flowers for Julie now... Rob, can you send your photographer to Sweden please for some more girl on girl and pert round breast shots? Thank you.

What's the general consensus of opinion for 5-3-2 on Sunday?

I think they probably will phone both - but if she's on the phone I can hear her answers, so if I'm on the phone to you, I can tell you the answer and you can scribble it down for Hilly to read. Plus if we're losing badly you can scribble down wrong answers, like "my pants" to the question "Where's the strangest place your Mum has hidden your christmas presents?"

Lets just hope they don't phone both, Hilly and his Mum at the same time?? To prevent people doing just that??

Cool - need to make sure we do go though thou so we'll have to get quite alot right? Dunno if it's one or two teams that get kicked out??

Right. Matt you'll be with Hilly in the pub with the rest of the lads. I'll be with Hilly's mum, on the phone to you, telling you what the answers she's giving are. We shouldn't get them all right or any of them exactly right word for word, but we should make sure we go through. Maybe not win this round though eh???

Yep....

So, do we cheat...?

EMAIL FROM RADIO 1

Boys

So the penultimate but one round beckons. Your rest is over, Nemone's back at the weekend and as promised it's going to be a friends and family round. We need each team to nominate 1 player and his Mum to play. It's going to be a Mr and Mrs style thing but with your Mums (not in a sick way we're just going to test how much you know about them - how well you treat your Ma etc..)

Can you get back to me and let me know:

Who's going to be doing it
If you've got a fixture on Sunday and what time (in case we have to pre record it)



Would be ideal if you could be out with at least a few of your team mates and your Mum was at home when we played the game - you musn't be together!! No cheating!

Thats quite freaky... I thought of that earlier but didn't put it. (All going a another member of the squad).

Brwony if you read this are you or Rob driving tonight?

I'm not bothered either way whether we bring our girlfriends/wives. Megan will probably have gone back up north by then but I'm staying down until after the xmas do. Got Monday off so bring it on!

Or everyone go as someone else from the squad... Could cause major ruptions...

We could do a Browny theme, everybody go as Browny...

Hadn't actually thought of a theme! Just thought it would be funny if people dressed up or summit!!

Just looking out for team spirt and opportunities to take the piss out Browny. He'd have to be either B.F.G. or a scarecrow.

And what sort of theme were you thinking about, you kinky bugger?

Still heard nothing from Radio 1...

Matt's pitch for Supporter's Player Of The Year comes in early in the season...

Nights out... Now we're talking.

Xmas - I'm not fussy, whether its a meal or just pubs etc, we're bound to have a great laugh and get blotto'ed. (Themed night might add to the festive spirt??? Only a suggestion! (Might be to much hassle?)

As for the birds coming, I've always thought of Julie as part of the team anyway, comes to all the games etc, and probably knows more about football than me. So I can't see a reason why she shouldn't be invited as a Shefford guest if it was to be classed as lads only?

As for the other lasses.... I don't mind, but probably won't bring mine? But I don't really feel in a position to say other can't bring theres if they wanted too?

"Division 2 champs... Pre giving the cup back night out...."

Another great idea!!

p.s. and speaking of a boys night out, how about a boys night out after January pay-day - to celebrate the returning of the Div II Trophy? It has to go back in February and I don't think we've had enough celebration out of it.

Shefford Christmas Thing - this year looks like it's the 21st December, no matter what we're actually doing that day. Whatever the Halfway guys are doing we'll probably arrange to at least meet up in a pub with them at some point, but they might just tag along from the start - I dunno whether Steve and Kirsten want to take them out for a meal or something. But is everyone happy with that? Basically means we don't have to change anything we do, but the more the merrier and you can try and cop off with the barmaids and waitresses... One word of warning though, Vicky (not Smurf's sister, the other one) is now going out with Phil the chef, so she's well out of bounds, partly cos he's my mate and partly cos he knows how to use a knife and I'm running out of squad members.

