Picked up at 7:45 by the Grange "love bus" and the world seemed good.

A call en route, from "capitain" Dodsworth to say his physicians had called his groin strain "fatal", and he had to train with the slovenian girls U11s squad.

Thankfully the "capitain" reminded the sleepy (and hence typing this report) junior vice captain Reynolds to bring the shirts! A quick turnaround of the love bus and shirts were acquired.

Some positive team building in the bus, and we were convinced we could keep the result below double figures. A bare 11 had a less than convincing warm enough but a better game plan.

The game started at pace and Ely kept Peteborough at bay for most of the half with both teams having chances. Peterborough opened the scoring with a break away goal, first keeper Grange going down and the striker going up, a gamble he lost. Ely responded quickly with a simple tap in from MOM striker Borat Dennis on loan from Kazakhstan. Half time at one a piece and Ely were happy with their performance.

The second half was a "tit for tat" affair, with Peterborough taking the advantage. Ely could have taken the lead with striker Chris roofing a cross from the left but it only to be disallowed from "referee" Jayne. The game heated up as it went on, some good stops from Dan Inkling on his knees and ankles. A technique copied by defender Brown with much effect. Shaun in defence got a lesson in martial arts by a quality 12 year old attacker, although "alfie" may have been disclipined with a well earned green card, one of the more leniant moments of the day.

At 3-3 with 5 mins to go, Ely thought they had won a well earned point but were robbed in the last minutes after a strong wind blew Dennis to the ground and Peterborough broke to get a last minute winner, gutted!

Several lessons learnt for next week :

- Don't forget the shirts or you end up typing this report.
- Persistence, position and work rate do pay off.
- Top of the league are there for a reason!
- Sam has a fear of sea food and a couple of seal puppies

Thanks to Tim Reynolds for this report.