Welcome to EBOG FC's weekly report. This week saw some excellent results, in particular, the 1st XI who got a fantastic win. Please continue to read to find out more.

I was trying to get an explanation as to why we suddenly can’t raise more than 6 teams on a Saturday! The rather pathetic suggestion was ‘Christmas Shopping’! Perhaps they were all at Elton John’s clothing Sale?

The 1st’s started their game against HSBC in fine style moving swiftly to a 2-0 lead and looked like easily getting 5 or 6. It wasn’t so much that HSBC stepped up their game but more that the 1sts slackened off. Chances weren’t converted with the ease of recent weeks but despite that we still took all the points. The 1sts will need to recapture their cutting edge against stiffer opposition but with their 5th win on the bounce (since Steve Weldon moved back into defence) they are now clear title contenders having moved into 3rd place. Congratulations to Richard Barker and Nick Page who have steered the side excellently to recovery since the debacle at Old Esthameians. They appear to have learned lessons and have a great team spirit. They are not prima donnas either as they sweep up the changing rooms better than most teams!

The 3rds fine run of 9 consecutive wins came to an end against a good Aloysians side. Not firing on all cylinders, they were trailing 0-1 for most of the match, however, a late equaliser from James Bradshaw looked to make extra time a certainty. A Bradshaw goal is always good value for the spectators and this time we were treated to 4 flip-overs and a Catherine Wheel! All celebrations were forgotten though when Aloysians snatched a win in the last minute with a free kick from at least 35 yards which went right in the top corner.

The 4ths got back to form with a fine win at a tough fixture away at Crouch End and managed to prevail because of an excellent hattrick from Colin Williams. This moves them into 3rd place and well in the hunt.

The 5ths were very disappointed with their game at Stationers which they were leading 4-3 with not long to go.

The 6ths had the long journey to Suttonians who always have strong lower sides. This time was no exception and the 6ths did well to hold them out for as long as they did.

The 7ths were leading 2-1 against Parkonians at halftime but couldn’t hold on to it.

It was even more disappointing to have to scrap the 8th’s fixture but they were left with just 5 players following a rash of late drop-outs. If people must go shopping surely they can give a bit of notice!!

Good to see a couple of ex-EBOGs visiting the Club on Saturday. Phil Manning and Andy Poolman were active members through the 70s and 80s before moving away to Brighton and Switzerland respectively. Andy is now back in Wiltshire.

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