Match Report - 1st XI v Old Lyonians

Due to weather and scheduled fixture breaks it's been a bit of a stop start season for us. While Pep is constantly lamenting the fact his Billion pound squad has to play a fixture every 4 days. The costs of fighting on all 4 fronts. The mighty Stationers and Sir Jamo have had a slightly different problem. We have managed to sneak in 4 games in 77 days. And we hadn’t played since playing Lyonians at home over a month ago.

Obviously we are all far too professional, and have been maintaining our finely tuned athletic bodies during our winter break.

We all knew how tough this game was going to be. Lyonians are in a false position in the league. We managed to grind out a come from behind win in the home fixture. So we knew what to expect.

Lyonians started the brighter, making use of the big pitch and playing out from the back. With the pitch spread, we were struggling to close down their danger men quick enough. Jacko getting caught 1-1 against the nippy winger out wide left was never gonna be a pretty sight. If only the little fella had an end product we would have been in trouble. Lyonians should have taken the lead when a wicked cross was met by the ex pro striker who somehow headed over from 2 yards. We eventually started to waken from our slumber and the cobwebs were beginning to be dusted off. Some free flowing football found Sean in the box, a drop of the shoulder round the last defender but the shot was blocked and somehow they kept the ball out in the mele. While Lyonians were dominating possession we were looking equally as dangerous on the counter. Brad finding some space out left, linking up with David. A lovely little one two with Jamo found David breaking free and a clunky challenge from the defender gave us the chance to sneak in front. Jacko 3 in 3 now. Wattsy and Power you're getting left behind in the CB goal scoring charts.

The Second half started much the same. Lyonians using the ball well but not really forcing Perry into any spectacular saves. While we were clearly tiring and looked leggy. The work rate was still there. Simon and David impressing the WAGS with their workrate, Wattsy when is Kelly coming to a game? I believe this teams biggest strength is its character and will to win.

And it was about to be seriously tested. Elsey was chopped down from behind on one of his counter attacks. The ref waved play on, and 30 seconds later with a slice of good fortune Lyonians were level. If you were watching this in the pub on TV every ounce of your football IQ would be telling you to lump on Lyonians to get the winner with 10 minutes to go.

Jacko back on up top. A pinpoint Perry goal kick. A flick on from Jacko into the path of Elsey. Old School, simple route one football. Cue scenes of a graphic nature. This small island of ours hasn't seen pandemonium like that since Trippier put England 1 up in the WC semis.

With 4 minutes left to see it out. We started to keep the ball and looked like the better side. Lets try that from minute one next week.

All season we have stressed the same points. Personal pride in your performance and battles. Power was a rock against a very good forward. Wattsy mopped up everything. Perry was solid when needed to be in that second half. Elsey with our on

e decent chance in the 2nd half and took it. Everyone to a man was sensational. We had no right to win that game. They were sharper and probably dominated possession. But we wanted it more.

Weirside away next week. WE GO AGAIN. COYS!!!