Team: Randell, Hardinges, Gray, Chelu, Watt (Ward), Berry, Banks, Widdowson, Burton (Sadler), Birney, Tango!

Booked: Chelu & Gray

Sent Off: Widdowson

Goals: Berry, Hardinges & Birney

Man of the Match: Phil Hardinges

Team: Sadler, Cann, Ward (Chelu), Gray, Hardinges, Berry (Taylor), Bank, Watt, Widdowson, Birney, Floristean

Booked: Widdowson

Goals: Banks & Birney

Man of the Match: Jack Birney

Team: Randell, Watt (O'Shea) , Hill, Chelu, Gray, Berry, Bank, Burton, Widdowson (Cann), Birney (Tango!), Floristean

Booked: None

Goals: Floristean & Berry

Man of the Match: Iain Watt

Team: Randell, Watt, Hardinges (Hill), Ward (Widdowson), Gray, Berry, Bank, Burton, Cann, Birney (Tango!), Floristean

Booked: None

Goals: Floristean & Burton

Man of the Match: Damon Burton

Team: Randell, Taylor, Ward (Hardy), Goodall, Chelu, Berry, Banks( Birney), Gray, Cann, Watt, Floristean (Burton)

Booked: Hardy

Goals: Floristean (2), Cann (2), Berry (2), Taylor, Watt, Gray, Randell & an OG

Man of the Match: Dom Berry

Team: Tango!, Hardinges (Chelu), Ward, Gray, Goodall, Burton, Cann, Berry, Banks, Birney, Floristean

Booked: Tango!

Goals: Floristean & Cann

Man of the Match: Steve Banks

On a mild February morning The Punch FC travelled to Flore to play Low Price Memory FC.

Starkie was still unavailable due to his fractured leg. He was joined in the treatment room by Randell, who injured his back trying to pull a fat bird at the weekend, Widdowson, who by all accounts is still pissing out his arsehole, Sadler, who has “personal problems”, Hill, who was at work or “on the job”, (maybe both?) and Watt, who was being raped in Manchester.

“Attention – News Flash” Bannister and Hardy are missing presumed dead. If anyone should see either player, please remind them to turn up occasionally. Hardy’s natural habitat is drunk in the gutter, so watch your feet.

However, the first order of the day was to sort out the remaining fit players, thirteen in total, with Taylor being the only board member in attendance.

The Punch FC lined up in a standard 4-4-2 formation with the majority of players in position. Ward and Hardinges played in their less favoured wing back positions and Tango kept goal.

The Punch started brightly and pushed for an early lead. Hardinges hit the underneath of the bar from distance and Floristean, Berry, Banks, Banks, Banks, Banks and Birney all blasted wide. LPM FC had their chances too; they played a more direct ball from the big lads in the middle of the park, but the football was being played by The Punch FC.

So, on the twenty five minute mark it was against the run of play when Cann and Floristean bungled the LMP number 9 to the ground for a penalty. Tango made himself look big by cramming more burgers into his mouth but the LPM FC striker still found the space to convert the spot kick.

The Punch FC continued to look threatening, Berry was proving more than a handful and found himself face first in the dirt after a number of LPM FC defenders tacked late.

Cann and Ward fired high or wide before Tango gifted LPM FC their second goal. Tango dropped the ball on to the strikers toe as he picked up a loose ball and found himself megged as the ball rolled home into the corner of the net.

LPM FC pushed for a third before the half time whistle blew. 2-0 down The Punch FC jogged off the park where Taylor demanded silence for the half time talk; Ward was sent to sit on the naughty step as he struggled with this simple instruction.

The Punch FC played better in a frantic end to end second half. The Punch FC formation was suffering as players moved to find more space, eventually Taylor made his first change of the match. Chelu replaced Hardinges at right back and Berry swapped the left wing for a striking role with Birney.

The Punch FC finally made their break through after a long throw beat both teams to find Cann in the six yard box, and he calmly back heeled it home.

Berry then rattled the crossbar as The Punch FC pushed for an equaliser. Tango then confused the LPM FC striker for an all you can eat buffet and threw himself on him; a clear penalty and a generous yellow card was awarded.

The LPM FC striker converted to make the score 3-1. Tango did redeem himself by making a couple of good saves during the second half; two or three of note were palmed over the bar.

The next goal came from Floristean who beat the offside trap (finally) to slot home his first and The Punch FC’s second.

Both Birney and Floristean had time to miss open goals (with the keeper already beaten) as The Punch FC continued to push for an equaliser. Taylor resisted bringing himself on up front.

It was not to be as the team slipped to their first league defeat in over four months. The Punch FC learnt a valuable lesson today; you will not win a football match if you do not take your chances. Even if the opposition have only a few chances, if you give away enough penalties then you’ll not even get a draw.

