One of the advantages of having staggered Kick Off times is that enables me to catch more games at home than I otherwise would.  And so it was yesterday that I was able to watch all of the 5's cup tie, the first half of the 2's league game and most of the 2nd half and extra time of the 7's game.  Apologies to the 3's of whom I only caught 10 minutes or so, although ironically they were the only home victory (well done!), and as I said at the start I hope to spend time with every side this season, so don't feel left out.

The 5's were to say the least unlucky, a splendid overhead kick into the top corner by skipper Alex Pitblado gave them a lead, but examples of not closing down as much as they could led to two goals to Old Kingsburians, and whilst the 5's were on the end of shall I say some unlucky decisions, they created more than enough chances to win, but luck simply was not with them.  The positives were there, hard work and endeavour, some great football going forward and good commitment, all very good signs for the league season ahead.  The 2's weathered an early storm, and looked set for a result of sorts when an unfortunate error gave a soft goal away.  However, heads didn't drop and you could see the desire and hunger to get back into the game, and they were unfortunate that they couldn't convert at least one of their chances. I am sure that one result will kick start their season and I have no doubt that this column will be reflecting on future victories sooner rather than later.  The 3's also showed desire coming from a goal down to grab a good victory, but tie of the day at the Cope came with the 7's who led a side a division above them and played some passionate stuff - no lack of heart there.  At 2-1 the view from the side was that the 7's could hold out, but credit to Kew for never giving up and grabbing a latish equaliser, and so it was that at 2-2 the 7's found extra time.  A well taken effort from Dane Simmonds saw the 7's lead 3-2, but perhaps some naivety in continuing to go forward rather than protecting a lead saw Kew with time and space to fashion their own wondergoal, and then grab a winner - but to criticise a team that showed fantastic spirit and a desire to go continue to go forward and kill the game would be harsh, and again the 7's should take the positives of near giant killing and hold their heads up high.

So a mixed bag of results at home, and away as well as the 1's showed their pedigree with a 5-0 win, the 8's did manage the giant kill with a 2-1 victory at Kew and the 6's in now customary fashion scored 5, but unfortunately conceded 6 as they went down 6-5 in extra time.  However, despite the mixture every team I saw should hold their head up high.  There was some really good football played by all sides, commitment by every side and some really good team spirit both on and off the pitch.  I left the bar at around 6:30.  A couple of years ago I would be one of the last people leaving at that time, but yesterday it was good to see a pretty full bar still there with players from all sides, and even better one of our visiting refs saying what a great atmosphere and buzz there was there now.  That is how far we have come as a club in recent years, success and desire on the pitch and an excellent club and team spirit off it.

My only "negative" this week is that in two of the games at the end our opposition afforded a really rousing 3 cheers for the Lloyds side responded to with some pretty weak and feeble efforts by ourselves.  It may sound a bit petty, but if our opposition are prepared to give us respect in this way (or even if they don't) we should always look to give them full respect as well.  It is all part of the SAL culture, and should be embedded in our own as well.  So, respect to ourselves for how far we have come both on and off the pitch, but lets also treat our opposition the right way as well.  If anyone thinks from all this that we are the finished article, however, then please think again.  We are going the right way in all aspects, but there is still a lot of hard work to be done, and it needs every single one of us to get there.  So lets get out there and continue the upward journey next week.

Steve Martin-Lawrence, Chairman