A fine sunny spring day to visit March 1sts on the 1st March. The sun shining, my sunglasses had a slight red tint that gave a pleasant start to the day. March being top of the league and losing 8.0 last time, our aim was simple, we weren't going to lose 10.0. A call down for Jules, who's selection was simple, March was much closer than Southend his other offer for a game of "girl sticks".

To be fair, it was a defenders game. Ely setup and marked well and for 20 minutes, defended stoutly with some top drawer saves from keeper Grange. Rob Minns did an excellent job of marking the March striker and only removed him from his pocket at the final whistle.

Two goals came in quick succession from poor defence being second to react to free balls in the D. March to their credit took these chances well, and Ely were 2.0 down quick succession. The third goal came in the second half when Palmer called Reynolds for the ball when surrounded by 21 March players, and the ensuing break resulted in their 3rd but final goal.

Ely continued to defend solidly and it was noted that man of the match Marc "sick note" Hunt tracked back consistently to cover an unusually injured Dodsworth, carrying a minor niggle to his left ear lobe. This ear injury did effect his balance, and no matter how hard he tried (and he did) he didn't manage to beat his left winger counterpart (but funnily enough solid defender).

Ely learned a new short corner routine, called the "Red Box routine", which Brownie was unlucky not to convert. He also had the next best chance with 3 repeats shots on goal which resulted in lots on skin loss from his knees. The game did have a handbags session, which unusually involved Alfie Atkins being repromanded, one for his diary me thinks. Finally Ely did score a consolation goal with 2 minutes remaining, it seemed a good reward for some hard work.

At the end, we were more than satisfied with the result, and remarkedly perky in the post match shinaniggins. I took the honary position of writing this report, for which I am eternally grateful, as English was never my forte and the practice does me good. Peterborough (2nd in league) next week, so another 3 points in the bag!

Tim.