Another Saturday, another away trip to Upminster, and another match where the final score doesn't quite tell the whole story!

Now, I promised myself I wouldn't write another match report about umpiring decisions. So I won't. Obviously.

However, for those who have had the pleasure of playing away at Upminster, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about when I say that after 60 minutes of an evenly contested game, the short corner count stood at approximately 15 against us and 3 in our favour.

I'll just leave that there. No further comment, Your Honour.

In between the occasional defensive short corner (and by occasional, I mean every time we dared to breathe near an opposition player), there was actually a cracking game of hockey going on!

Both sides created chances, both defences stood firm, and for 60 minutes neither team could find a breakthrough. At 0–0, it was anyone's game.

Unfortunately, in the 62nd minute, the inevitable happened. Another short corner, another scramble in the D, and somehow the ball squeezed over the line. Upminster 1–0 Old Southendians.

Cue the final eight minutes, where we desperately tried to speed the game up in search of an equaliser, while the opposition suddenly appeared to discover the joys of a much more leisurely pace of hockey. Funny how that happens when you're winning!

Despite our best efforts, the equaliser just wouldn't come, and the final whistle confirmed a frustrating 1–0 defeat.

But enough about them. Let's talk about US.

Because there are some serious positives to take from this performance.

The effort from every single player was absolutely 100%. No passengers, no heads dropping, and no lack of commitment. We're starting to gel as a team, the passing is clicking, players are developing, and there's a real sense that something good is beginning to come together.

We're becoming a proper team, one that's increasingly difficult to break down and one that will only get better as the season progresses.

And if anyone needed proof of the collective effort, look no further than the Man of the Match vote, which was shared between FOUR players!

Congratulations to Richard, Rob, Mike and Noel!

Four worthy winners, although it does suggest we may need a recount, a bigger trophy, or some sort of custody-sharing arrangement!

Next Up: Friday Night Lights!

No time to dwell on this one because next up is a proper local derby!

Old Southendians vs Southend 1st XI

Venue: Warners Bridge
When: Friday night, under the lights

A local derby, a Friday night, and a team that's growing in confidence. What more could you want?

The performances are improving, the togetherness is there, and sooner or later the results will reflect the hard work being put in.

We go again. Heads up, sticks down, and let's make Friday night one to remember!

And hopefully, this week, we might even win a few 50–50 decisions.

But obviously, this report isn't about the umpiring.