The Betrayal of Nonsuch

They say that Judas on Jesus was the ultimate betrayal. Beg to differ. For, having announced his defection to Spencer HC over the summer, for so-called logistical reasons, Cheam M1s ex-hero Andrew Smuir Wood lined up against his true team today. A moment of supreme irony occurred, in a lesson to our fallen comrade. If you leave Cheam HC, you'll still end up having to travel to our pitch. The only difference is that you'll have to get the train instead of being given a lift. Crow is weary (try explaining that one to Spencer, Smuir!).

Anyway, Cheam 1s lined up pitchside in black armbands to mark the occasion and keen to continue our preseason build-up. New systems and styles of play were discussed, and the side welcomed Matt Mabin into the squad, promoted up from the 2s on the back of some strong performances last season and in preseason training. Matt did not disappoint, putting in a possible MOTM performance at wing-back. Good to see our increasing squad depth, which will be needed for the season to come!

The 1s started strongly, playing the ball around with aplomb. Numerous chances were created and possession was generally controlled, but decision making in crucial areas was still slightly lacking, meaning that instead of being 3 or 4 goals up, Cheam remained on 0. Spencer then picked up their game and Cheam were made to work to keep the scores level, with Andrew Oldale making a number of good saves. Deep into the first half, Cheam secured a short corner, and William Lindsay scored with a classic 'don't connect properly, fool the keeper' dragflick. But they all count!

It was hoped that the floodgates would then open, but, to Spencer's credit, they did not. A combination of Cheam profligacy and good Spencer last ditch tackling meant it remained a slender lead. Smuirtest had a moment to savour against his old Cheam-mates when he took a glorious ball with his back to goal and did a drag-around, with Koen Overeynder completely buying the dummy. It was rumoured to be our ex-forward's only touch of the game.

More chances came and by now Cheam should have been in the clear, but we were not. As the final whistle blew, Spencer were awarded a shrt corner. An equaliser at this point would have been very harsh, but a reminder of what happens when you don't take your chances. As it was, Chris Harvey charged it down and the 1s took the win.

A good performance overall, with plenty to work on in the coming weeks. It's not far off though!

DOTD - was a toss-up between (1) Koen for being done all ends up by Smuirtest (2) Smuirtest for defecting to the opposition (3) Alex Beattie, for one of the more hilarious misses of the game. That is, those were the options until keeper Andrew Oldale revealed he was coming back to the clubhouse for a drink, something I have rarely, if ever, experienced, in over 10 seasons playing alongside him. He was immediately nominated and voted DOTD, for repeated past DOTD avoidance. He gets to wash the team kit! As it was, he didn't come back...doh! Alex Beattie was quite relieved no to pick up the hallowed award this week, as you can see from the video attached to this report.