Team: Sadler, Hill, Birney, Taylor, Chelu (Tango!), Burton (Ward), Watt, Berry, Banks, Floristean, Widdowson

Booked: None

Goals: Floristean (4), Widdowson (2), Watt (2), Berry (2) & Banks

Man of the Match: Damon Burton

The Punch FC turned up with a small squad to play CHT Northampton on a bitterly cold February morning.

Only thirteen players made the match before kick-off, Cann took on the role of referee for the fixture, reducing the squad to twelve. Tango turned up at some point during the first half after McDonald's had stopped serving the breakfast menu.

Starkie has been ruled out for the rest of the season after being knocked off his motorbike midweek and suffering a fractured tibia. The Punch FC wish him a speedy recovery and will arrange wheelchair access for the end of season awards.

The Punch FC welcomed new signing Chelu for his first competitive match. Chelu signed for The Punch FC in the final moments of the transfer window for unemployment benefits and free accommodation in Northamptonshire. The Punch FC star striker Floristean used last week’s offside bonus to smuggle Chelu into the country in the back of a lorry.

Sadler also made his debut after a season on the sidelines. Unfortunately the most obvious jokes would have the website closed and The Punch FC banned by the league, needless to say, The Punch FC offers an equal opportunities policy and Sadler was welcomed by the team.

Sunday 1st February has been written in The Punch FC history books as the team set a new goal scoring record and the first black player ever to play in a competitive match for The Punch FC in its three and a half year history pulled on a goal keeping jersey. Huw does not count and in Tango’s case it’s just dirt!

The selection headache results in a basic 4-4-2 formation being the best chance for success. Birney and Hill played as attacking wingback and Taylor and Chelu held the centre of the back line; Gray, Goodall and Hardy all being unavailable for the fixture.

In truth the match was not a great spectacle to watch, The Punch FC spent long periods in the CHT half smashing shots left right and over. However by the end of the half seven of the shots had hit centre and beaten the CHT keeper. Widdowson scored his first of the season and Watt doubled The Punch FC tally. Goals were also scored by Berry, Widdowson grabbed a second as did Watt, and Floristean grabbed a goal in his attempt to overtake Berry as top goal scorer. CHT had a single dangerous attack in the forty five minutes, the original shot fantastically saved by Sadler before the follow up speculative smash beat Sadler (who slipped at the vital moment) hit the inside of the post and deflected to Birney who removed the danger. The half finished with Berry being tripped in the box and Banks smashing the penalty straight down the middle of the goal.

There was one change at half time, the burger munching Tango replaced Sadler in goal who moved to centre back with Taylor, and Chelu’s debut came to an end; a clean sheet for both players.

Again The Punch FC set up camp in the CHT half. The team now had the hill and wind in their favour and this showed as CHT failed to move the ball out of their own half other than after a kick-off.

Second half keeper Tango had a single touch of the ball as he was involved in some short passes with the defence on the half way line.

After about ten minutes Ward replaced Burton in the middle of the park.

Berry grabbed his second goal of the game to move his goal tally beyond Floristean’s reach, or so he thought. Floristean scored three second half Gary Lineker tap ins taking his goal tally in the game to four and one clear of Berry for the season so far.

“By the way Floristean; Gary Lineker is a famous English striker who scored goals from five yards”.

The match finished 11-0 and both teams shook hands as they walked off the pitch.

Team: Randell, Goodall, Gray, Cann, Berry, Banks, Ward (Starkie), Burton, Floristean, Tango! (Hardinges), Watt (Birney)

Booked: None

Goals: Cann & Berry

Man of the Match: Steve Banks

The Punch FC go into today’s game on the back of six league games without defeat.

Sunday 25th January offered a fine day for a match which was let down only by the muddy pitch on the Racecourse. Leeds United shipped to defeat against Histon on such a pitch and The Punch FC had no intentions of repeating such a feat against AC Squirrels Reserves.

Looking at the history between the clubs drew few conclusions, the earlier cup game in the season finishing 1-1 after ninety minutes, with The Punch FC going on to win 3-1 after extra time. A whole thirty minutes and two goals extra value for your money. After two hours of football the squad were hardly “loving it!”

AC Squirrels Reserves turned up with a big squad, eleven players and a full bench of substitutes, they also brought host of travelling fans. Not to be out done The Punch FC put out a full squad, with eight players waiting on the sideline for their chance to shine. Combined with home fans, this match produced the largest crowd of the season, over thirty people on the sidelines in total. Forget the FA cup; pitch 14 of the Racecourse was the place to be.

The Punch FC after last week’s success with the 3-4-3 formation set up in the same unusual format.

