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Maxtel 7-1 New Inns Harborne

Steve Bell scored the first Maxtel hat-trick for 18 months as New Inns were given a battering in warm conditions. An unchanged line-up opened the scoring when Bell (27) fired home a scissor kick in some style. Soon after Branno's tame shot was fumbled on the line and Gaz nipped in to pinch a goal from on the line. Clarke had to at his sharpest at the other end to save down to his left. It was 3-0 at half-time and effectively game over when Billy nodded home a corner from close range.

With Jonah and Billy bossing the midfield it looked as if a huge score could be racked up, but a mix-up at the back allowed New Inns to go round Clarke and fire home. Normal service was resumed minutes later when Branno finally scored with a trademark finish to make it 4-1 - later he was superbly denied but then tried an overhead kick on the rebound which flew over. Gaz then bagged his second before Steve helped himself to two more goals, the second a massive deflection to confirm that it was Maxtel's day. Col came on up front for a late cameo but despite some chances could not get on the scoresheet.

Man of the Match - would have been Jonah but Steve scored hat-trick

Moan of the Match – no linesman

Save of the Match – Branno was denied brilliantly then put the rebound over

Miss of the Match – Branno

Maxtel 2-2 Boca Seniors

Matt Beaven opened his account for the season after a bright start for Maxtel. In the 24th minute he sent over a hopeful looking cross that somehow suprised everyone and went straight in to spark off Anelka style celebrations all over the field. In a half of few clear cut chances Gaz had a shot that grazed the bar and Clarkey had to be sharp to tip over a header at the other end.

Maxtel came out and had several chances to put the game to bed - Gaz fired wide from one after good work down the left from Branno. Later the youngster was amazed not to get a penalty after a clumsy challenge in the box. Boca got their act together and forced a superb save from Clarkey from a free-kick. Soon after they equalised and pressure told further when a corner wasn't cleared allowing the striker a free hit at goal which he found the bottom corner with. With time running out, Maxtel were reduced to ten men. Just as hope was fading Steve Bell fired a half cleared corner across the box and won a penalty for Maxtel awarded for handball. Stu stepped up to convert emphatically and salvage an unlikely point for Maxtel.

Man of the Match - Bevo

Maxtel Moan of the Match – too many free kicks and the sending off

Boca Moan of the Match – dubious penalty awarded to Maxtel

Save of the Match – Clarkey from a free-kick

Miss of the Match – Gaz

Miss of the Season – still Billy

Quote of the Match – "why do they keep kicking it out like kids in a garden"

Wagon & Horses 3-2 Maxtel

Maxtel nearly claimed the scalp of one of the pacesetters despite being under pressure for the first half an hour. Clarkey had saved several long range shots and Wagon looked to be running out of idea's when a scramble fell kindly for the striker to rifle home. It looked bad for Maxtel when Stu was turned for the second soon after and full backs John beet and biccies started struggling with injuries. However, Branno popped up to convert two half chances in two minutes, the second after a superb assist from Stevie bell to leave Wagon shell-shocked. Soon after Si was also released but failed to profit.

In the second half, Bob replaced Biccies at left back and promptly smeared egg on the face of the winger more than once. Gilo had a speculative shot from a throw-in routine that the keeper was alert enough to stop. Si had another chance, but his shot flashed just wide. At the other end, Wagon were having plenty of possession and finally grabbed a scrappy third to avoid an embarrassing draw. Late on, another shot struck the bar and appeared to cross the line but the referee gave nothing despite some flip-flopping from the Maxtel linesman.

Man of the Match - Branno

Moan of the Match – all the moaning

Shot of the Match – the one that hit the bar and bounced out

Chip on the shoulder award of the Match – Number 8 refused to shake hands at the end

Quote of the Match – "our fans don't want to see clean sheets"

Debate of the Match – Bob -"he wasn't interfering with play", Player - "yes, he was, he just admitted he was running back"

Maxtel 1-3 Holy Souls

Maxtel's unbeaten run came to an abrupt end - all the damage being done in the first half when some sloppy goals were conceded. There was one potential flashpoint when Mikey was kicked after the ball had gone but this resulted in the worst piece of retaliation I have seen this season and ugly scenes were avoided.

