Wandsworth 4th XI played host to Old Meads 5th XI on a wet and rainy Saturday afternoon. For once, Wandsworth arrived on time and went through a relatively thorough Simmo-led warmup. We felt ready, prepared, hungry.

Naturally, the first half was total sh*t and we didn’t show up. Wandsworth conceded an early goal through a simple one on one, and despite Fisher rising highest to equalise from an excellent Raithatha corner, we never really got into the game and another soft goal was conceded shortly before half time. 2-1 down.

A rousing team-talk ensued from Ramsay and McKenna and the Borough started brightly in the second half. Much stronger on the ball and much firmer off it. Griffiths took a lovely goal to make it 2-2, and the Stevens netted a brace for Wandsworth to pull away, 4-2.

Whilst this should have been comfortable, Meads put pressure back on us and, after a short while, Borough gave away a penalty. Ben Ramsay, cynically fouling from behind to make the last 10 minutes interesting – clear DoD behaviour. The Meads' forward stepped up and walloped the ball down the middle of the goal. Thankfully I dived out of the way.

Some dogged defending in the wet and the mud for the last 10 meant the three points were secured.

Up the Borough.