Well, I never thought I would be able to print the above scoreline, particularly having lost 2-1 at home to them earlier in the year. Firstly, obviously a huge thanks to all 18 who were available yesterday and travelled to Loughborough from all points of the compass. Particular thanks to our three guests, one who provided transport for three others and all who were excellent additions.

On arrival at the ground you entered via a private road with a large sign at the front showing, Loughborough Dynamos FC, Loughborough Cricket Club and Loughborough bowls Club. What it did not display is that then you entered the car park there were a number of road signs to a cemetery! We feared the worse.

The other pre match concern was that two junctions on the M1 before the turn off we needed, there was a serious incident and the M1 closed. Luckily all had left in plenty of time so no issues of any late kick-off fines ! I did however take several calls advising that players had been diverted onto a side road before rejoining the M1 and were stuck behind a tractor! I suggest that such calls will not be made on the way to Walthamstow on Saturdays!

To the game. Due to the excellent numbers we were able to release ( no fee involved) our own England 65+ legend, Bruce Smith to the opposition, as they were a little short of numbers. They had played Wales in midweek and drew 3-3 but picked up some injuries.

The pitch was in great condition, albeit huge but it certainly suited us. We went into an early two goal lead, courtesy of a Mitch header and a close range effort by Woody. With Mark Holder and Ian Greenwood running the midfield against their star former Watford player, our possession stats must have been 75/25% in our favour. Our defence was solid and with the width provided by Johnny Harrison and one of our guests, Bruce Conway, it was only a matter of time before more goals arrived.

A couple more before half time ,with another Mitchell header and a cool finish by Toby’s brother Keir, saw us turn round 4-0 up.

Jurgen Bright rang the changes at half time and just after, with everybody getting a minimum of 40 minutes game time. Only two players played the full 90 minutes (although three had played for our over 45s just 24 hours before). Woody got his second in the second half but like Mitch both managed ‘jug avoidance’ quite well with two goals each!

Our game Management in the second half was excellent with the opposition not registering a shot on target and just the two corners in the game. The highlight of the second half? Michael ‘Cruyff turn’ Jones is his new name. Whether it was meant or not is the question! On the playing front I must mention Toby Apperle, who not only played about 40 minutes in a couple of stints but he had been in hospital for two weeks prior and only came out a few days ago. He also helped with a couple of guests who were great guys.

As you can imagine the game was played in a great spirit with three excellent officials. In the Clubhouse afterwards ,without any prompting we were served sausage, chips and beans in time honoured fashion! They bought us two jugs of lager/beer and we finally left at about 6pm.

President Robinson was there and did a presentation at the end to the Man of the Match, which was Martin Tissot, our Vets C captain. Our average age was again 61 and when I spoke with them afterwards they are very keen to play twice a year going forward.