After the conditions that we have experienced over the last 24 hours including hale storms and gallons of rain I had my money firmly placed on a call off due to unplayable conditions. I still can’t believe that Warboys went ahead but I am glad that they did.

I have a shaded history with regards to away games at Warboys. I have been involved in Youth football as a parent, coach and manager since 2002 and in all that time (including the 5 years involved as a coach/manager) I have never won a game away at Warboys. Today was vital for me; this is my last year before I hang my boots up and it was my last chance to undo so many wrongs from the past. No pressure.

We had a rocketing start, immediately as the kick off was taken we attacked and didn’t stop attacking until we finally hit the net in the 13^th minute, Connie smashed the ball off the inside of the far post, shaking the whole goal and started what I hoped to be a Tottenham ‘v’ Wigan score line.

I think I along with the rest of the team were still on a high from the goal as Warboys attacked for the first time straight from the kick off, they ended up one on one with the keeper and unfortunately got the better of Sam, less than 1 minute after being in the lead we were level, 1 – 1.

We kicked off and it was the same story; we attacked, we attacked and we attacked some more. In the first 20 minutes of the match, Warboys had only entered our half once. It took until the 25^th minute for us to hit the net, after a goal area scramble Luke slotted the ball away for us to go ahead again, 2 – 1.

Once more we celebrated and once more Warboys punished us. You would think that gifting a goal was enough of a lesson but we had done it again. Almost immediately after we had restarted play Warboys attacked, Shippey had everything covered until he slipped. Warboys enjoyed the freedom and space and in the 27^th minute slotted a second goal in to draw the game level once more, 2 – 2.

As Warboys grew in confidence, things changed slightly after their second goal. We found ourselves on the back foot for the first time in the game. The halftime whistle went and not a second to late. Exactly 40 minutes played.

We started the second half with vigour, I pleaded with the boys to change my History and we departed in to the second half on the attack. It took only 2 minutes before Connie smashed the back of the net for the second time today. We were one up for the third time today, 3 – 2. Hopefully ahead for more than a minute this time!!!!!!!

It did last more than a minute, it took another 18 minutes before the ball found the net and once more it was Warboys. In the 60 minute an extremely well worked series of passes and play was rewarded with another equalizer, 3 – 3.

Once more their confidence increased and once more we found ourselves on the back foot. We defended with our hearts and seemed to block every attempt until the referee blew his whistle and pointed at the spot. For what I asked Warboys; they said they didn’t know. For what I asked the supporters and again they had the same reply. For what I asked the bench and all I got was the same question fired back at me. I checked with the referee after and he said that Jason had pulled someone down. Jason’s slant on things was; one of their players was all over me, pulling and pushing, grabbing my shirt. All I done was bent over and he fell to the floor. We see it every week on the television and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Penalty taken, penalty missed, JUSTICE SERVED. Still 3 – 3.

After the penalty we were not going to sit back and accept the draw and once more we attacked; but where would the next goal come from? A corner in the 65^th minute came to our answer, Eamon found the back of the net to score his first goal of the season.

 The game didn’t end there. The next 15 minutes were real nail biting moments. We attacked, they attacked, we attacked and they attacked; I thought on several occasions they were going to draw it level again but fortunately the game finished after only 2 minutes stoppage time to a huge cheer of relief. 4 –3 to the mighty Waterbeach.

There were some real efforts out on the pitch today, everyone played their part but as usual there are to many to name; today one player stood out from the rest. Before I name the man of the match I would like to give a few shout outs. Sam who was a willing replacement for injured Tom. What an outstanding effort, braved the job, braved the game and at times kept our dreams alive. Well Done Sam, be proud of your efforts today. Eamon and Jason, two players who had the best game of their seasons, again proud, outstanding effort. Luke amazing work rate, all over the pitch and made a huge difference to the midfield, well done. Louis, super sub, immediately cleared everything. Louis you done everything that was asked of you, well done fella. Another massive Thank You goes to Chris Nelson for supply the pitch side refreshment from the back of his camper!!!!

Today’s Man of the match goes to Connie. What a game, his two goals could so easy have been more, his work rate was non stopped, his effort endless. He smashed the woodwork, smashed the keeper and smashed the net. 100% quality. He replaced Ozzie as Skipper and deserved the armband for his efforts. Connie be proud, today you were more than outstanding; you were amazing. Well done Con.

Another good win on our roller coaster ride, the dream is still firmly in our grasp.

Played 10 league games……won 6…..lost 4…….18 points gained……2^nd in the league.

Played two cup games…….won 2…….lost 0……..quarter finals, here we come.

U16s – LIVING THE DREAM