In the second half, the rallying call at the break was to win the half at least and Maxtel stepped up the workrate in front of guest of honour Lee. Martin capped Maxtel's best move with a good strike that was well beaten away. Later, Stu headed a corner just wide and sub Si was denied but there was no-one on hand to bury the rebound. Gilo buried a controversial penalty before Billy's late cross nearly caught the keeper out but it was too little too late.

Man of the Match - Gilo

Moan of the Match – No show from ref, players turning up late & still drunk

Shot of the Match – Martin was denied after Maxtel's best move

Save of the Match - See above

Quote of the Match - "I feel like walking off" - Mikey

Quote of the Match II - "He kicked me first" - Mikey

Quote of the Match III - "That was my worst ever game for Maxtel" - Jonah

Maxtel 3-3 St Andrews

Maxtel extended their remarkable unbeaten run under the guidance of Bevo & Gilo as gaffer was away. The visitors struck early with a quickly taken free-kick while poor John Beet was still organising the wall. In an eventful first half Biccies was having a heated debate over his linesman skills with the St Andrews manager when Branno broke through down the right. His shot squirmed under the keeper and into the corner to level the match. The visitors stepped up a gear and regained the lead shortly after springing the off-side trap. Maxtel responded in an end to end contest when Bevo's pinpoint cross was smashed home at the back post by Jonah to double his season's tally. Just before the break Billy got hit in the bollocks but he put himself through the pain barrier to come out for the second half.

Seconds into the second half Maxtel fell behind again - some poor defending allowing the striker all the time to pick his spot in a crowded area. Branno broke through at the other end but his superb shot was deflected and looped agonisingly onto the top of the bar. Soon after Stu made a great run but just failed to connect with a superb cross (from Tommy I think). With time running out Billy was played in through the middle, he smashed a screamer past the keeper from outside the box to record his first goal for Maxtel with just over 15 minutes to go sparking wild celebrations. Neither team could find a winner and Maxtel settled for a point despite a late penalty shout being adjudged outside the box when Gaz was tugged back.

Man of the Match - Billy

Shot of the Match – Billy's thunderbolt

Moan of the Match – Poor goal celebrations

Quote of the Match - "Jonah's got the concentration of a goldfish"

Boca Seniors 1-2 Maxtel

Maxtel extended their unbeaten run to five games in a closely fought match in soggy conditions. An unchanged team meant that Maxtel stars such as Tommy, Bevo, Bob & Martin gave the bench a heavyweight look. In a nondescript first half, there was one glimmer of quality when Si nutmegged the right back and fired in from close range. The keeper could only parry to Gilo whose shot was deflected just over. From the resulting corner Stu missed a sitter.

The game sprang into life in the 66^th minute when a deflected shot gave Boca the lead. Maxtel were heading for defeat when the number 14 latched onto a back header and inexplicably lobbed the ball over his own keeper for a bizarre own goal. At the other end John Beet was marshalling the box brilliantly and had to stand up to parry a venomous shot away. An unlikely point became three when substitute Bob poked home after losing his marker in the 88^th minute to send the Maxtel fans wild on the touchline. The visitors held on for the four minutes of stoppage time to make it 13 points out of the last 15.

Man of the Match - Gaz. had to help out SDL who wasn't tucking in enough

Moan of the Match – Gaz was released after a quick free-kick but play was hauled back

Shot of the Match – the own goal

Goal of the Month – the own goal

Goal of the Season – the own goal

Quote of the Match - "You're too stiff Maxtel" - Mikey

Marsdon Lions 2-3 Maxtel

Maxtel stretched their unbeaten run to ten weeks with a 3-2 win over rivals Marsdon Lions to keep their proud unbeaten record against them. Bevo was rested for bigger games coming up so Gilo took the armband and he stepped up to the plate early doors sending over a super cross that Stu nodded past the diminutive keeper. The lead didn't last long when a long throw was flicked on for the number 10 to gobble up a goal despite several defenders on the man doing the flicking. Later Branno dazzled the supporters with a superb piece of skill on the half way line that I am still trying to get over - but Si had the last word of the first half hooking in from another long throw to spark off wild goal celebrations.

