Unfortunately due to another David Haye fight my recollection of this match is rather fuzzy. I do however remember it was played outside and the weather was very cold. I can also remember that some food Bozzie provided the night before must have been bad as I felt quite sick in the morning but Tom's idea of knock-down shot-down might have been the real culprit.

Anyway I digress, it was Beeston.Biz vs Edwalton Reserves in the return fixture of a game that saw our heaviest defeat this season. The pitch was on an open field that saw the wind bellowing round meaning a long ball game was out of the question. If I could remember the squad that started I would love to share but there were about three dozen yellow shirts up against around fourty-two blue and white people with a bloke in a black shirt hovering around the middle. The game kicked off and it was very loud!

If it wasn't for Steve's highlight reel then this report would have never happened, the first half kicked off with both teams trying to keep the ball on the ground and it is fair to say Edwalton started as the better team. This was re-enforced by a goal that saw them take a 1-0 advantage. Then came the moment of the season, Craig picked the ball up on the right flank and played a ball into the box, the Edwalton defender headed the ball clear and straight into Aidan's face. Captured on camera and the shouts of 'My nose and my eye!' echoed through the park. Pure quality!

The second half kicked off and all I can be sure about is that we were shooting the other way because immediately after the restart Matt found himself inside the box and a shot across the 'keeper rattled the net, 1-1! All that excitement was almost nothing compared to the penalty that was not given, Andy was brought down by the keeper and the ref really should have pointed to the spot but it was not to be.

Jack's throw-in's (at least I think it was Jack) were causing Edwalton problems and it was one of these trademark cannons that led to the winner. Andy acted as a target man and ushered the defenders away which left Yahya in some space, when the ball dropped to him he stuck the ball in the bottom corner like the predator he is. 2-1 and 3 important points.

Man-of-the-match contenders were hard to pick between for this game with Shaun and Yahya both leading the way but it was Yahya who claimed the prize and well deserved. He was calm and composed on the ball and it was no surprise that he popped up to grab the winner. Next week we face the league's top scorers, and clear favourites for the league title. Nice quiet weekend in for me I think.

So another Sunday morning arrives and the Beeston selection committee have more choices to make. Again a familiar sense that injuries were our biggest enemy came to the front of everyone's mind and some unfamiliar names were in the team, we could however rely on them to do the task set before them. Pete again was again our last line of defence between the sticks with Tom M and Mark P making up the centre back pairing. James B played as one full back and Dave F made his first start at right back. For the first time in a while we put out a 5 man midfield with Yahya, Nick P and Shaun tasked with controlling the game. Aidan C and Dave S were given the duty of supporting league debutant Chyrstian from the wings.

Bang! The game got off to a thunderous start, just as the whistle blew to start proceedings Shaun found Chrystian with a long ball and from all of 25 yards he hit a curling shot that fooled the keeper and rippled the back of the net. Scoring 21 seconds into a debut is not only a Beeston record but surely a league one too. The strike was so crisp that the bench (full of injured players) looked in amazement at what was to be the start of a great debut. Beeston were in pole position and Grosvenor were left pole-axed (sorry couldn't resist). Grosvenor had a great chance when their number 10 (Lee Hughes look-a-like) went through one-on-one and he seemed to have the upper hand with the angle but the best keeper in the league didn't let that phase him as he tipped the low hard shot 'round the post for a corner.

Although we shared most of the possession in the first half our passing game was not at its best and some of the overall play was scrappy. Grosvenor stood one place above the bottom of the league but they were a dogged team with flashes of great play. At half time the score remained 1-0 but we needed to create more chances to kill the game off and ensure another 3 points. Again a pep-talk at half time reminded everyone of their second half duties and playing uphill and with the sun in our eyes would mean we had to give that little extra effort to overcome our stubborn opposition.

The second half started brightly but most of the play was around the midfield with both teams' strikers having a difficult day at the office. When a Grosvenor forward did find his way through on goal Pete was there again to keep them out. Great defensive performances from all at the back made chances for the opposition few and far between but they did eventually get an equaliser and it was game on at 1-1. Grosvenor were then gifted a chance at taking the lead, a penalty was awarded which we couldn't argue against however the ref played advantage and then gave the penalty, it was strange to play an advantage and then go back to give a penalty but we didn't complain. The challenge had to be made and we were confident of being strong enough to come back if the worst would have happened.

