Crusaders V's OHAFC

A very slow start saw Old House Athletic concede in the first minute from a throw in and a Crusaders player snuck it in at the near post. Crusader continued to push and went another goal ahead after 10 minutes. The rest of the half continued with Crusaders having most of the play and all of the chances, until Old House had a free kick with 10 minutes to go, which Tom Haycock delived superbly to the top left hand corner of the goal and Old House were back in the running. Old House then started to push and had a free kick on the edge of the area that sailed over the bar. 5 minutes from half-time, Old House then won a penalty from a foul on Martin Butler. Haycock stepped up to pull Old House level, but pulled it wide of the keeper's right-hand post. (Listen to the Big Tasty's opinion on the penalty!) The half finished with Crusaders leading 2 - 1.

The second half started with both sides having chances, but Old House were still not looking very convincing on any part of the pitch. 15 minutes in, Crusaders had a great chance when their striker was one-on-one with Old House keeper, Chris Staite, who plucked the ball bravely from his feet. There were chances at both end, but Staite managed to keep Crusaders at bay with several outstanding saves. With 15 minutes left to play, Butler got on the end of a long ball with an unbelievable touch to bring the game back level and Joe Haycock went close seconds later, but couldn't keep it on target. Crusaders then struck back to win the game from a free-kick on the half-way line with 5 minutes left to go, despite a couple of last-ditch efforts from Old House.

A disappointing performance from Old House who have missed their chance to catch the leaders at the top of the table, who are all in cup fixtures this weekend. They now drop back down a place as Crusaders leap-frog them in the table.

Will we ever be able to string more than two good games together? Will we ever have our first eleven playing together? Will Chris Johnson ever get the keeper's shirt back after an outstanding performance from Chris Staite? Same time, same place next week.