Given the final score many people would find it hard to believe that Gate were comfortably 2-0 up and had had a perfectly good goal disallowed. It wasn't until around the 55 minute mark the New Street found the net!

Kick off was delayed by about 30-45 minutes due to the fact that the school was locked. In the end, around 40 people scaled the 8 foot high fences of Rivington Road Primary School, just for a game of football. 

Gate lined up with what looked like a strong team but were still lacking in options up front with Gaz Maziere in America, Dan Oakes in work and Paul Barrow still recovering from injury, whilst Gaz Anders and Chris Hill were missing from the defensive line.

New Street started strongly again and it took a few minutes for Gate to settle down but once Gate did settle, the match was a closely contested affair.

It was New Street that put the ball in the net first...i think. Striker Al Murphy thought he had beaten the offside trap and put the ball away with a strike from 12 yards, but the referee had already gave the decision much to the strikers disappointment.

Real Gate eventually did take the lead with a goal from Jason Chilton, I have no idea what it was like because I don't remember it.  

New Street has a series of chances ranging from 1 yard to about 8 yards out but couldn't force the ball into the back of the net due to a couple of decent saves from Gate keeper Phil Schonewille.

Half time came and Gate could be proud of their efforts. Gate brought on new recruits, Gaz & Ste. Gaz playing at right back and Ste playing as a centre forward.

Gate started the second half well and extended the lead to 2-0 with a good goal from manager Matt Pape, striking the ball from out on the left hand side of the area and finding the net.

New Street made a series of changes, most notably the introduction of Ghanaians Regal and Clint. And what an impact they had! They combined numerous times and before you knew it, New Street were 4-2 up! 

Gate introduced another new signing, 'Spike' in right midfield to replace Martin Hudson and Spike showed why he might be worth a contract when he ran down the right wing, cut inside and fired a shot that crept over the line. 4-3 and Gate were back in with a chance.

New Street stepped up another gear again, overloading the midfield and forward positions with men as they extended their lead to 6-3. Gate pulled one back with Matt Pape the scorer as the match finished 6-4. 

Gate can be proud of their first half performance but will be disappointed with the second half, however they know that with players still to return they can expect a much improved performance in the league than last year.

Real Gate: Phil Schonewille; Andy Kenny (Gaz), Ste Maziere, Karl Skelland (Kes), Adam Hayes; Martin Hudson (Spike), Jason Chilton, Matt Pape, Lee Barrow; Mark Melia (Ste), Dave

Goals: Matt Pape (2), Jason Chilton, Spike

Players MOTM: