After a seven-week sledging holiday the Boys in Black were to kick off 2010 with a local derby cup-tie against the table-topping Reds. Unlike most local derbies, however, when these two hues of Lowdham come together it is usually more like “friends reunited” than a fearsome grudge-match. That said, there was a game to be won and the Blacks had previously gone away disappointed when the Reds has stolen a last minute goal or tantalised them all the way to penalties before landing the fatal blow. So the friendships born in the fertile pastures of the Colts Academy were once again to be put to the test.

We have come to expect the unexpected on derby-day, so the early morning calls, texts and emails announcing changes of venue and kick-off time were no surprise. But, having made it to Kelham Hall, the news that the game was cancelled due to the overnight frost was met with a fair level of disgruntlement. Barry and Steve, however, were determined that the blacks were not going to go another week without at least having a kick-around so the nets were assembled and the boys began to play. No sooner had they started than it became clear that backroom negotiations had been continuing and the surprisingly warm morning sunshine was beginning to win its battle to melt Kelham’s crispy coating. So by 11.30 an air of anticipation had return and all present were relieved to see Colts facing Colts at a belated kick-off.

The blacks made a sprightly start looking confident and energised in all areas. Hulk’s vision and poise up-front was a joy to watch as he linked up with Sam K and Matty C who raced up and down the wings looking wholly undaunted by the quality of the opposition. Harry, playing in the middle, was also fired up and enjoying every touch of the ball and using all his athletic ability to put in crunching tackles and turn the game in his direction. If you were a Red looking for a weak-link in the Blacks’ armour you were going to be disappointed as Dan B (MOM) and Mitch, in defence, tracked their every move, covering for each other as if psychically linked. They were tireless in their marking, precise in their passing and unflinching in their tackles. That’s not to say that the Red’s didn’t threaten the Blacks’ goal, it was an end-to-end match with both keepers seeing plenty of action, but Chopper (standing in for Tom) didn’t put a foot, or hand, wrong. He seemed to thoroughly enjoy throwing himself in every direction to quash goal-mouth scrambles and intercept searing shots from outside the box.

The change of personnel, after 15 minutes, was seamless and the reformed Blacks didn’t break their stride. George continued his recent good form, adding more nous and determination to his undeniable stores of skill and athleticism, and Matthew S hit the left-wing running, providing pressure up-front and crucial tackles in support of the Black’s defensive efforts. JJ was launched onto the right-wing and also seemed to have had his porridge this morning. He was soon getting a taste for Kelham turf, though, as his enthusiastic bursts down the line attracted some late tackles which resulted in the inevitable face-plant. Perhaps a price worth paying when Sam K is on-hand to take the resulting free-kick and sends in a long-range guided missile for Dan B to head home with enough force and accuracy to draw nods of approval from all present and, yes, quite a few whoops of delight from the, usually reserved, Blacks’ parents. The Blacks were clearly out to enjoy themselves but the one goal lead was soon eradicated when a spell of pressure from the Reds culminated in a fine cross into box from Harvey King and an even more impressive volley from Connor Griffin waiting in the area. Chopper (parent’s MOM) reacted quickly but his flying form at full stretch was, on this occasion, not going to win the race to the top corner. At this point some may have let thoughts of previous matches and league-table-positions deflate their spirits but the Blacks held their ground to see out a 1-1 score line at half-time.

The battle raged on in the second half but, if anything, the Blacks became more potent, suffering less pressure on their own keeper and putting the squeeze on the Reds’ penalty box. JJ was regularly breaking through the Reds’ backline as Harry, George and Matthew fed through some beautifully weighted passes but Nathan Richardson, in goal for the Reds, kept his team in the game. With 10 minutes to go the Blacks were back to their starting line-up but were still unable to make their forward momentum count. There were plenty of opportunities to finish the game but the right contact and the right moment never quite coincided and so we were treated to some tantalising penalty-box pinball but no decisive goal.

So this cup-match was going to be decided from the penalty spot. Somehow you knew that Chopper was going to be suffering no nerves and the hands thrust into the air during the pre-shoot-out team-and-coach huddle suggested that every Black wanted a piece of the action. The first two penalties (Hulk and Dan B) in the bag, and Choppers confidence in handling a dangerous deflection off the post, put the Blacks 2-1 up but the Reds were quick to level the score. Harry then put the Blacks back in the driving seat (at 3-2) and Matty C positively beamed when he was told that the possibility of a historic victory for the Blacks now rested on his shoulders. He took his chance without hesitation and was soon mobbed by his delighted team-mates as they celebrated a worthy win. The Reds were disappointed but good-spirited in defeat with friendly handshakes all round and a quick reminder that it’s now down to the Blacks to bring the Newark League Cup back to Lowdham in 2010. It’s a sobering thought especially as Farndon Colts await us in the semi-finals. But for now there’s time to enjoy a well-earned victory and a confident and committed performance from all 10 players – without exception.