Game 4

Creaking bones and aching joints had to be ignored as I dragged myself to the opening fixture of the Sunday League programme.

Having originally been scheduled to take care of a Division 1 fixture between 2 teams expected to challenge for promotion to the Premier Division, this game was a casualty of the lack of resources and facilities at the very foot of the footballing pyramid. Both clubs rely on their respective local authorities to provide their changing facilities and fields. With the season starting early, the preparation of fields has not been completed in time and neither club could stage the game, so it became the first postponement of the season!

So a new game was allocated to me and I made my way to a local pub to get changed. The pub was closed last time I visited this venue but a new landlord was due to take on the lease soon afterwards. On arrival I found that they either hadn't bothered or they hadn't lasted very long as the pub was shut and the water supply turned off, so no post-match shower for me.

The game was very scrappy with the home side only settling into their rhythm after scoring the opening goal with a kick from the penalty mark awarded near the end of the first half. They extended their lead 10 minutes into the second half before experiencing the wobbles as they conceded a goal with 20 minutes to play. Their third with 10 minutes to play seemed to settle them again but panic really set in when the away team got a goal with 4 minutes to play. They held out to record their first win and make their mark in their new division (promoted at the end of last season).

This was a good recovery session as I burned just over 1100 calories with no cautions or dismissals. Max hr 83% and averaging out at 68%. Game 5 is set for tomorrow and Game 6 on Tuesday before I get a break until Saturday.