The game started scrappy, the mud in the centre circle hampering both teams trying to play a passing game (unlike Histon!)

The Punch FC took the lead half way through the first half when a shot was deflected out by the AC Squirrels Reserves keeper and Cann was on hand to blast the ball home. Cann playing as part of the centre back three was heard calling “cover me” before his surging run into the box. A shout which Cann repeated countless times during the reminder of the match, so for the second week running a The Punch FC centre back opened the scoring and not one of the three guys up front.

The Punch FC had yet to settle into the match and two mistakes saw AC Squirrels Reserves battle their way back into the match and then take the lead before half time.

The second half started better than the first with both team leaving the centre circle to use the only grass on the pitch, located on the flanks.

AC Squirrels Reserves were guilty of squandering chances during the second half as The Punch FC pushed forward for an equaliser. Birney was introduced for Watt who had struggled to make an impact up front but battled hard in the middle of the park. Birney joined Floristean and Tango up front.

It was not until Hardinges and Starkie were introduced for Ward and Tango did The Punch FC make the important breakthrough. Hardinges played a fantastic cross pitch ball to Berry’s head at the back post, Berry’s header slowly looped into the net as he broke his heading duck for the first time in his life.

Floristean missed a one on one opportunity and Birney had a chance to score as the final whistle blew. Neither striker managed to beat the keeper and the match finished in a draw. Unfortunately The Punch FC do not pay out bonuses for number of offsides otherwise Floristean would have earned enough to ship his whole family over from Bulgaria, air freight!

Team: Watt, Hill, Goodall, Gray, Berry, Banks, Ward (Taylor), Burton, Birney, Floristean, Tango! (Starkie)

Booked: None

Goals: Gray, Berry, Burton & Birney

Man of the Match: Jack Birney

After last weeks defeat The Punch FC players had a point to prove and some points to gain.

The team set u pin a 3-4-3 formation and dominated possession during the first half. As is standard The Punch FC proceedure The Punch failed to connect to our opponents chin! The team missed a hat full of chances, and this was no normal hat, this was a hat giant enough to house Ward's ego!

The first half finished without a goal, with Watt only having a single save to make.

The fans were getting restless, more goals were needed and in the second half they came. After a period of The Punch FC pressure the ball was knocked out for a throw in. The ball was worked up the line before being crossed in and driven point blank into The Punch FC goalkeeper Watt, he then saved the follow up shot but the third beat him and smashed into the back of the net.

So, 1-0 down after dominating the game, The Punch FC had their work cut out to get something out of the game.

Lucky for The Punch FC defender Gray was in the right place to bungle home a loose ball to bring the scores level. It seems if you need a goal scoring for the Punch FC then defence is the best form of attack, after all the three strikers had yet to score in the first hour of the match.

Berry then added a second to the tally, taking his goal tally equal to The Punch FC top goal scorer Floristean. Burton then waltzed through the Howdenbeath defence to add a third and things were looking up for The Punch FC.

Tango was replaced by Sparkie who dropped into midfield to help protect the winning margin.

Ward then blasted well wide and was replaced by Taylor.

The fourth goal was expertly placed in the bottom corner by striker Birney, who was given enough tip to eyeball the keeper and then watch him flap helplessly as the ball sailed ball sailed past him into the net.

Howdenbeath pulled a goal back from another set piece but it was not enough and all three points went to The Punch FC as their remarkable league run continued.

Team: Watt, Taylor (Ward), Hardinges, Goodall (Starkie), Gray, Berry, Banks, Widdowson, Cann, Burton, Birney

Booked: None

Goals: Berry

Man of the Match: Damon Burton

After a three week Christmas break The Punch FC waddle back to their first game of the new year.

The Punch FC started the match hotter than a Camden Market on Saturday 9th February 2008 (some say Dan O'Shea was spotted smoking in a pile of dry rubbish, and Tago eat the hottest curry in the capital!), after 200 minutes The Punch FC had missed countless shots and failed to hit the broad side of a barn, from inside, with all the doors and windows closed. Lynx FC mocked The Punch FC impotent attack by racing down the pitch and scoring on their first attack of the match.

It was 2-0 shortly after after The Punch FC keeper Watt messed up his juggling routine in the area and allowed Lynx to slot the ball into an emply net.

2-0 down and not playing well The Punch FC dragged their overpaid arses off the pitch.

The second half was a fast a furious affair, The Punch FC pulled a goal back through Dom Berry, before Watt rounded off a day to forget by pounding the ball into the head of defender Goodall, after this failed to yeild a goal he kicked his next goalkick to Lynx FC who put the game to bed.

Watt still found time to conceed a penalty which he managed to push onto the bar but the final score was 3-1 and The Punch FC were out of the Araglen Cup!

