Everyone was in good spirit and pre-Match discussions on whether everyone would remember white shirts. Despite the captain reminding the team on the group chat during the week, Darren didn't take his own advice and when picking up the 3 Amigo’s from Benfleet station, thankfully the chat was around Pete almost forgetting his white (well almost white!, more of this later) shirt and quick detour had to be made back home.

All good, everyone had turned up, with exception of Army who was nowhere to be seen. As we made our way out to the pitch, Army had finally made it and was quickly getting himself kitted out on the side of the pitch. It seems that although Army had played at Upminster on multiple times, he had got lost and blamed he had no internet on his mobile. We think he must have still been using his Nokia from the 1990's!

So going back to the white shirts, Pete Cossey pulled out his bag, what he said was his white shirt. It looked like a rag and could have last been used when his dad had last played and had some remarkably interesting colour and patchwork stains to it. Vanish on his Christmas list no doubt!

So, we get to the game, the message was clear, we needed to start positively, after the game that never happened the week before due to Brentwood 3's being withdrawn from the league (That's a message to any opponents that dare to beat the Men’s 3's this season). The first goal wasn't too long coming and after the first of many short corner successes from the game, David played after receiving the ball, played it short to George who made sure of the finish. We continued with the tempo, and on the 15-minute mark, Adam was driving down the right and had turned and left the defender, only for an outstretched stick tackle which made sure Adam was floored. To my surprise, up jumped Adam, shook the defender’s hand however the cynical tackle had meant the umpire correctly gave a short corner and the defender was probably incredibly lucky not to receive a green. This short corner brought the second goal, which was finished by David via a deflection.

This was the last action we would see of Adam, who unfortunately had to go off injured and this meant the Darren, who can only normally last 10 minutes at a time before he needs a rest, had to play the rest of the game (Thanks Adam!).

Having reached half time at 2-0, it was a short discussion to keep the focus and make sure we continued to play. Half time oranges made a return after going AWOL the week before and had been suggested as the reason for the defeat that never happened.

Having been lucky with the weather so far, it was now time for the downpour for the rest of the game which made conditions difficult. Positive play continued and where Bert had replaced Adam on the right wing, it was fair to say the Upminster left back plan was to stop Bert at any cost. Bert decided to try and give commentary and help to the Umpire where he was going wrong, and I think he just wanted a rest and we didn't have any substitutes apart from Adam 'Long John Silver', so went for the green card option, which soon changed to a 10 minute yellow.

This meant the team had to dig in with only 10 men, it was time for game management, and we made sure that we saw out this time with a real team effort, midfield and defence holding up. The only Upminster attacks really coming from long balls and these were tidied up by the backline with ease ensuring the clean sheet stayed in tack and when they did have their only short corner of the game, Dan made sure of the block.

Bert was back on the park, so we were able to push forward again, it wasn’t long before another short corner routine and this time it fell to Bert, who made up for his time off the pitch to finish the 3rd goa via a deflection. We continued to stretch Upminster, George either holding up the ball and bringing the wingers into play or ploughing his way through. This brought the final goal, when George made the break through on goal and despite the goalkeeper keeping out his shot, Will was on hand to make sure of the finish.

As we know aerials (good but mainly bad) are well known in the Men’s 3's these days, it was clear Will had been watching Pete's last effort a few weeks ago and failed miserably but the mention must go to George. It was late in the game, and we were attacking in the corner. Could we look to get Goal number 5, George had other ideas of seeing out the game, and he decided to play an Aerial right back to the halfway line, thankfully Liam was alert. It drew gasps from team mates as to what he was doing but no doubt given Pete ideas for next week and still the wait goes on for Liam getting in on the act, Connor & Jack beware for Thursday training!

Solid 4-0 win was the outcome with another clean sheet, most of the MOM nominations were for David and his midfield partner Pete, who came out on top and gets the award this week for his link up play, driving attacks forward and general calmness on the ball. It has taken a few weeks but has now fitted in really well into the 3's after making step up and getting used to playing in the preferred midfield 3 formation. Just needs a clean shirt next week!

Scorers: George Miller, David Jackson, Bert Richardson & Will Lord

MOTM: Pete Cossey

Too Many Jackets to give out this week!

Match Report: Darren