Cabbage patch kids

The Lions headed to Langdon Park for their first home game of the season, looking to extend their season's unbeaten run.

Everyone arrived early with three thoughts in their minds: 1. Isn't it nice not to have to drive for 45 minutes down the M4 at 8:30 on a Saturday morning; 2. Does anyone know how to put the goals up?; and 3. Are we in the right place as the pitch appears to be being used as an allotment.

On the latter, a quick consultation with someone resembling Alan Titchmarsh confirmed that, although one half of the pitch did have numerous cabbages growing on it, we were able to play football on the same space. In addition to clear evidence of cabbages, there were reports of parsnips, carrots and several leeks. Unfortunately, given the numerous potholes, it looked like all the potatoes had been already farmed meaning whipping up a nice autumnal soup for half-time refreshment was out of the question.

Thankfully on the second item, Martijn had the foresight to come armed with some IKEA instructions and several allen keys.

It all started well, Chris showing strong leadership on the pitch. He took the initiative along with Mike, grabbing the goals from Broom road and getting a good head-start. It was early days, but things were definitely starting to take shape. Clear evidence of goal posts appeared early and it wasn't long before a cross bar was constructed. At the other end, things were a bit less impressive.

The club's ethos is all about inclusion, taking part and providing positive feedback. But sometime exceptions need to be made and this is one of those occasions. Quite frankly, it was a shambles......the old footballing adage of keeping things simple just seemed to go out the window. The IKEA instructions were supposed to help, but the just seemed to confuse things. Certainly at one point things more closely resembled a chest of drawers than a set of goalposts and confidence of a successful build was further dented when someone was overheard asking whether the the handles went on the left or right hand side...

Back to the other end of the pitch and they were close to done. There was some discussion about whether the net was to be used to keep the birds off the vegetable patch or should go around the goal posts, but once that was resolved there were there. In keeping with the spirit of inclusiveness, after a quick victory cheer and a modicum of gloating, it was great to see the two sides come together and to finish off the second goal - a fine example of sportsmanship and exactly the spirit of togetherness and inclusiveness the club wants to see. Outstanding.

[The football match finished 1-1. Great game - friendly opposition. Lions once again dominated but just couldn't covert that to a win. Well done all as the football being played was superb.]