Team: Watt, Taylor (Tango!), Starkie (Birney), Goodall, Ward, Gray, Berry, Banks, Cann (Widdowson), Burton, Floristean

Booked: Burton

Goals: Floristean

Man of the Match: Jack Ward

The Punch FC were soundly beaten by the experienced ventrens of Norteles. The Punch FC took the lead through Floristean and Taylor twice cleared off the line before Watt deflected home the Norteles equaliser before half time. Two goals and Watt gave away a penalty in the second half as Norteles took control of the game.

Oh well, out of another cup, but The Punch FC Xmas party starts at 6:30pm tonight ...

Team: Randall, Watt (Hardy), Hill, Goodall, Gray, Berry, Banks, Cann, Ward (Burton), Carlin (Tango!), Floristean

Booked: None

Goals: Carlin & Hardy

Man of the Match: Peter Randall

The Punch FC lined up this week again local rivals Real Roochers, forget Newcastle Sunderland, this derby is worth every penny of the 0p gate fee.

The last game ended with high tensions after Widdowson was accused of handling the ball off the line to keep the game 2-1 to The Punch FC.

Real Roochers play one style of football, but are very effective at it, direct ball!. The long balls over the top from deep caused trouble for The Punch FC as the tallented midfield had been bypassed.

Eventually the nut was cracked and Roochers took the lead. One nil down to the local rivals and manager Widdowson plugged his hairdryer into the nearest tree and the team had their half time talk on the pitch, Alex Furgeson and Phil Brown eat your hearts out!

Carlin pulled one back for The Punch FC before Roochers took the lead again. Hardinges then equalised for The Punch FC after Banks' goal was ruled out as during his solo run through the Roocher defence Floristean was stood offside obscuring the goalkeepers view. Had the linesman not been Richard Wilson their is no doubt the goal would have stood.

The match finished 2-2 and The Punch walked away with 4 points from two league games against Roochers.

Team: Randall, Watt (Carlin), Hardinges, Ward (Goodall), Gray, Berry, Banks, Cann, Burton, Tango! (Birney), Floristean

Booked: None

Goals: Berry, Carlin & Birney

Man of the Match: Phil Hardinges

The Punch FC travelled to the Brixworth Ground to play the team that once put ten pastthem in a league fixture during their first season. The points have already been shared 3 each for the league, so this one was for pride and the cup.

AFC Crown turned up with a goalkeeper who nad no intention of collecting the ball out of his own net, he made save after save. The Punch FC blasted balls at the goalkeeper but mostly they blasted wide. Eventually the deadlock was broken by a fantastic goal by winger Berry. He pick up the ball on the right and using his stronger left foot curled the ball into the far top corner of the goal.

AFC Crown pushed for an equaliser and with the clock running down, Carlin capitalised on the space behind the AFC Crown defence, one on one with the keeper Carlin, chips the ball over the outrushing keeper.

There was still time left on the clock for Birney to get himself his first goal of the season.

Team: Randall, Watt, Bannister, Ward, Gray, Berry, Banks, Cann, Burton (Hardy), Tango! (Birney), Carlin (Floristean)

Booked: None

Goals: Berry (2)

Man of the Match: Dom Berry

With a cup game against AFC Crown the following week and a 3-1 defeat earlier in the season The Punch FC fought hard in this close encounter at the Racecourse Ground.

Dom Berry provided the goals as the winger continued to add goals to his tally.

Team: Randall, Watt (O'Shea), Bannister, Hardy, Gray, Birney, Banks, Cann, Burton, Carlin (Tango!), Ward (Floristean)

Booked: None

Goals: Burton, Banks & Floristean

Man of the Match: Birney

After last week’s cup exit, The Punch FC set up on against AC Squirrels Reserves looking for a cup win in the second round of the Chronicle & Echo Cup.

Manager Widdowson was not available and so Assistant Manager Sadler picked the starting eleven. Calling on the thoughts of veteran Punch FC players, Sadler played Bannister at right back for his first outfield start of the season and Ward started the game up front with Carlin, relegating Tango and Floristean to the bench. Berry was not available for the fixture and so Birney played right wing while O’Shea was left chomping at the bit on the bench, ready and waiting for his chance to shine. Banks, Burton and Cann made up the rest of midfield. Hardy partnered Gray in central defence as Goodall joined the increasing injury list at The Punch FC. Goodall joined full backs Taylor and Starkie in the treatment room, with Hill missing presumed dead, assistant manager Sadler was forced into playing Watt at left back due to having no other options.

Starkie, Taylor and new signing Hardinges were on the sidelines cheering the team to victory.