Then Dave had another venomous shot that stung the keepers hands before Marsdon equalised - the runner just kept the ball in down the right before smashing home from an acute angle. It almost got worse for Maxtel when a mis-hit shot rattled the crossbar. At the other end Si was getting frustrated with the off-side trap before Branno popped up with a brilliantly placed shot to give the keeper no chance in a second half of few chances.

Man of the Match - has to be Branno but Billy played very well

Moan of the Match – Stu thought the ball had gone out in the build up to the second goal.

Shot of the Match – Branno's winner

Booking of the Match - Stu

Chip on the shoulder award of the Match – Biccies

Maxtel 2-1 Norton

Maxtel kicked off 2007 after their winter break in winning style. Dave Lewis made a shock return to the squad of 14 which had been decimated by injuries to Tommy & Biccies but it was Colin who secured the left back slot and amused the Maxtel faithful by diving into the mud several times early on. On a bobbly pitch Si raced through for the first chance but fired straight at the keeper and somehow put the rebound wide with the goal gaping. Soon after Gilo sent over a super corner which Gaz met with a looping header back across and into the far corner for one nil - a rare piece of quality in difficult conditions. It looked like Maxtel would dominate when neat interplay put Branno in but no-one could find the finish in a goalmouth scramble.

Maxtel paid for not putting the game to bed when Norton came back strongly in the second half. They were rewarded 15 minutes from time when they sprang the offside trap to fire past John Beet in nets. Maxtel rallied though and man of the match Gaz fired a free-kick just over. Later he and Jonah combined to release Gilo whose first touch was good enough to allow him to fire home from 18 yards to seal the points. Two minutes from time Dave robbed the left-winger and went on a powerful run but the keeper got everything behind his venomous strike.

Man of the Match - Gaz

Moan of the Match – Mikey blamed Stu for their goal

Quote of the Match – "Shall we go back and check if Dave's shot has reached the line yet?"

Quote of the Match II– "You've got mud on you Colin"

Comeback of the Match – Davey Lewis

Run of the Match – Davey Lewis

Maxtel 1-1 Marsdon Lions

Maxtel and Marsdon shared the points in an entertaining encounter on a boggy pitch. The expected bumper crowd stayed away due the cold weather and missed the chance to see John Beet Make his debut in goals. He was soon called into action to parry a free-kick to safety. Marsdon forced a succession of early corners but the number 11 failed to convert when one fell to him 6 yards out. Chances were slim in a midfield battle Si had a go from 20 yards but the keeper got everything behind it, but Maxtel opened the scoring soon after. Gilo and Biccies linked up down the right to free Gaz who out the ball on a plate for Si to coolly slot home for his second in two matches. Soon after Gilo got the best of the visiting keeper with a trademark free-kick and Stu was off target with a free header.

As Maxtel had the best of the first half - they were guilty of letting Marsdon back into the game in the second half and they equalised with a close range header. At the other end Si had another chance to put Maxtel ahead but the ball drifted just wide and Martin broke through but saw his shot well saved as the match fizzled out into a draw.

Man of the Match - Billy

Moan of the Match – Bevo's Booking

Quote of the Weekend – "Lewis is back, let's get f***ing smashed later"

Prediction of the Match – Trap 2 in the 7.50 at Hall Green

Norton 2-3 Maxtel

Maxtel bounced back from last weeks defeat on a muddy sloping pitch in a really good battle with Norton. Gaz returned to take absent Bob's place. It was first blood to Maxtel when Si latched onto Biccies sublime through ball to lash home in style. This sparked a reaction from the home side but just as the striker went to pull the trigger Stu came from nowhere with the tackle of the season to deny him superbly. Then Jonah won a free-kick, Gilo stepped up fully 30 yards out and bent it round the wall to leave the keeper grasping thin air - 2-0 to Maxtel. Another free-kick from Gilo was well saved from even further out soon after. Norton pulled one back before the break to make it 2-1.