Finally, what are people's thoughts on, in the case that there's going to be quite a lot of us, that we don't try to exclude the lady-friends (I'm not talking about Steve T's new gang) I mean our better halves? There's a chance Julie will be out with the Halfway lot so I don't want to be seen to be making one rule for one, one rule for another, etc... If it were up to me I'd just have a boys night out, but I reckon if there's enough of us and if it's up to you whether you bring a bird or not then the night shouldn't be too stilted if your wife or girlfriend is there. What with Smurf's stag night it's not as though we're running short on boys nights recently, and we can always arrange something in Feb/March next year maybe a night at Jongleurs - beer, comedy, nightclub place...

Anyway, let me know your thoughts on the Christmas thing, and I'm completely open minded about it so just say what you feel. And yes, I know you feel hungry Smurf...

Matty is that Dave Lewis doing a pre match warm up on that site?

If you have sound on your Pooter... Go to this site. Pretty funny to watch even without sound.

http://www.stud.ntnu.no/home/alexann/

Quality! - Would explain why Browny is always skint.

I've never realised you can read other peoples blogs! Might have to start.

Do you ever look on the left hand side of the Blogger homepage at the "Blogs we've noticed" section?

I do.

Was just looking at one called Belle de Jour, a blog written by a London call girl. Mostly it was boring drivel (pretty much like ours) but then I came across one post...
___________________________________________________________________________
Best Customer Ever alert!

There is someone in London who paid to lick the pucker of my arse for one hour.
___________________________________________________________________________

So there you go. Browny where've you been working lately?

Yep, it's certainly not bad looking at all. The main thing to remember is how we were playing against Partick before we crumbled. We were awesome in that game and they couldn't hold us, we just couldn't squeeze the ball into the net. Another day we'd have got one or two there and they'd not have been able to come back. That game did us no favours cos we came away feeling like 7-2 losers when in fact we came very close to winning it. Vodafone used to be a strong team but we always did alright against them - we've come on leaps and bounds since then and added some good, strong players, if they haven't done the same then there's no reason why we can't give them a damn good game. 5th in the league gents is great, we can be nicely proud of ourselves after the start we had to the season, if we can get those points back off Vodafone and then maybe even nick them ourselves we'd be in a comfortable 4th place. Not bad for division newboys eh? Good job we went up rather than Hermitage, they'd never be doing as well as this. Tough game coming up on Sunday though, but no reason why we can't take the game to them. We've won important games without Smurf before (though admittedly not with the whole effing team hungover). But fuckin ell, 5th place after 6 games? Happy with that.

Tony just text me. Apparently we are 5th in league now. Bloody good going I'd say, when you consider VF have had a walk over as well.

They beat that team we beat 1-0 in the rain (can't remember there name) at the weekend, it was something like 5-3, which goes to show they concede goals. And without that walk over I think they would be on the same points as us?

Or found himself dribbling out of his own box...

And he wouldnt have to head it.

Wouldn't be the first time he's put his fist in a sweaty hole that fits like a glove.

Anyone know whether Nigel is available for Sunday? Hope so, otherwise John S is in goal...

John sit out training if you have any doubts over your leg at all.

Rob the fu*king slob would work as he always loks like tramp. I should be fine for sunday Shane, still debating whether to come training or not, probably will.

True, but then he's quite a sweet guy, but in a lot of ways quite corny too, so we could have Rob the Cob.



(browny, sweet + corn = sweetcorn - corn on the cob)

(sweetcorn...?)

(forget it)

Yeah, and that's the other thing that gets me - if I nip out to the shop at like 10 in the morning I walk past some of the pubs and they're already full of bloody students.

Any new knocks or injuries for anyone from Sunday? Anyone know whether Frew the Shrew and Rob (no rhyme) will be available this week?

Suppose they'll be getting tanked up on our taxes while we're working...

It's Southampton v Portsmouth tonight, I can already see small groups of out-of-work hooligans wandering around the town...

I know, how annoying is that? Why don't they lay down and die like Div 2 teams?

We have been quiet because we are at work! If you had said 47 home games ago that we would score in the next 47, I would have taken that! Had a shitty day at work, off out to get pissed..., oh, and rest my leg to be fighting fit for sunday! Bring on TVS...

Joint 3rd was Beeny and Dave L
2nd was Neil
1st was Smurf

Tony got a vote, but only cos Beeny didn't know who he was voting for.

I should consider yourself out for Sunday mate, time to get your leg rested, no point pushing it and we have plenty of people who can play at right back.

