The A's this week had traditional rivals Uni Black in the biggest derby game of the year. This week there was added importance as it was also 'Past Players Day' – so a big crowd of former Uni Whites super-stars were in attendance.

The A's fielded a strong team, knowing that the Blacks at their best are an extremely dangerous team. Early on things were pretty even, with perhaps the Blacks having slightly the better of proceedings. In the first half the biggest problem for us was getting the ball through midfield to the forwards, whilst our defence were holding firm.

Unfortunately though, the Blacks took the lead. A cross from the right was nodded in uncontested by their forward at the back post...

But late in the half, the hirsute French excitement machine we like to call Vincent managed to equalise... He passed three players against the bi-line and threaded it between post and keeper. The goal was only overshadowed by the celebration! As he lifted his shirt over his head and ran to the adoring fans on the sidelines (who were loving it!) and performed his now trademark knee slide!!!... Unfortunately the ref decided to invoke the 'shirt off' rule and swiftly handed Vince a yellow card... (think he watched too many World Cup games).

The second half was much like the first; although this time we managed to gain the ascendancy. Vince and Ash began to take control in the midfield and Justin started to get on top of his opponent out wide. Justin managed to break free of his marker and shoot early on. Unfortunately his shot was directed at the keeper who had no trouble making the save. Soon after that though, another mazy Vincent run after some nice interplay with G put Vincent clear on goal. Inexplicably his shot from 6 yards flashed wide (amid rumours of point shaving and match fixing) to keep the scores level.

Late on it looked as though the boys were destined for just the 1 point, after Juan received a yellow for a strong tackle, followed by another for 'language' (No one knew for sure what it was, but my guess is 'Spanish').

This meant for the last 10 minutes we were down to 10 men. It didn't seem to deter the boys though and in the dying minutes we received a free kick about 25 meters from the Blacks goal.

With everyone pushed forward Crab lined up – Tony Zollo (Blacks keeper) set his wall... Then Chris decided he liked the look of a left foot shot better... Ran around and hit a beautiful curling left foot... In the top corner! – GOAL! The crowd went ballistic! Sure the keeper may have been blinded by the late afternoon sun, but a beautiful goal none the less.

The whistle blew soon after for a super win. The Past players who stayed for the final whistle were in raptures... Beers were drunk and tall tales were told... Celebrations moved to the British where men became heroes and heroes became legends... (Or so I hear... I can't actually remember any of this, because I was p1ssed).

Good times

SafTop