In the second half Clarkey made a sensational save that brought the crowd to their feet tipping round superbly but got injured in the process. Maxtel withstood a succession of corners before Branno punished them on the break scoring after Gilo slid him in. Stand in keeper John beet spilled a long shot but reacted well to paw away from the advancing striker. At the other end Si went close again and Gaz saw a header flash just over the bar. Norton converted a penalty after Billy's sliding challenge to set up a siege on the Maxtel goal in the last 20 minutes but Maxtel held on for the win.

Man of the Match - Stu

Moan of the Match – no cheesy chips provided afterwards

Quote of the Match – "you're lacking a bit of bite in the midfield lads" - Gilo

Laugh of the Match – Santa on a moped

Shot of the Match – Si's opener

Assist of the Match – Biccies

Tackle of the Match – Stu

Tysley 3-2 Maxtel

Maxtel failed to complete a double over local rivals Tysley amid ugly scenes on Damson wood. Gilo returned to bolster the midfield after they crumbled against the league leaders last week. In a scrappy first half it was Maxtel who took advantage of the slope and wind to rack up a hatful of chances. Billy missed from close range after Bob's clever free-kick and Branno was denied when the keeper raced off his line. Just before the break Branno scored a trademark goal after being released by Gilo's pass to make no mistake this time.

In the second half a disputed offside call sparked ugly scenes when Billy and his opposite number both saw red for violent conduct. This turned the game and Tysley coped better with ten to score a soft equaliser. There was nothing soft about the second - an unstoppable 30-yarder that no-one in this league would have got near. Maxtel were still reeling when number 3 was prodded home from close range. Gilo sparked late hope by scoring a penalty won by Simon after great work down the right but more ugly scenes followed in the dying seconds as Tysley were reduced to nine amid disgraceful conduct.

Man of the Match - Simon

Moan of the Match – the violence

Quote of the Match – "you've let yourself down, and you've let the team down Bill" - Bob

Quote of the Match II– "you need to go home and have a good long look in the mirror Billy" - Gilo

Quote of the Match III – "it got stuck under my feet" - Billy

Quote of the Match IV – "i'm not sending him off with a minute to go" - the ref

Shot of the Match – their 2nd

Miss of the Match – Billy

Maypole Youth 7-1 Maxtel

Maxtel were well beaten by the Champions elect who are yet to drop a point this season. Yet again Scott Christie let us down by not turning up meaning there was only one change as Billy returned for the absent Gilo. The preparation was not ideal, firstly Bevo took 25 minutes to park his car like a girl, then Clarkey who was battling through the pain barrier to make the starting line-up started to have a shower before the game fully clothed, then the changing room had to be evacuated after Gaz tried to gas everyone. To cap it all the shirts were soaking wet. On the pitch, the home side showed why they are cruising to the title inside the first 20 minutes when they went three up despite some desperate defending.

At this point Maxtel started to fight back and Gaz coolly slotted home first clear cut chance of the game to make it two goals in two starts. This sparked a row in the Maypole ranks and seconds later, Maxtel almost scored again but were denied by a handball. Gaz sent the resulting free-kick just wide. At half time John Beet came on between the sticks and impressed in the face of wave after wave of home attacks. Simon had a clear look at goal in the second half but took a touch and missed out and Stu sent a good headed opportunity wide but it was one-way traffic in the main as Maypole ran late goals in.

Man of the Match - Bob (awarded by Justin)

Moan of the Match – the Maypole lads after we scored

Quote of the Match – "I hate welsh bastards" - Stu

Shot of the Match – Gaz

Save of the Match – John Beet palmed one onto the post

Maxtel 3-0 Yardley

Maxtel cruised to a 3-0 win over lowly Yardley to complete a league double and carry on their recent good form. Gaffer handed a debut to new striker Gaz and in a u-turn before kick-off changed the formation back to the players favourite 4-3-3. There were few other changes from last week other than a debut for billy’s boots at right back. In the first 10 seconds Maxtel opened them up and almost took the lead but Gaz’s shot was saved. Later he was to have a shot pushed onto the post and was almost able to head home a looping Biccies cross. Branno caused problems to create the breakthrough and Bob despatched his pull-back with typical coolness to set up a 1-0 half time score. At the other end a handball shout was denied for the visitors.