The Punch FC raced out of the starting blocks, the first ten minutes was all one way traffic with keeper Randall still awaiting his first touch when The Punch FC scored their first goal. Hard work down the wing and a good cross resulted in Burton scored a looping header from six yards out after slick passing and well worked cross sliced open AC Squirrels.

AC Squirrels then joined the game, a few attacks brought good saves from Randall before Watt lunged in and over committed himself leaving the AC Squirrels player space to place the ball past Randall. The score was now even and both teams set out looking to take the lead.

The Punch FC played short passing football while AC Squirrels tried a more direct form of football. Most of their play found the forehead of Gray or Hardy in The Punch FC defence. The whistle went for half time and the game was close at one all.

Early in the second half O’Shea replaced Watt and Birney moved to left back after Watt’s tragic performance in the first half. There’s a boy who needs to eat more Wheatabix on a Sunday morning!

The second half saw both teams carve out openings, Ward playing fantastically linking up the striker to midfield thought he’s scored but was ruled out for O’Shea being offside. This caused some confusion as the linesman had not flagged but the goal did not stand.

Ward then gave way to Floristean who immediately clashed with his new strike partner Carlin, but instructions from the sideline reminded the Scotsman that Floristean was the new advanced striker and the tiring Carlin was to focus on distribution to the quick Romanian.

Both teams pushed but no goals came and the match went into extra time. Thirty minutes extra football for no extra cost.

The Punch FC took the lead in the first half of extra time as Carlin played a divine cross field ball for the on rushing Banks who dribbled the ball into the penalty area and smashed it home!

O’Shea though he had doubled The Punch FC lead. However, his goal was ruled out for a foul on the AC Squirrels goalkeeper. This did not stop O’Shea and Burton engaging in some mud wrestling goal celebrations.

At half time in extra time Tango was brought on for Carlin. Carlin had set up goals but wasted his own chances to score his first goal after returning to the club. Tango did well in the limited time left and went on a couple of dizzy runs through the AC Squirrels defence and one through The Punch FC defence!

The game was wrapped up by Floristean after a through ball from Cann split the AC Squirrels defence. At 3 – 1 The Punch FC played with their heads, keeping the ball and running down the clock. The final whistle blew and all players jogged off the pitch proud of their effort over the last two hours.

Birney picked up the man of the match award for his tireless running, good crossing and vision on both the right wing and at left back.

I spoke to Damon on Sunday and he will write the report for Sunday, thought I'd let team members have a go after your successful attempt.

Bob

Team: Randall, Watt, Ward (Floristean), Goodall, Gray, Widdowson (Hill), Berry, Banks, Cann, Burton, Birney (Tango!)

Booked: Birney

Goals: None

Man of the Match: Randall

--- Bob Taylor 

This is a shit match report Bob

Team: Randall, Watt, Ward (Floristean), Goodall, Gray, Widdowson (Hill), Berry, Banks, Cann, Burton, Birney (Tango!)

Booked: Birney

Goals: None

Man of the Match: Randall

The Punch FC lined up on a windy Sunday morning for their first cup game of the season. The traditional 4-4-2 formation for The Punch FC verses Wheatsheaf FC Reserves of division four.

The strong wind made any attempts to play the ball in the air impossible, heavy rain the night before had left the pitch muddy and slippery. The combination of the two environmental effects resulted in difficult playing conditions for both the long and short game.

In the first half shots were limited, technically impressive football absent and creative sparks extinguished. The first half consisted of a short back pass from Goodall falling nicely to an unmarked Wheatsheaf FC player just outside the box; he then lifted the ball over outrushing keeper Randall to score the games first and only goal. The other major talking point was when referee Philip Johns tripped over his own feet.

The second half consisted of slightly more football as the cross wind lighted and the pitch dried up. The Punch FC pushed forward to score the equaliser but the Wheatsheaf FC defence was up to the task. Equally The Punch FC defended well against all Wheatsheaf FC breakaways. Birney picked up his second booking of the season after committing a late tackle; stopping a Wheatsheaf FC breakaway in its tracks.

Hill, Floristean and Tango were introduced and although Floristean did come close in injury time it was not enough to beat the heroic Wheatsheaf FC goalkeeper.

The match finished 1-0 to Wheatsheaf FC and The Punch FC were dumped out of the cup after their first game.

Goalkeeper Randall picked up the man of the match award for keeping the score 1-0 as The Punch FC pushed for an equaliser.

Team: Randall, Hill, Starkie, Goodall (Hardy), Gray, Berry, Banks, Cann, Burton, Tango! (Carlin), Floristean (Birney)

Booked: Burton & Carlin

Goals: Floristean (2), Cann, Berry & Tango!

