Here come the rains again

Newbridge or Naas, it was hard to tell the difference...down the M7 in the rain to a temporary pitch that was flooded..it's been quite a while since I saw players sweeping water off the pitch - and it was an Astro (water-based takes on a whole new meaning). We needed an Ark more than a dug-out waiting for the start.

The pitch was getting more surface water faster than it could be swept. But we played the game .anyway ..and it was interesting to see the ball suddenly stop and players not react. Brought me back to the old days on grass and grit...but with the playing kit less dirty afterwards.

To ensure this wasn't easy .. I stood in to captain on the day (the other games on the day also getting priority) and after an executive meeting on the Thursday night I realised it was not going to be easy.

On the day the travelling Da's were out in force..with their umbrellas and raised eyebrows that the game was going ahead...Jacob was delayed, so we played the first half with 10 players. And we did well - playing with the tide but against the wind, being only 1-0 down at half time.
The new young central back combination of Daniel and Dylan did well, with experienced support on either side from Neil & Ed.

But eventually the opposition and weather ground the team down and we were 4-0 down, but there was not capitulating and Jack and Jake especially gave their all in midfield - and eventually it paid off when they set up Dylan to score (but an old codger may have played it over the line .. almost legally - I'll claim all of them), so we came away with the last goal.

Season over - new players blooded .. winners of the lower mid table (there has to be a positive spin), a pathway for the next generation safely in place and in the correct division.. On to next season... it has to be drier.