The start of the second half was scrappy but Maxtel put the points safe when Gaz latched onto to an excellent cross from Branno who somehow kept the ball alive. Stu added a late third from a header but not before a heated exchange on the touchline when sub Colin took exception to a bad challenge.

Man of the Match - Jonah

Moan of the Match – Billy overslept

Quote of the Match – Ref - "Pack it in", Colin – “If he’s gonna dish out abuse I’m gonna give it back”

Shot of the Match – Bob’s shot did just enough to get over the line

Save of the Match – their lad palmed one onto the post 1^st half

Showboat 3-2 Maxtel

Maxtel delivered a superb work ethic to push higher league opposition all the way in the cup despite only having ten men and having a crippled Bevo for the last 20 minutes. Mark has moved on but one or two other lads let us down forcing us to play with ten in front of a bumper crowd. The boys rolled their sleeves up and battled to a half time 0-0 scoreline. In fact Showboat were limited to long range efforts in the main and Maxtel had the best opportunity when Bob pounced on a poor back-pass but just failed to find the far corner with a lob.

The game burst into life after the break, their big number 15 got round the back and the pull-back was smashed home. It looked game over less than 5 mins later when a scruffy goal made it two. Maxtel responded to the rallying call from Billy on the sidelines and refused to lie down - budding actor Branno shrugged off a strong challenge went round the keeper and slotted home in trademark style to delight the travelling fans. The 2 goal advantage was restored before Branno struck the bar from a tight angle. The youngster was not to be denied and was on hand to give another lifeline with six minutes remaining smashing home superbly.

Man of the Match - Branno – ran all day, 2 belting goals & hit the bar

Moan of the Match – only ten turned up for Maxtel and no ref

Quote of the Match - "I’ve got nothing left to give"

Shot of the Match - Branno's 2^nd or their 1^st

Save of the Match – Clarkey somehow palmed one away from close in

Maxtel United 3 - 0 Tyseley (thanks to Gilo)

Maxtel picked up another 3 points in their fight for survival. This was a six pointer at the wrong end of the league. Whilst the performance was not up to the previous weeks efforts, the 3-0 result was all important. Bevo picked up the armband as he came in for Billy (dodgy back injury hopes to be back soon) in the only change. Biccies didn't turn up and now faces a severe reprimand from the gaffer and Davey Lewis was away at some family celebration again! Maxtel stuck with the 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 depending on how things are going!

Maxtel started slowly and didn't look like they had got out of bed. In a fairly even first half, chances were at a premium, Tyseley hit the bar from a long floated free kick and Clarkey tipped a close range header over the bar. Bob had a chance inside the area and was off target with a long range strike.

During the half time team talk, the gaffer reminded the team for the need to communicate and told us that he couldn't hear us. Shortly after the re-start, a loose ball fell at Martin's feet and he struck a first time volley from the edge of the area to put Maxtel 1-0 up. For the next 15 minutes, Tyseley threw everything at Maxtel and spurned a couple of excellent chances. They were made to pay for the misses when Mark chested Bevo's through ball down and lashed a cross/ shot past the stranded keeper. This goal settled Maxtel and the icing on the cake was added when Stuey connected with Gilo's corner to make it 3-0.

It was a well contested match played in a good spirit and Maxtel were happy to take the 3 points. The defence were again outstanding and fully deserved a clean sheet - they are looking settled now and when you are solid at the back - you are always going to be competitive.

Man of the Match - lots of great performances - especially Jonah & Martin - But Mike gets it.

