Blues:- Andy I (c), Ralph, Andy W, Mike I, Craig I, Neil
So 2017 got off to a cracking start. Andy I picking up the captaincy in Grant's absence (it was meant to be top scorer v best player 2016) and showing much family loyalty (nepotism) in picking both his brothers.
Dan took a punt on Redshaw having made a full recovery from long term injury but was soon to be disappointed.
The Blues stormed into a decent lead, with some spectacular goals, none more so than a strike from Neil, who air shot with his right foot, then followed up with a volley with his left foot that flew into the net from the underside of the bar.
Ralph again pulled up for "going to ground" denying his team a goal, which was to prove costly! When will that young man learn!
Gradually the Oranges managed to get a grip on the game, with Jick playing himself back into form. goals rained in from the new boots of Mike Barker, Phil dominating the middle of the park. Owain showing he can defend as well as goal hang.
Dan smashed home a penalty at the 3rd attempt, but was then thwarted by some fine goal keeping from Ralph and Neil. Redshaw also wasting "goalden" chances putting one high and wide into the trees. All back to normal then. Neil made a couple of goal line clearances with the keeper well beaten.
The game ended with a shock victory for the Oranges, but a back count on goals suggested this wasn't the case. Clearly someone was either lying about how many goals they scored (six Neil, reall?), or forgot they scored some, or the in-game referees got the score wrong.
As a result the match was declared a draw.
