5th March Newark Vs Mens 2nd - traffic jam 30minutes, match fee £8, 3 Points.....Priceless

This week found us taking on 4th placed Newark in our last away fixture this season.

The preparation this week was a new style. Get stuck in traffic, delay the start of the match and not to bother with the Bunker warm up tradition.

Any points in our last few matches would be hard earned now and with a number of less regular faces like, Anthony, Dalraj, Dopey and Derek no one could have predicted the way this fixture went.

A solid defensive performance from Derek, Ian and Ross and a return to running one myself this week in shorts. Alex to continue to demonstrate his growing ability in Midfield, the nickname Anywhere Alex is coming to mind.

The overall passion belonged to Derby and we certainly had more chances to test the Newark keeper. As the half time call came Newark had a short which was promptly dealt with to keep the score line 0-0.

The Bunker breakdown this week was simple short passes and to use the speed we had over the Newark larger defensive players.

The second half was very much the same as the first. Anthony taking a flick shot off the Newark keepers helmet to be stick saved at the near post was unfortunate not to give Derby the lead. The pressure we were presenting was a breath of fresh air compared to the season to date. This soon earned Derby a rare short corner opportunity of our own.

Obviously our practiced Pete slip to Ross was the routine of choice. Bang! Derby 1-0 up? Certainly a surprise to be in the lead and not chasing a match.

Soon followed another short and Pete felt the time was for his turn to make good on the scorecard. A sweet hit shot heading to the corner was just stick saved by the keeper. Pete, you don’t know how close it was to going in! the save was frankly awesome.

Not to be outdone by his counter part Mike continues his mighty displays for Derby. Some crucial saves kept our small lead advantage. Ross calling leave it and allowing Newark players two chances to equal the score line allowed the nerves to build for one defender this week

Last minute of the match, Ian decided the best form of defence was to keep his eye on the ball. Subsequently he is now sporting a black eye. Commitment to the cause Ian,,,,, Good job.

So final result, 1-0 and 3 points to keep a chance to jump out of relegation a possibility from our final two fixtures at home. Come on Asterdale! Turn up and support the team!

Man of the Match: Mike, first clean sheet this season and some cracking saves!
Dick of the Day: No outright beauty this week so Ross for the leave it shouts. Pete you almost got this for directing Derek the off road route to avoid the tailback, however, as it worked you have a lucky escape.