Booking of the Match - Branno didn't retreat the full 10 yards

Quote of the Match - Branno - "I haven't seen the ball for 20 minutes"

Save of the Match - A quiet day for Clarkey - but a clean sheet and a tip over from point blank range

Moan of the Match - Even when we were 2-0 there weren't too many smilers out on the pitch

Shot of the Match - Mark lashed in from an acute angle to put us 2-0 up

Holy Souls 2-2 Maxtel United

Maxtel put their recent bad form well and truly behind them with a commanding performance that will hopefully kick start their season. Lining up in an unfamiliar 4-3-3 formation, they got stuck in 'from the off' and part way through the half took a deserved lead. Stuart controlled a long ball and with the Harborne defence playing a high line he sent Branno through. The youngster still had a lot of work to do but finished it well. Maxtel didn't sit back on this lead and should have scored again when Stuart headed narrowly wide from Bob's pinpoint free kick.

Billy was winning everything in the air and was disciplined in his holding role, breaking up a number of Harborne attacks before they could get anywhere near the Maxtel goal, and didn't often react following some bad challenges, keeping his infamous temper in check! But against the run of play Harborne scored with their only real effort of the half. A long ball was flicked on and the Harborne striker hit a sweetly struck shot that Clarkey could do nothing about. This only spurred Maxtel on, and second half they turned their domination into goals, but not before a controversial decision from the ref. Mike was adjudged to have obstructed the Harborne number 10 in the box, and although it looked a harsh decision the ref was about to give a penalty. Until Gilo stepped in and talked the ref into giving an indirect free kick inside the box!! Nothing came from this and soon after Maxtel should have taken the lead when Mark went through one on one with the keeper, who made a good save to just tip it wide. Stuart won a free kick just inside the Harborne half, and put in a good ball to the far post. The keeper saved from the resulting scramble and the ball fell to Bob on the edge of the box, who chipped a fine finish into the top corner. Maxtel continued to dominate, and the third wasn't long in coming. Harborne only half cleared the ball from a corner and Billy played it in to Stuart on the edge of the box. He chipped it wide to Mark who flicked on to Branno, who in turn put in a perfect cross for Stuart to head home. At 3-1 the game was won, but Maxtel were on a roll. A rare Harborne attack broke down and Mike's clearance found Branno, who beat his man easily and tucked it away for his second. Simon came on for the injured Bevo, and soon after chipped in a ball which was knocked down for Mike, who snatched at his shot and sliced wide.

Shot of the Match - Bob's chip to put Maxtel ahead gave the keeper no chance.

Moan of the Match - The referee let too many bad challenges go. And Maxtel didn't win by as many as they deserved!

Quote of the Match - "Is that it for the season or is there still another cup to crash out of?" - Bob

Quote of the Match II - "Make sure you mention my excellent mazy run" - Billy

Shot of the Match - Mikey's bullet header for the Maxtel equaliser from Jonah's corner

Save of the Match - 0.8 seconds before they scored the second I made a decent point blank stop

Maxtel still cannot find the winning habit, beaten again here by Rowood - they got what they deserved, the visitors on top for long periods. Mikey and Mark returned to the starting line-up as gaffer looked for the winning formula. However Rowood took the early initiative going in front from a header. At the other end Stu tested the keeper with a low shot.

In the second half, Jonah nearly equalised but the strike trickled just wide, Stu sent a free-kick just over but midway through the 2nd period Rowood sealed the game with a second. Biccies had to save with his face to keep the score down before the dying seconds when Bevo burst through and forced a superb save from the visiting keeper in Maxte's best moment.

Quote of the Match - "Next time I get dressed up I want to wear tights" - Mikey

Maxtel finally delivered a performance to be proud of after recent displays and pushed higher league opposition all the way in the cup. Clarkey and Mark are the latest players to suffer through injury so Bics returned to goals & Tommy also returned to the side. It looked like the form book would not be thrown out of the window as Fairfax made the brighter start going 1-0 up when a sliced shot looped over Biccies into the far corner. This only served to fire Maxtel into action. Martin tested the keeper with a free kick and Maxtel forced a succession of corners. This pressure led to a goal when Jonah's corner was smashed home by Branno superbly. Minutes later Maxtel turned the game around when the youngster broke the offside trap after an excellent pass from Billy and rounded the 'keeper to put Maxtel 2-1 up.

