This was an opportunity to avenge the loss to Mighty Royals in the League a few weeks back in this Plate trophy game.. That day, we had been beaten 3-2 despite being 2-0 up so we were looking forward to a close match.

So it was disappointing to concede early in the first half for the second time in two weeks despite talking about the need for a strong start before kick off. We were 3-0 down by half time and the conditions probably didn't help on a cold, damp windy day at Hawes Down. In fact, it could have been worse but for a string of saves by Dominic diving bravely at the feet of Royals' strikers to deny them goal scoring opportunities. A marvellous save tipping the ball over the bar from a fine shot was the pick of the bunch.

We didn't get going until the second half and had a really good spell in the first ten minutes, Henry scoring with a belter from the half way line, the ball skidding along the ground and bamboozling the keeper. Our tails were up and you sensed something might happen, but we went 4-1 down and were then chasing the game. Michael brought it back to 4-2 with a very neat finish before we conceded another to make it 5-2 at the whistle. Dominic continued his heroics in goal and in truth kept the score line down.

It was pleasing that we scored two goals having been limited to a single goal in our last three matches. We know we are playing in a tough division but we are competing well every week and making the opposition work hard. I remind the boys how far they've come in recent weeks and their spirit and enthusiasm is a joy to see; gathering afterwards for the Star Player award and team photo you'd think they'd won.

As for the star player, well this weeks standout choice was Dominic. A slightly reluctant keeper at the beginning of the season, he's improving in confidence and ability every week and that first half save was a real corker.

Star Player = Dominic Furnival