Man of the Match: Cann

Since the arrival of assistant manager, Sadler, The Punch FC have enjoyed their first back to back wins of the season. Manager Widdowson went into the game very positive and looking forward to his side making it nine points from nine. The Punch FC were also boosted by the return of the long term injury absentee and former captain, Andy Carlin who was amongst the five named substitutes.

The game started at ferocious pace as The Punch FC advanced with purpose down the flanks. A combination of blistering runs from Berry on the right and pin point diagonal balls from vice captain Banks on the left, gave Tango and Floristean lots of chances to get early goals; and early goals came. Midway through the first half and the Punch found themselves 3-0 up with some great goals, the pick of which was a truly poetic cross from Banks which Tango converted at the far post. Some sloppy defending from a free kick gave Manfield Rangers a goal and a possible route back into the game, but that seemed nothing more than a consolation as the half time score was 4-1 to The Punch FC.

However the second half proved that nothing is certain in football, a good long ball and two geriatric decisions from the referee gave Manfield Rangers two goals (one from a penalty) and brought the game back to 4-3. The Punch FC refused to lie down and hard work led to Romanian wonder boy, Floristean running the ball into the net to put The Punch FC two goals clear again. Manfield Rangers managed to force another goal, again from a sloppy and needless free kick. The game should have been wrapped up by The Punch FC but two clear cut penalty decisions were denied by the faltering referee; this led to Carlin and Burton picking up bookings and manager Widdowson being warned about his conduct.

A nervy last few minutes were played out but The Punch FC rolled to their third win in a row.

Report by Matthew Widdowson

Team: Watt, Hill, Taylor (Starkie), Ward, Gray, Berry, Banks, Cann, Burton, Tango! (Hardy), Birney (Floristean)

Booked: Birney

Goals: Ward, Banks, Berry & Cann

Man of the Match: Floristean

This week The Punch FC set up in a 4-4-2 formation for a home match against Weston Wanderers. The away match had been a draw at the start of the season and The Punch FC were looking for four points from the two fixtures.

A change to traditional line ups saw Goodall start on the bench and Ward playing centre back alongside Gray.

Steve Moss was the match referee and immediately took control of the game.

The first half had some good chances for both team, but no goals. Banks twice blasted over at close range. Taylor limped off at half time with a pulled muscle, and Starkie came on to replace him. Early indications were that Taylor would not be available for next week’s fixture and on Tuesday was sent to a specialist in Spain until his return on Sunday night.

Whilst Taylor was receiving treatment the second half kicked off at a frantic pace. Birney had time to pick up his first yellow card of the season before Floristean was brought on to replace him. Floristean then kicked the game into life!

A penalty for Westone Wanderers was converted, followed by a penalty for The Punch FC. Berry was brought down in the box and Banks converted the spot kick. Berry also scored a goal to put The Punch FC in the lead for the first time in the game. Westone Wanderers were not out of it yet and pulled a goal back to take the score two all.

Westone Wanderers were clearly flagging as The Punch FC picked up the pace. Hardy was brought on for Tango with instructions to stop the ball breaching The Punch FC defence. Ward was pushed up front to replace the void left by Tango.

Almost immediately Floristean found crossed for Ward to pass the ball home. Floristean, The Punch FC top goal scorer became creator again as he beat the defence and selflessly centred the ball to Cann who placed it in the bottom corner.

The Punch were now 4-2 up and cruising, Westone Wanderers clearly showed what happens if you cannot complete a full ninety minutes.

The remainder of the match included an injury to a Westone Wanderers place leaving them on ten men for the final few moments and few chances.

Steve Moss blew for full time and The Punch recorded their third win of the season.

Unusually Floristean picked up the man of the match award despite only being a second half substitute as he clearly sparked the game into life and led the team to victory.

Team: Randell, Cann, Goodall, Gray, Widdowson, Watt (O’Shea), Berry, Banks, Burton, Birney (Tango!), Floristean

Booked: None

Goals: Watt & O’Shea

Man of the Match: Floristean

This week The Punch FC travelled to the Roocher Dome to play their local rivals Real Roochers; with only five points from six games The Punch FC came looking for a win.

The Punch FC set up in an unusual 3-1-4-2 formation and after some quick accurate passing to feet Floristean set up Watt to slot home the first goal of the game. The Punch FC dictated much of the play during the first half as Real Roochers tried to force their way into the game. The Punch FC were quick on the counter attack and looked dangerous going forward.

A few tough tackles were finding their way into the match as Real Roochers looked to slow down The Punch FC attacking line. Watt found himself on the receiving end of the majority as the games goal scorer and The Punch FC's creative architect.

However, on the stroke of half time a sliced clearance by Widdowson found a Real Roocher player unmarked on the far post; he lifted the ball over the out rushing goalkeeper Randell.

The half time whistle blew and The Punch FC were unlucky to go in at one all.