In an incredible spell the youngster raced through and fired past the goalie again only to see his goal bound shot cleared off the line in the nick of time. At the other end Biccies saved with his feet late in the first half after the striker battled through and just about saved a free-kick that skidded through. In the second half the home side showed why they are higher up the leagues and pushed Maxtel back for long periods. After some brave resistance and several long shots that had to be tipped over the equalizer came mid way through the second half. Then with extra time looming, the home striker rode a couple of challenges and slotted home to make it 3-2 in the dying minutes. There was still time for a scramble at the other end but that was ended by an unfortunate handball against Branno. The result was cruel against Maxtel but Gaffer was proud of the performance which can kick start our season.

Quote of the Match - "I want you to come off the pitch feeling like that every week"

In a contrast to last weeks excellent win and performance, Maxtel were given a hiding on their own patch but the game was not without controversy. Team selection was thrown into chaos with the news that Tommy was unavailable - according to sources close to the Eddie Yeats of Maxtel he was injured last night falling off a bouncy castle. Clarkey returned to goals and Biccies had to fill in at left back. There was not much between the teams for the first half hour, even though Wagon took a 1-0 lead, Maxtel were creating chances. The ball was cleared off the line twice in one scramble after a fine free-kick from John Beet. Jonah forced a good save down at the near post and Branno sent a free-kick just wide.

A strange decision swung the game in Wagon's favour when a penalty was awarded for handball even though Billy was centimetres away and had no chance of getting out of the way - at the other end an accidental handball on the edge of the box only resulted in an indirect free-kick. It was 4-0 before half-time after a throw in decision went against Maxtel to almost everyone's surprise. Knocks to Billy, John Beet and Si meant Maxtel were struggling for the rest of the game and were restricted to long-range shots from Bevo, Branno and a decent scissor kick attempt from Biccies. Colin's own goal finished the scoring despite a blatant push in the back of the hard-working full-back being missed.

Maxtel picked up their first win of the season to kick start the campaign in style. Justin asked for a win to mark his thirtieth birthday and the lads responded in style. Jonah switched back to midfield allowing Colin to make his first start of the season. Bob also made his first start and it is great to see these lads back fighting for places as we have a very strong squad this year. Yardley nearly went ahead when they sprung the offside trap but the striker fired wide after rounding biccies. In an even first half Maxtel drew first blood, Giles keeping his nerve from the penalty spot after a push was spotted in the box.

Right from the off in the second period an inspired Tommy made a run and nearly set up Mark, but it was Jonah who doubled the lead with a brilliant first time shot across the keeper. Earlier Yardley had rattled the crossbar and forced a scramble in the Maxtel box but failed to get the all important equaliser. Bob made it 3-0 with a tap-in after rounding the keeper - Branno turning provider. Bob nearly returned the favour with an assist for Branno with a free-kick but his effort slammed against the woodwork. By now Maxtel were creating chances at will, Bevo forced a good save and Giles somehow ballooned a shot way over after a neat lay-off. There was still time for Mark to grab a simple goal to make it three in three and Branno finally got a richly deserved goal slotting home to make it 5-0 in the dying seconds.

Maxtel's nightmare start to the season continued with a 4-1 reverse at Rowood drive despite club captain Bevo returning to the side under the stewardship of Justin for the first time this season. Both Mikey and Stu were out meaning a reshuffle at the back, Dave and Billy in the centre and Jonah slotting in at right back. A bumper crowd turned up for this midweek fixture and actually saw Maxtel start the brighter. They were rewarded when Mark shrugged off a strong challenge to shoot in off the post for his second of the season after a long throw.

