Alltraders v FC Portaloo

Once again, Alltraders found themselves having to make a last minute change to their lineup tonight. This time it was Warren's turn to go Catholic, and by Catholic I mean to pull out at the last minute. He seemed to forget that it was his birthday and had already arranged to go out with his mates.

No matter - the ever-dependable Sal volunteered to take his place, this week's re-arranged lineup being Sal in goal, Jamie and Paul covering defence with Tim and Kevin wandering around aimlessly as usual.

This weeks barely-pubescent opposition were to be FC Portaloo, currently sitting somewhere around mid table. Alltraders found themselves catapulted one place higher in the league following last weeks fine victory against the 'two left feet' now putting them third from bottom.

With a record crowd supporting them, Alltraders were looking for another victory tonight to increase their position in this very tough league.


Sal prepares in goal	Kevin practices close ball control	Tim re-arranges his toupee

Are you sure Jamie's coming tonight?	Yes - right at the last minute as usual	Camera girl two tests the lighting

The game started with an Alltraders kick, and almost immediately Tim Leader rounded two opposition players before launching a shot that the 'keeper struggled to parry away. The resultant corner was met by a fierce Kevin Burton shot that only missed the goal by a few yards. The early signs were that Alltraders were beginning to regain some of their early form, with some good running off the ball and first time passing that has been the key to their previous successes. The only danger tonight was that the young opposition could catch the ageing Alltraders on the break with their pace.

The first half continued to be pretty much dominated by Alltraders, the only real chances from the opposition being well covered by Sal in goal, who it has to be said adapted to this new position very well (Warren beware). Yet again it was Alltraders woefull finishing that kept the first half score to nil-nil.


An opposition striker lines one up	Tim in full flow

The second half started at a slightly increased pace. Alltraders early fears that they would run out of steam were unfounded as they matched their younger opposition move for move.

Around half-way through the second half, another Altraders attack found Kevin Burton intercepting a pass from his brother Paul close to the opposition bye-line. His quick interchange to the unmarked Jamie Fiveash gave him enough time to pick his spot and slam the ball past the stranded 'keeper to put Alltraders one up.

Just as the ball was placed on the centre circle for the restart, the ref suddenly pointed for a goal-kick, much to the delight of the opposition and the puzzled bewilderment of the Alltraders team. It seems that one of the spectators had signalled to the ref that the ball had crossed the line before Kevin had crossed it. Why the ref should take this action on the word of a bystander was a mystery to all on the field apart from him. Alltraders complaints went unheard...


A fierce shot from Paul	The goal that never was ... "it was out, ref"

This bizarre decision increased Alltrader's resolve to win the match. However, their increased attacking pressure left holes in the defence that was nearly punished by a three-on-one break by the opposition that ended up with a superb save by the stand-in goalkeeper Sal.

His quick kick found the now unmarked Kevin Burton and Jamie Fiveash in time and space to attack the portaloo goal unchallenged. A simple crossfield ball into the path of Kevin was finished by a very cool sidefoot into the back of the net for a well deserved Alltraders lead. This time the goal stood...

With only a minute left, it looked like all that was needed by Alltraders was a bit of discipline at the back to secure the three points. Having fallen foul of this simple game plan in the past, Alltraders decided that the best form of defence was attack, and continued to advance on the opposition goal. This was almost rewarded when the last attack of the match was met by a thunderous Jamie Fiveash blast that slammed against the underside of the bar bouncing agonising close to the goalline. Fearing another Alltraders goal, the referee decided to call and end to the proceedings ending a reasonably successfull night for Alltraders.


Jamie's having a shot - I'd better hide behind this defender	A sweaty Tim is relieved to hear the ref's whistle

Another clean-sheet, another one-nil victory. Things are now looking a little better than they did at the start of the season. This win must have now placed Alltraders around midway in the table, positioning them nicely for an attack on the qualification places. The bad news is that next week's opposition is Ifield Eagles, a team that Alltraders have never beaten and who are in a strong position yet again this year.