Knobs 0 Blunham 0

A true vets football match, hard fought, end to end, if a bit slowly and played in good spirits. A draw was a very fair result. Well done both sides.
Would Bully last as he battled to take the field hamstrung but committed? No he wouldn't. Thirty seconds in, even his unquenchable spirit for the fray was extinguished has he hobbled off. His vision must now be firmly on December 18th and we all most hope he makes it or we'll probably be reduced to Christmas shopping that day.
Chris W moved into midfield, Brendan moved to centre half and Bill came on at fullback. A competitive game ensued with not many clearcut chances. Tackles, endeavour, chasing back and encouraging each other were the key elements of an enjoyable occasion rather than any eye catching purist football.
We seemed to be getting a bit of distance on our goal kicks and clearances and much of the contest was fought out in midfield with little in the way of goalmouth skirmishes.
Dave was very competent in goal and stayed there till he swapped with a hamstrung Bill late in the game. Phil added to the hamstrung leading some in the crowd to question our warm up regime. A valid point? Probably, but at least we don't hang round smoking before kick off so we're doing something right there.
Half time Gary went off with a dead leg to be replaced by an energetic and contributing Gerry.
One moment of controversy in second half saw their forward reaching the ball as Dave advanced, they clashed and a goal kick ensued. They were not well pleased to be denied a penalty but took the decision well. I thought it was a fair challenge and more relevantly so did referee Alistair.
Vinnie had a couple of snapshots just wide from cutbacks from Gary and Andy and Dave saved a raking missile, straight at him but in danger of going through him and that was that.
Mentions of Chris G, his best game of the season, ran himself into the ground. Brendan very good, some winning tackles and headers combined with a safety first, get rid mentality. Tony competitive and effective at right back but immense performances from Chrises W and C in centre midfield really took the eye.
Every one contributed.
A good turn out in the pub where both teams sat in close proximity to one another, says it all.
Sad news absorbed mind making each one of us think a bit.
Next week it's newly promoted Sandridge Rovers away.