This only seemed to fire up Farringdon and fresh from hitting eight goals at the weekend they set about turning things around. The equaliser was fired in at the near post after work down the left. This was followed by a strong header and there was still time before half time for a third after space was found in the six-yard box. At the other end Maxtel were being denied by some strange off-side decisions with almost every attack. A hopeful ball led to a fourth in the second half but by then is was all over

Moan of the Match - getting flagged offside in your own half is worth moaning about

Quote of the Match - "Oh dear, you are not doing very well at the moment are you" - My mom

Save of the Match - We got a good save out of the keeper 2nd half - it was too dark to see who is was though

Maxtel were well beaten by a Maypole side who pinned them back from the early stages. Super Dave Lewis continued as captain under the stewardship of Podge as the gaffer was away and the only team change was a reshuffle which meant Stu came in for Martin. Stu's game ended early as a brave header resulted in a nasty cut to the head which resulted in hospital treatment. Everyone at Maxtel wishes him a speedy recovery and a swift return to the first team.

John Beet replaced him but probably wished he hadn't as Maypole turned on the style and raced into a 2-0 half time lead. Maxtel's best chances in the first half came from Jonah who forced good work at the near post by the keeper. Maxtel created more in the second half, Billy's header forced a save after good work down the right and Branno fired in a venomous shot late on which had to be turned away. Mark also stole in to strike after Bob's excellent free-kick and open his Maxtel account. At the other end Maypole were taking their chances though including an own goal from the unfortunate Mike.

Quote of the Match - "Every year I bet Justin £20 we wont finish in the top 3 and every year I win" - Gilo

Save of the Match - Branno got the best out of the visiting keeper right at the end

Maxtel were beaten by a hungry Rowood side who looked a different team to the one that flirted with relegation last season . Super Dave Lewis took the armband under the stewardship of Podge as the gaffer was away and there were debuts for new boys Mark & Steve. Mike was chosen at centre half to partner Billy and in a surprise move Biccies was recalled to goals. Maxtel never recovered from the blow of conceding in stoppage time at the end of the second half. Biccies and the back line gave everything throughout but could do nothing to keep out a scuffed shot in the dying seconds. It was no more than Rowood deserved after going close several times. Branno and Steve had chances for Maxtel either side of half time - Steve firing just over and the Rowood keeper had to be sharp to tip round at the near post. Despite a series of late corners, Maxtel could not get the breakthrough and got caught on the break.

Afterwards Podge thanked the players for their efforts and emphasised that this league is a marathon not a sprint.

Moan of the Match - Good game played in good spirit - Billy was moaning about something but I missed it

Save of the Match - Bics had to be at his best tip round a low 2nd half shot

There are times in life when you need to change what you are doing and go with a new flow.

Now is one of those times for me. This statement aims to tell everyone what is going on with my future, without Chinese whispers or people thinking otherwise.

I have the upmost respect for all the lads I have played with at Maxtel for my four years of my (not so) distinguished footballing career, from Matt Devolle to Gilo, Crackers to Pete McGeeney. This is half the reason I’m explaining myself here- I didn’t want to seem as if I was one of those guys who just upped sticks and left.

The root of the problem is now, not being a freeloading student anymore, I have to work almost full time hours. This doesn’t leave me with much time outside of work, which brings me to my second problem. I now have a girl who I adore and cherish, and to be honest I never seen myself in this situation before.

If I kept with football, it would leave little time for me to travel to Northampton to see her, and I view Sundays as a key time to do just that. While football is a hobby of mine, and an enjoyable one at that, Sarah is my life, and my future. My ability, and the prospect of playing another bit-part role again also played a part in my decision.

So, as it stands, I will manage the first two games of the season in Justin’s absence, with my last game being on the 10^th of September. After that, I will be merely a spectator and an occasional attendee at training.

I wanted to wish the best of luck for the upcoming season and beyond, but not only in football- in life too. If you see me around, buy me a beer, reminisce about the past with me, but have the ability to move forward as a club and an individual without me.

Assistant Manager Giles should by now know enough coaching drills and such to keep you in shape, and if Justin needs tactical advice I’m sure he’ll call.

Some of you will wonder why I did this, and some will think it’s….. well, a bit gay, but again, it wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t explain why I left after 4 years. So Adios, goodbye, fair well, see you when the cows come home. Its been emotional.