And you can't have it both ways, if your injury was causing crap clearances then you should have come off earlier. As it was I still ache all over today after 10 minutes on the pitch so you should have stayed on. Plus poor old Tony in his confused state had to put up with 10 minutes of asking whereabouts I was actually meant to be playing, only for me to answer with "Tree!" or "Fish!" just to see the look on his face while he tried to work out what was going on. Still, it all worked out for the best.

p.s. Mike you already responded to that post once already.

DID YOU KNOW...?

Yesterday was the first time anyone scored more than one goal in a Division One game for Shefford FC.

Another one of these, same time tomorrow...

Crabb got the 1st.... After my 20 yard run into the box, great pull back to Lewis but Crabbman flew in and nicked it !!! I thought i'd get that in, cause Genhgis obviously didn't think much of it cause he subbed me 2 minutes later !!

Lewis scored the other 25 yards screamer !!

p.s. can anyone tell me who scored the goals in the 2-0 win over PO Reserves? I think Crabbeman got one but I'm not sure...

I shouldn't imagine they'd think that it was newsworthy enough to make any more of than they already have. I think the break in the competition has done nothing for our enthusiasm though - if we went out now I wouldn't be particularly gutted, especially now we've started winning actual games instead.

Did they mention Smurf's wedding at all? If not they're a miserable bunch of bastards and I listen to 2TenFM. We'll get the Black Thunders down to a game and shove it up Nemone's arse.

I think you're right, I think on another day we'd have killed that game off, but that's two games in a row we've said that now, so maybe we need more fitness so we're a little sharper???

Just seems a shame to use the hour in the hall for much more than footy. TVS next Sunday anyway. Who other than Smurf is not available?

I don't think it was until we were 4-3 down that we realised we could actually lose the game?? But did very well to get back into it i think.....

On another day I think we might have scored 6, 7, or maybe even more?? A game we can learn something from I think.

I think your find most of them will be buying Chelsea shirts now there top, and will be claiming they've always supported them... I think thats how it works?

Radio 1 - Did anyone listen to it at all yesterday?? I heard a bit, they have players at two of the teams that went to Uni together and had a 'reunion' between the two players on the radio.... All a complete coincidence apparently. Could be a bad thing? I'd imagine they will want them to play against each other now?? I just hope what ever our task is this week, is a phone vote!!

All a bit quiet from the Man U and Arse boys... No top of the table gloating to be done? Oh I forgot, you can't can you?

Mike's right. The second half was so frustrating and we all got at each other a bit but in the end we came good, showed a lot of character and worked hard for each other. Everyone still wanted to win, rather than just calling it a day and wanting the game to end, and everyone still knew that we could still win and really believed that. We showed a lot of spunk. Spunk everywhere in fact, we were dripping with spunk, spunk coming out of our ears.

One very sick young man...

Dunno what to say about yesterday's match, other than I remembered how difficult it is to manage when you're running the line. You just don't get to see the shape of the game as well, evevn as well as if you're on the pitch. Still, just a slight tweak was required to get the goals going in again (take Genghis off) - no, seriously, just asked Neil to drop 5 metres so our clearances started going to our players again and we managed to drag the game back up into their half. Bit hairy for a while though eh? Goes to show we can't be complacent even when 3-1 up at halftime. We created so many chances in that first half we should have had the game killed off, but now we know we need to keep on playing at the top of our game no matter what the scoreline is. And for anyone thinking of all those chances Dave didn't score, don't forget he still got a hat-trick and we shouldn't have to rely on him scoring loads just to compensate for us letting in loads. Yesterday could have been a very grumpy afternoon, but luckily I was able to tuck into wine, beer and smirnoff with a big cheesy grin.

But, it was better than winning 5-4 if we'd been 5-0 up, and we showed character to come back from being behind twice. Depending on other results we might be 5th in the league too, which is much more respectable. That was an important win yesterday, 3 on the trot in the league too. Bring on the Jolly Boatmen...

Nice to see Roy Keane costing Utd points, he'll probably blame it on the new players anyway. I know everyone likes watching Chelsea at the moment but you can see them and their fans becoming unbearable to live with this time next season if they do go on and win it. Think I'd rather see Charlton creep up and snatch it.