As with most sequels, this was either going to be a flop or one for the fans….and it didn’t disappoint.

Finchampstead were at the game early, enjoying early classic 90s songs in the changing rooms, with the 90s meeting their overall heart rates for the warm up, was this a sign for things to come, well the answer was clear!

As the game started with ref Rowan Atkinson taking todays game, and discussions of John Wards choice of whiskey the night before, Finch were pegged back early doors, and early chances for the awfully dressed Farnham renegades played out.

Finch (possibly still hung over from the night before or thinking this may be a walk over) were soon under constant threat with DMX and an Eastern European late signing pulling strings for the opposition. It was inevitable but finch found themselves not 1, not 2 but 3 down within 25 minutes of the first half! Wether finch needed a rude awakening or not, they soon got it. Finch tried to get back into the game and with Oli’s shot from 596 metres out finch knew they needed calm and control.

Sweating out the vino and now properly warmed up, finch started playing their style of football and causing problems, Rishi creating chances on the left and getting fouls on the edge of the box, Tom dropping deep to pick it up, and the midfield and defence starting to get the head round the high press from the renegades. With Martin and Rob joining the game allowed finch to move through their phases and take control of the last 10 minutes of the first half.

Half time saw an inspiring team talk led by Lee who identified that tackling was quite a clinical aspect of winning games. Finch needed to be better and it was the team talk they needed.

As the second half started there was an essence of cohesion and dominance on the pitch (or maybe just John Wilson’s appearance) and within the 3 minutes finch had hit an instant reply. Neal turning into Michael Jackson in the opposing box, slide stepping and moonwalking past the keeper made it 3-1!! Game on.

With resurgence in the team, finch pressed forward, but possibly forgot the stamina of the Eastern Europeans, and as the opposition fled forward with their only chance of the half they made it 4–1!! Finch though, knew they were in the game and would battle on!!

At one stage the game looked over as Farnham broke free and 1 on 1 with Adam it could of been the end! But Adam stayed firm, kept his ground and kept the score line the same!! How did finch need that!!

Defence lines drawn and battle spirit engaged, finch dominated the half with Rob running through the midfield throughout causing trouble and wolfy making runs all half! As the pressure grew, rob made a run to the edge of the box and slipped the ball to Stu who aimed and fired across goal to make it 4-2!! Can they do it, we think so!!

Martin and Simon started to pull strings in midfield and Tom controlling all aerial threats by putting the opposition on the floor, this was the finch we knew. With more control and triangle play from the team it was only matter of time for the third to come. With Oli realising he needed to be a bit closer to shoot he found himself beating the offside and slipping the ball home for 4-3!! Surely not!!!

With wind in their sales finch started to get more and more chances to equalise, penalty shouts, toms opportunities to score (but I dont have until next week to write this and mention them all) finch would surely find an equaliser! However, with the ref slowing the game down and the only way to get a penalty was for someone to actually need an ambulance the goal never came!

Finch ended the game on top, showing resilience and teamwork the management team would have been delighted with!!

Finch go into the third and final instalment full of confidence knowing we have what it takes (and a much better kit)!! We go again!

Finchampstead 3- 4 Farnham