Alltraders v Ifield Eagles

This was always going to be a difficult night for Alltraders. Firstly, we had to do without the services of Jamie Fiveash who was out on the p*ss with his mates. (By the way Jamie, congrats on passing your accountancy exams - honestly, we mean that). It's not true what they say about accountants, I'm told. Secondly, there was a real possibility of a hat-trick of consecutive clean sheets (never happened before in Alltraders history), and thirdly, playing against an opposition we have never beaten on the numerous occasions we have played against them in the past.

Having just reviewed the video and extracted selected stills, I have to say there were a real abundance of top quality shots tonight, many I have had to withhold for fear of arrest. There is also a new and interesting 'guess the announcement' competition. I have played it many times and I still can't decipher it. The best attempt will win a bottly of wine, curtousy of the Alltraders five-a-side football team.

The opposition were as young and fit as you would expect in this league. Mind you, compared to Alltraders all opposition is young and fit.

Being another late kick-off, everyone was keen to get going and get it over with as soon as possible. The ref signaled an Alltraders kick, and away we went on a still yet chilly Friday night.

The game started at quite a vigorous pace. Ifield were very quick on the ball, but Alltraders managed to match their young opposition for pace and skill. In the early stages, Alltraders seem to be the side most likely to open the scoring, but yet again poor finishing from the attack let them down...


A classic pose from Warren Fiveash	Can Tim miss from this range? You've guessed it

The first half was very finely balanced. It was end-to-end stuff throughout, firstly wth Alltraders pushing hard on the Ifield goal followed by counter-attacks catching Alltraders on the break. Warren Fiveash returned to goalkeeping duties with a point to prove, and he didn't dissappoint pulling over two or three top quality saves to keep the score goalless at half time.


Paul Lines up his shot ...	... give's it his all	... as the central defender gracefully watches it rocket past

The second half saw a slight quickening in pace as Ifield sought to catch Alltraders on the break. Fortunately, the Alltraders defence of Sal and Paul, and in particular Warren in goal, were at their best tonight. Several times Ifield caught Alltraders three-on-two several times only to result in a firm challange or an excellent save.


An Ifield attacker accidently falls over Paul's outstreched leg	Caught on camera - the secret Alltraders Masonic handshake.	Tim anxiously awaits the ball from the corner

The watching 'away' support can hardly contain themsleves as the pace quickens	The 'midfield general' in action	Kevin shows off his 'drag-back' trick.

The game continued to be finely balanced - the fitness and pace of Ifield Eagles against the 'experience' of the Alltraders team. It looked like the only way a breakthrough would be made is by a mistake from one or other team.

Indeed, it was Alltraders that nearly benefited from an Ifield mistake halfway through the second half. A defender attempted to clear the ball after being put under pressure from Kevin Burton, but only managed to scuff it right into the path of Tim Leader in space in the middle of the pitch with no-one between him and the goal. As he advanced into shooting range, he was closed down very quickly by the offending defender causing his shot to be hurried just an inch or two past the far post. This was the closest real chance of the game, and Alltraders should have taken it.


Kev in the thick of it again	No-one's safe during an Alltraders game. The 'ref cam' catches him having a sly pick .


The crowd is temporarily increased to nine as the 21:20 service from Three Bridges to Crawley speeds past...	The pace begins to show on the player's faces	The ref finally brings things to a close.

With the game continuing to flip-flop between the two teams, and no other real goal opportunities to talk of, the referee finally called an end to the proceedings bringing an enjoyable game to a close. Alltraders have now gone three games without conceding a goal, and now have the best defensive record in the league. Sadly, they are not scoring goals either, and with a zero goal difference things will need to improve further if they wish to qualify. It is estimated that Alltraders require ten points from their remaining five games to achieve this, and a positive goal difference would also be nice.