The second half started with Real Roochers looking to take advantage of the slope of the pitch by driving a very direct ball over The Punch FC defence.

Real Roocher Greg hit the crossbar after a nice turn at the edge of the area. A shot from distance was saved fantastically by Randell; the ball being tipped onto the crossbar. The resulting rebound was then headed over at close range in front of an open goal by a soon to be substituted Real Roochers striker.

During the second half Tango was introduced for Birney as The Punch FC looked to hold the ball up more. Watt also gave way to O’Shea.

O’Shea immediately started to cause Real Roochers problems be running directly at the defence.

The Punch FC found an opening midway through the second half when the tireless Floristean ran onto a through ball far out on the right wing, tricky winger O’Shea cut inside and Floristean’s resulting pin point cross found O’Shea’s boot and the back of the net.

Berry had a chance to make it three one but drove his shot wide after a well timed run.

Real Roochers pushed for an equaliser and called for a penalty in the 88th minute when a loose ball in the area may have struck a players hand on the goal line, no whistle was forthcoming from the referee and The Punch FC hacked the ball clear. The final whistle blew shortly afterwards, and The Punch FC left the park with all three points.

Marian Floristean picked up the man of the match award for his tireless running, and two superb assists.

Team: Watt, Taylor (Widdowson), Hill, Goodall, Gray, Berry, Mandley (Hardy), Burton, Cann, Birney, Floristean (Tango!)

Booked: None

Goals: An OG

Man of the Match: Mark Cann

This week The Punch FC travelled to Brixworth Park for their sixth match of the season. The sun burnt through the fog to create ideal conditions for a football match.

The Punch FC set up in a 4-4-2 formation and started to lay siege to the AFC Crown goal. However The Punch FC found themselves one-nil down after a low clearance by keeper Watt was headed back via a deflection off Hill to an AFC Crown striker who slotted home. The Punch FC appealed the off side, but the goal stood.

The Punch FC persevered and were rewarded on the counter attack after Berry linked up with Birney and the ball was centred, Floristean harassed and hustled the defender who knocked it past his own keeper.

At half time the games was balance at one all.

The second half started quickly with The Punch FC pushing for the winner. However, the AFC Crown goalkeeper was up for the challenge and equal to all strikes.

Hardy was brought on for Mandley as The Punch FC staked a claim for control of the centre of the park.

However, before Hardy had even touched the ball; a defensive blunder between Gray and Watt led to the conceding of the second goal after a long ball was not cleared by either player and the AFC Crown striker bungled home a goal in the confusion.

Taylor was brought off for Widdowson and Floristean made way for Tango as The Punch FC chased the game.

All players worked hard and pushed for the equaliser but when the ball finally was put in the back of the net, The Punch FC found themselves 3-1 down.

Berry came closest to scoring, but his efforts were saved by the inform home goalkeeper.

A good performance from the team; but no points on the board this week.

Mark Cann picked up the man of the match award after a dedicated performance in the middle of the park.

Team: Watt, Taylor (Widdowson), Starkie, Ward, Gray, Berry, Hill, Burton, Banks, Birney, Floristean

Booked: Widdowson

Goals: Banks & Floristean

Man of the Match: Alex Gray

The Punch FC arrived in torrential rain to a waterlogged pitch at the Round Spinney Arena. Tango had not overcome his previous injury and was still not available for selection. Heidi the die-hard The Punch FC fan braved the weather and the sidelined Tango to watch the match.

By the end of the warm up every member of the squad was already soaked to the bone.

The Punch FC set up in a 4-4-2 formation and soon found themselves under pressure from a very organised Howdenbeath team. Starkie headed the ball off the line and Howdenbeath were unlucky not to score moments later after Watt was beaten but the ball sunk to a stop before crossing the line.

The Punch FC persevered and were rewarded on the counter attack after Berry was scythed down in the box by an over committed Howdenbeath defender. Banks calmly stepped up and blasted the ball home from eighteen yards.

The Punch FC then controlled the play during the middle of the half before Floristean slotted home his first of the match and The Punch FC’s second. The Punch FC hung on to the lead until half time.

Taylor was brought off at half time for Widdowson.

The second half saw The Punch FC weather a storm off attacking play by Howdenbeath, but after an hour of poor finishing Howdenbeath were rewarded with a goal after the ball was bungled home after The Punch FC failed to clear a corner.

As the half progressed The Punch FC hung on and Widdowson was booked minutes before the end of kicking the ball away.

Finally, in injury time Howdenbeath were awarded a dubious penalty, the referee judged Starkie to have tripped a Howdenbeath player in the area and the resulting spot kick was blasted past Watt in The Punch FC goal.

Finally the full time whistle blew and both teams trudged off soaked and the points shared.

