Alltraders v Low Fliers -

There was an air of anticipation as Alltraders took to the pitch in this the first game of the Summer 1999 competition. Could the new re-formed Alltraders maintain their balance in the absence of Jamie (Judas) Fiveash? Could they break the ghost of 'first game nerves'? We were about to find out...

It was a muggy evening, not the best of conditions for an ageing Alltraders team well into the twilight of their careers (Apart from Warren of course). As usual the opposition appeared to be in their late teens, fit and raring to go.

The game started at a lively pace with Alltraders deciding to play deep to 'sound out' the style of the opposition play. It didn't take too long to notice that they were struggling to break the experienced Alltraders defence, Warren being reduced to nothing more than a mere spectator begging for a back-pass to keep him awake.

As the first half progressed, Alltraders pushed further forward and came close to opening the scoring on several occasions. Fortunately for the Low Fliers, Kevin's finishing was not up to his usual standard tonight. It was quite clear Kevin had been feeling his groin before this game.

Kevin smashes one wide of the post again!

The deadlock was finally broken when a classic one-two move was finished with a sweet left-foot thunderdrive from Tim Leader that the 'keeper could only watch skim past him into the goal off of the far post - Alltraders looked like they were taking control of the game at last.


Tim takes a free kick as a conga breaks out on the right.	Warren covers the ball as it drifts out for a goal kick

Kevin latches onto Paul's pass to score Alltraders second	Tim sticks out a leg

The second half started at a slightly brisker pace, the youngsters not wanting to be seen being torn apart by a bunch of dinasours. However, their enthusiasm started to get the better of them and large holes began to appear in their defence. This left Kevin with acres of space to exploit.

It was only a matter of time before the resolute Alltraders defence found the killer ball through to the unmarked Kevin Burton who finished in the style we have come to expect from this experienced striker!

With only a couple of minutes left, the game was completely within Alltraders control. The passing was precise - it's a pity the finishing wasn't quite so good.

Another swift move saw Kevin put through by Barry with just the 'keeper to beat. Somehow his first-time shot completely cleared the sixty-foot safety netting behind the goal, the ball wedging itself half-way up an oak tree, probably never to be retrieved again - a lasting monument to Kevin Burton finishing.


Kevin launches himself with a cunning shot with the outside of his right boot	Warren makes himself big as a Low Flier striker lines up for the shot

The final whistle blew, and with the Alltraders team bent double with exhaustion, not a moment too soon. A good start to this competition.

After reviewing some of the other teams in this division, it's likely to be Alltraders only win this year unless they can improve their fitness and finishing.

This weeks man of the match goes to Warren Fiveash - closed down the attackers much better this week and rewarded with a clean-sheet.


'ere, where did the ball go?	Warren slides into an opposition attacker