Another tough day at the office for Recliners who were soundly beaten by Cowboys. With a couple of key players not turning up and the manager introducing the revolutionary ‘Christmas pudding’ formation just prior to kick off, there was an air of trepidation before KO. Things went well for 20 minutes, Recliners dominated, but when Jase found himself 2 yards out with an empty net ahead, he scuffed the shot wide. Could this be ‘one of those days?’ Cowboys came into it and scored two good goals on the counter, before Dan pulled one back after great work from Jase on the left. After HT there was another spell of Recliners pressure but a breakaway lead to a penalty which Cowboys excellent midfielder tucked neatly away. The last twenty minutes saw a host of chances for both sides. The Cowboys keeper was in great form making several splendid saves. The coup de grace came in comic fashion as Gaffers slipped over whilst dribbling the ball out of his own area, gifting the Cowboys their fourth. Game played in a good spirit, Cowboys management dealt with some whinging about the referee swiftly, otherwise there was barely a foul in the game.

Recliners kicked off their 45’s campaign with a 4-1 defeat to a classy RSB side. The first half was even, Recliners took the lead when the Duke latched on to a great though ball from Russ and lobbed the keeper. RSB equalized with a deflected shot that wrong-footed the keeper. RSB shaded the first half, but not much between the sides. The second half was a different story as RSB used their high quality bench and gradually overwhelmed Recliners. For a while to the goal seemed to lead a charmed life, but as injuries and mistakes piled up the goals came and in truth the final score flattered Recliners. Thanks to RSB for loaning a player for the last ten minutes as multiple hamstring injuries left us down to ten men.

Red Star’s caretaker management duo led the team to an impressive start to the season. After falling behind, Red Star eventually took a grip on the game, equalising with a deflected shot. Both sides had chances through the first half and both keepers pulled off exceptional saves, but Red Star nosed ahead by half-time. Chances came and went, but things still looked in the balance until one caretaker manager brought the other one on and was repaid with two more goals that wrapped the game up. This surely only serves to pile the pressure on the absent gaffer, who’s only managed to get results in the (made up) cup so far this season. No word of him assaulting his wife though, so he should get a chance to prove the doubters wrong. Good game played in a good spirit.