Having got our season back on track last Saturday, today was another 'test' to see how far we have come - at home v last seasons league winners.

Queyside set up as we thought playing 3-5-2, just as they did on the opening day of the season when we met and shared the spoils on that occasion 2-2.

A lot has past since then, our squad has grown in experience as well as size ! And now we only have the league to concentrate on !

The 1st half was an even contest, both sides having their fair share of possession but not taking advantage. We started the game very well, getting the ball down and passing very well, but without really creating or testing their keeper. Then Quayside took control, we seemed to lose our way, could not keep possession.

The 1st chance fell for our opponents, a cross which went deep and over a full stretched Luke, and next thing the ball was being diverted into our goal, but Dean somehow stretched out on the goal line and kicked the ball over for a corner.

So 0-0 at h/t, a fair score-line.

The 2nd half started much the same, both sides having spells, but never amounting to much. After 15mins we introduced fresh legs, with Hoppo coming on for Steve (who has been brilliant for us this season, but being asked to play out of position for the last 2 weeks) Hoppo soon got into the game, running at their defence, committing their players, this seemed to be the injection we needed as we started to ease more into the game.

With Aiken up top, being supported by Carl and Sam, we started to 'get at' our opposition more - an Aiken run resulting in a foul and freekick just outside the area,  Hoppo sprinted like a young gazelle, grabbed the ball, placed it perfectly down (valve towards him!), then took measured steps and paused... and with eveyone willing him on he struck a perfect freekick into the far corner to put us one up (well, that's what he told me to write - it was ok!)

As the game progressed, we again fell to add to our score, stopped doing the right things and looking after the ball - keeping possession. And finally we succumbed to our opposition, allowing a player to get goal-side and heading home a free header, a blip for an otherwise very good/sound defensive performance, led very well and assured by Jay (back with the armband - and doing so excellently).

So, the match seemed to be heading for a 1-1, a maybe fair result, both sides up to now in their season drawing 2 and losing 1, so it seemed that spoils were even. But, you never ever stop or give up in this 'funny old game' ! You play for a full 90mins and whatever the referee adds on - and that's exactly what we did !

With tired legs all around, especially the older ones - Andy/Carl ! We kept our faith, and very late on Aiken got away from his marker, and ran on to cooly put us ahead 2-1. Then, with time running out, going into time added on, the same thing happened again, and Aiken got his 2nd and his 3 in 2 games for us - doing what a No9 should do !

So an absolutely fantastic result for us, we've certainly played better - as a team and individually. Today, Luke had another good game, a save in the 2nd half down to his left from a free kick was very good, becoming more consistant, and dare I say it - more mature ? Let's say getting their - on the right track.

But this week, man of the match goes to Jay, defended well, led well, played well - decision making a lot, lot better, when to clear when to play. very pleased, keep it up !    No game next week - unless we can arrange a friendly - we are trying. So training Wednesday at garrison or ancorians Thursday with 1st team if you cannot make Wed.