Prior to the game the referee was sure to give a speech as cold as the winters morning and with his new UEFA jacket the game got underway!!

Finchampstead started the game positively, intricate passing and movement from defence through the midfield which linked well to the offside forwards. With the managers words still ringing in the teams ears, ‘do not go for 50/50 in case of injury’, Finchampstead seemed struggled and allowed Farnham through in the first 15 minutes to take a 1-0 lead. Was this due to misunderstanding or not tackling? Either way, Finchampstead knew they had to turn the heat up.

With this, the play was then led out to the wings and with a burst of pace, Matt/Mike/Mark/Mitch (I’m sure he was called all these names today) sent a lovely ball across the Farnham box to be met by Rishi to make it 1-1! Game on!!

With Finchampstead getting on top and finding balls to Wolfy and Rishi on the wings the next goal was inevitable. Playing from the back the ball was played into Marks feet who sent a through ball to Stu who put it away to make it 2-1! Where we should be!

With the wind in their sales, it was surely time for a storm to brew!! With manager John W coming into the game and with his motivational words still ringing, it only 0.004 seconds for John to go charging into a 50/50 and aggrevate an old injury! With John limping off more wise words were heard off ‘I know what I said!!!’ leading to a quick change of staff and the game to resume!

With the UEFA ref and linesman clearly in cahoots, it took more time than usual for Finch to break the offside trap and make it 3-1, with Mitch or Mark eventually getting on the score sheet with a well placed finished.

Half time!! - Deep heat, strapping and Oli’s plee to stay another 20mins!! We were good to go!

Finch defence had been strong all game and heading clearances were becoming more dominant throughout!! With this strong start it was only time for Simon and Mark to combine to release Rishi and setup the fourth goal of the game!! Finch were in cruise control, or so they thought!!

With the time reaching 70 mins, matching the average age of the squad, it was time for Farnham to pounce!! With some dodgy bounces, offside decisions and tired legs, finch allowed a glimmer of hope for a comeback, 4-2!!

However, with 15 minutes left, Matt/Mark/Monica was found alone in the box, and with all 10 other players waiting for a pass to score, it was selfishly & delicately placed in to the top corner, ending any hopes of a come back!!

As the minutes played out, the lino claiming his money from their squad for offside technicalities, and the ref needing to get off to Munich for the next UEFA meeting, the game was finished, and finch came through the game as 5-2 winners!!