Alex Gray picked up his second man of the match award of the season after another good performance.

Team: Randall, Hill, Watt (Widdowson), Goodall, Gray, Mandley (O’Shea), Burton (Ward), Cann, Banks, Birney, Floristean

Booked: None

Goals: Floristean

Man of the Match: Rob Hill

The Punch FC side arrived at the Lingswood Stadium with a strong squad; O’Shea had made the squad for the first time this season and eagerly awaited the action. The Punch FC was also supported by its largest crowd of the season, attendance figures were estimated at two.

Before the match the squad was shocked by the news of joint top goal scorer Tango being sidelined through injury leaving Floristean ninety minutes forge ahead and try to increase his goal tally.

The Punch FC set up in a 4-1-4-1 formation and after a slow start saw them 2-0 behind within half an hour and not much on show in regards to creativity. They were handed a lifeline when Floristean scored pulled one back for the visitors before half time.

Mandley was hauled off at half time after a poor performance and O’Shea was brought on to add pace to the midfield line.

The second half dragged on with little creativity and Watt and Banks being the only outlets for attacking play. O’Shea caused problems by running at the defence with the ball at his feet but was unable to convert any chances.

Manager Widdowson tried to inject some more life into the team by swapping Burton for Ward and Watt for himself.

On 90 minutes The Punch FC won a corner and the whole team crowded the box awaiting a good delivery form Widdowson, unfortunately the resulting corner went straight out of play and the final whistle blew.

The second half ended in a no score draw and The Punch slipped to a 2-1 defeat.

Rob Hill picked up the man of the match award.

Team: Randall, Taylor, Watt, Goodall, Gray, Mandley, Burton, Floristean, Banks, Berry (Hardy), Tango!

Booked: None

Goals: Burton, Watt, Mandley, Berry, Floristean (2), Tango! & an OG

Man of the Match: Damon Burton

The Punch FC side was bolstered by the arrival and debut of the Pete Randall in goal. After the traditional lively start and squandered chances The Punch FC found themselves one nil down after a counter attack by Lynx.

The players pressed on and were eventually rewarded through the unlikely goal scorer Burton; after a fierce shot was deflected past the goalkeeper. Minutes later Berry had another blistering run chopped short and Watt calmly stepped up to score the free kick from just outside the area. The Punch FC pilled on the pressure and a Lynx defender headered home a Steve Banks long throw to make the score 3-1 at half time.

The second half started brightly after Mandley leapt like a Salmon at the near post to header home a Banks corner. Debutant Randall could not keep out Lynx’s second goal after a blistering strike from the edge of the area. Randall made up for this moments later after he tipped another blistering long range effort round the post.

The Punch FC still found time to put Berry through to slot home before his withdrawal due to injury. Hardy joined the defence slightly hung-over and smelling like George Best.

Floristean pushed up from midfield to striker and added two goals to The Punch FC tally, whilst striking partner Tango scored a deserved goal after a determined performance.

Damon Burton picked up the man of the match award for his work rate in the middle of the park.

Team: Ward, Taylor, Skarkie, Goodall, Gray, Widdowson, Burton, Birney, Floristean, Banks, Tango! (Mandley)

Booked: None

Goals: None

Man of the Match: Alex Gray

A reduced The Punch FC side was bolstered by the arrival and debut of the new first team kit. After a lively start The Punch FC found themselves one nil down after a defensive error left a Low Price Memory Striker clean through on goal.

A few minutes later a Low Price Memory cross was punched clear in the box by Widdowson, unfortunately Ward was the goalkeeper. Widdowson was lucky to stay on the pitch and The Punch FC found themselves two nil down.

A third was conceded just before half time after a needless free-kick was conceded by Widdowson and a Low Price Memory striker headed home the resulting cross.

The second half saw The Punch FC make a truly inspirational substitution, Tango for the injured referee Lewis-Nichol. Also, Mandley came on to replace Tango up front as The Punch FC swapped to a 4-4-2 formation.

The second half saw The Punch FC struggle and two more goals were conceded resulting in a heavy five nil home defeat.

Alex Gray picked up the man of the match award for tenacious defending.

Team: Bannister, Hill, Watt, Taylor, Grey, Cann, Floristean, Banks, Tango! (Widdowson), Birney, Berry

Booked: Alex Grey

Goals: Tango!

Man of the Match: Bob Taylor

After falling a goal behind midway through the first half, Tango netted the first goal fof the season. A cross from the left beat defenders, goal keeper and strikers to tuck into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

A lively second half saw three bookings, one for Alex Grey for descent, but no more goals.

Defender Bob Taylor picked up the man of the match award and a Punch FC player was quoted as saying: "Taylor was dangerously close to actually playing football during the match."