A defeat in our first outing at home to Bridge is disappointing but the performance of our little heroes today demands nothing but the utmost respect. But more of that later. First and foremost, this was a high quality game between two excellent footballing sides and I defy anyone to have come away from this spectacle anything but completely entertained, and for that, both sides deserve our appreciation. How entertaining and rewarding to see football played on the deck, from back to front with skills and determination in equal measures and how fascinating too to watch thrust and counter thrust from both sides.

In all honesty Cadley enjoyed the lions share of possession in the first half and the contest hinged on the cultured possession of Cadley against the dynamic and clinical forward play of Bridge, which ensured Bridge came in one goal to the good despite goals from Oliver Molloy and a stunner from the impressive Matt Newby. A totally absorbing half where Cadleys wide men of Newby and Sumner were simply outstanding, ably and selflessly supported by the willingness and control of McMahon and pace of Molloy. We conceded the first goal in the second half which may have killed most teams, but Cadley, displaying commendable spirit fought back with strong possession which eventually bore fruit with another goal for Newby to lift the spirits of the team to push forward for a much deserved equaliser. In doing so we left ourselves open to a counter attack, where Bridge duly obliged and ended the game as a contest with a fifth almost as the game finished.

There comes a pivotal moment in most games which proves decisive and todays saw Cadley miss two great opportunities when the score was level in the first half, in a period of play we were dominant in, which we were unable to convert, the later courtesy of an excellent save by the keeper, which then saw Bridge surge the length of the pitch with some smart play to again claim the lead. Had we been able to reward our play at that point with a goal then I feel we would have gone on and won the game. But we did not, and fair play to Bridge who showed their clinical attacking qualities to the full .

Whilst Bridge left with all three points Cadley come away from the game justifiably feeling like winners too. Bridge were more than matched today and in doing so Cadley displayed the sort of characteristics that will see them as formidable opposition in the remainder of the season and there was much to admire about our play collectively. This is a game that could so easily have ended in Cadleys favour and we can be proud of the type of football we played, the spirit and endeavour and just as importantly, the manner in which our boys conducted themselves. The three points would have been the icing on the cake and in terms of an assault on the league, it gives Bridge an early advantage, but not an insurmountable one and it was pleasing to hear the boys talking after the game with enthusiasm, about the difficult trip to Tarleton next week.