It all started on a cold morning in January, when the fifteen (yes fifteen!) staunch Siders slinked into the charming changing rooms, where their warm attires were shed and their Saturday bests were donned. After a quick “who’s got spare white kit?!”- led mostly by Tabbs and a starting line up speech, armoured with merely our sports skins, wit and the numerous christmas calories to keep us warm, the Siders determinedly darted onto the pitch.

After a brief “warm up” – reader lets face it; on Saturday you could have cut glass with our nipples or effectively used our goosebumps as a substitute for sandpaper. Along with a slight setback to the appearance of Jude, who is yet to confirm whether it was a number one or two that delayed her, the match was underway.

The first half saw some commendable communication between all players as well as some slick subbing expertly managed by our Captain with assistance from man down Dudley who was coughing something chronic and quite possibly a lung. Pitchside observers saw some ravishing round the back passes via the defence causing stunning side switching passes, the first goal was scored rather wonderfully on the goal line by vice capitaine Abi.

Following much classy cheering and re-focussing, the game was back on, Lou’s debut performance was underway and with the league’s third top goal scorer on pitch, what more could one expect other than another back board bash from Captain Compact Newman. In the wake of the Siders success, the green eyed monster reared it’s head in the form of blue shirted Sotoners whom sneakily slipped through the nets of the Siders defence stronghold and into Tina’s sheets, gleaning a goal of their own.

With Chris’ half time whistle a blowing, a team pep talk was had. The half time highlight was brought to the Siders in the form of chomping on Chez’s swanky citrus snacks, “you can taste the difference -you know daaahling” purchased from none other than Marks and Spencers. These offerings were made in light of the re-growing of Chez’s taste buds after abstaining from the majority (minus 2 pints) of alcohol thus far and her healthy bank statement during her Dry January stint, which may be the longest month of her entire life, closely followed by F*cked up February.

Siders were escorted with renewed gusto back onto the pitch for the second half. Unfortunately Sotoners gusto was greater (to start with) and Tina’s allure was too strong, a further goal slipped in. However do not fear, feeling perhaps a tad lighter on her feet, Jude graced the goal with the ball and the score became 3-2.

With communication a flowing and some brilliant long runs from Joey and Esther, paired with some hard as nails hits from Doc, some great interceptions from Gaynor and Emma and long ranged ball pick ups from Nat. Coolio knew this was her time to shine, with an altercation with Sotoner’s goal keeper, goal number 4 smashed in Southampton’s back board.

After filthy footed showers the team hiked the hill to start the year right with a dirty sausage. Player of the match votes were cast with an array of players nominated including Nat, Joey, Tabbs, Cherry and Gaynor, it was a close call with only one vote between the winner and runners up. Player of the match was somehow Silky (thank you for the votes!!), moreover amazing team effort on this week’s win…. #Sidersstrikeback.

Silky over and out.