Welcome to the weekly EBOG FC review.

An early casualty to the weather was the 1st’s game because of the ridiculous policy of Haringey Council only to inspect Crouch End’s pitches on Wednesdays which means that, if the weather changes later in the week, the wrong decision is usually made. Maybe not this time as it just kept on raining.

No trouble at Alan Drive though where the 2nds had a fixture against old rivals Owens, who, like us, have had an indifferent start to the season. It was a very tight game and we only made it look comfortable with two goals in the final few minutes.

It was also far from plain sailing for the 3rds who let in two goals just before halftime to trail 1-2. However, they stormed into the second half determined to rectify this injustice and up stepped captain Lee Sterry to get yet another vital goal to set them on the road to recovery. They extend their amazing run to 9 consecutive wins.

The 4ths had a tough fixture against top of the table Owens 6ths who, strangely, were 10 points ahead of their own 5ths! This seems to be happening a lot lately and suggests yet again a hint of squads. However, the 4ths did not really get into gear to threaten an upset.

Having not had a fixture against Isleworthians for many years, the 5ths drew their 4ths in the AFA Cup a week after the 4ths lost to heavily to their 3rds. No problem for the 5ths, however, and they are turning into the dark horses this season. Sam Warne has his team sitting two points off the top of the league and through to the last 16 of the AFA Cup. Ben Allen also moves closer to Sam Berry at the top of the Goalscorers.

The 7ths had the unusual task of playing an 11th team – it’s good to see at least one Club thriving when many others are shrinking. After difficulties getting a side together and heavy delays on the North Circular, our 7ths were never in the right frame of mind to play their best.

The 8ths had a tough fixture against Finchleians 7ths to mark the debut of Matt Freeman as captain. Looks like his first job will be to work on defending! Perhaps more important than that is to find the key to Bethune Park that never returned to the Key Cabinet following the game there the week before!!!

For more information about our football club, please visit us at www.ebog.co.uk