Kingfisher V's OHAFC

After a delayed kick-off and with Kingfisher starting with only 10 men, Old House started well in command. After a couple of chances, including a quick break by Kingfisher, Martin Butler put Old House a goal in front after 15 minutes when he left the defence standing and perfectly placed a shot to the far post, which the keeper couldn't quite get to. Kingfisher managed to pull a goal back 10 minutes later when their player went round the pack of the pack unmarked and put away the cross from a corner. Old House took the lead again on 30 minutes, after the referee awarded a free kick in the box, which was floated across by Guy Taylor for Simon Charles to head home at the back post for his first. Old House had many more opportunities, but could only manage one more goal, just before the break. Simon Charles scored his second of the game when a great cross in from Guy Homer landed perfectly for him to strike past defender and keeper.

Kingfisher started the second half well and despite Old House having most of the play, they pulled back another goal to make it 3 - 2. However, seconds later, a Kingfisher defender scuffed his clearence only as far as Liam Thomas who rattled the crossbar and the rebound fell to Dan Sheldon, who smashed the ball home to push Old House further in front. Old House kept pushing a saw a couple of great chances from Dan Sheldon and Gary Morris go wide. A scuffle in an otherwise clean game saw the referee send a player from both sides off and Old House had just lost a man through injury after utilising all their substitutes. Suddenly the sides were equal - 9 players a piece! This twist in the tale really spurred Old House on and they really upped the tempo. With 15 minutes left an inch-perfect crossfield pass from Richard Batty found Simon Charles with just the keeper left to beat and he slotted it underneath the advancing keeper to complete his hat-trick. 2 minutes later, kingfisher again failed to clear their lines and Dan Sheldon controlled the ball calmly, dummied a defender and stuck it in the back of the net. Old House scored again with just a few minutes left, but the referee said it had not crossed the line and play continued. The game finished 2 - 6 to Old House Athletic.

With the squad back to full strength and some Muriniho-like substitutions from Dave, Old House get back to winning ways. With no game next week, everyone should be well rested and fighting fit in our next fixture at home to Yew Tree. Another team down the bottom of the table, another victory should give Old House the encouragement they need to start the new year with their focus on catching the top three.

Will Dave keep three strikers up front now that all of them are scoring? Will Chris have another baby on the way after the new year? Will it be another month before we see Gary again? Same time, same place in a fortnight.