It didn't... Pete did an excellent job of psyching out the penalty taker and when he blazed over from 12 yards even the players on the sideline who couldn't walk were jumping up and down with joy. This time we got a lucky break and we aimed to capitalize. A change was needed and it was Paul H and Andy M who decided to change from a 4-5-1 to a 4-4-2 moving Yahya out wide and Matt L upfront who replaced Dave S. This change seemed to provide the extra boost we needed. After receiving a pass with his back to goal it was the Chrystian show again, one touch to turn and he struck the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box, the celebration was simple, out-stretched arms and a cry of 'what'. What can you say about that strike, what did you think was going to happen seemed to be his intended reaction. It was 2-1 with 20 minutes left and we were not finished there. Dave F took an almighty whack on his left eye and was replaced by Josh G, having put his body (and good looks) on the line and we appreciate it!

Our third goal caused some controversy for the opponents. Chrystian became provider this time with a perfectly weighted ball to Matt L, the left-back only just played him onside and Matt coolly placed the ball across the keeper and into the bottom corner. 3-1 and another season debut goal, where do we get them from (not that we are complaining). This goal led to our opposition turning on the unlucky linesman, after a long war of words the linesman saw red and lost his temper and the referee lost his patience issuing a red card to the understandably furious referee's assistant. This left our opponents on the chopping board and we would not let this opportunity slip.

It did not take long for Matt L to be put through on goal again from a superb Nick P assist and he slotted another goal past the keeper to make the score 4-1. On the pitch for half an hour but two goals to his name - what a talent. Our last change saw James S replace Mark P who was solid again (he is just about as reliable as the bullet train in Japan) and James made sure he filled his boots with some great challenges and forceful play. The game finished with another injury concern when the hard working Aidan C fell awkwardly on his wrist. Let's hope he makes a quick recovery.

Man of the match seemed to be a tricky one with both goal scorers stating a case and the midfield generals doing a fine job in front of a terrific defence. If Kaka's effort from all of fourty yards had been an inch lower he would have had a case too. However there was a clear winner, without him, the score would have certainly been different and to have a good team you should always build from the back and with a keeper like Pete G we have a great foundation to a great team. He once again proved he is in a league of his own compared to other keepers and very humble in his triumphs.

After a superb performance last week and still being the only team to beat League Leaders Loft in Space the pressure was certainly on to get back-to-back wins and prove our credentials once again. We were facing a team we lost to earlier in the season and who were starting to cement their place within the top four.

Again injuries were to be a factor when fielding the team and so a shake up was needed. Pete kept the number one shirt and stood behind a defence of Tom M, James S, Sam C and Josh G (recalled after some great performances at training). The midfield saw Shaun and Nick P play central once again with Yahya and debutant Mickael on the wings. Andy and Oli were agin partnered up front.

It is fair to say we did not get off to a great start with sloppy passing and poor comunication but everyone dug deep and put 100% effort into every challenge. After some great play down the right flank from Yahya a good ball was played into the box and after a goal mouth scramble Shaun laid a great ball off to Nick who curled a well placed shot into the far corner, his fifth of the campaign and it will not be the last.

Before half time Real Nottingham pulled one back and left the half time score at 1-1. We were up against it with some tired legs and new injuries showing. After a quick pep-talk we walked back onto the field ready to throw everything at our opponents. However, not many chances came to either team in the second half and the midfield became more and more conjested.

Mickael was replaced by Aidan who added some much needed determination down the left flank. Not long after this substitution Oli was forced off with an injury he picked up early in the first half. Later it would be confirmed as a break to his second metatarsal (I seem to remeber another famous number seven who got this injury) and he would miss the remainder of the season. Dave F came on for his league debut and another change saw Tom M replaced by Dave S.

Everyone was now playing on pure determination and will to win and Sam was a leader from the back. Sam put challenege after challenege in and was a testament to how much this team has progressed this season. Pete was again keeping us in the game and after a goal line effort was kept out by our number one we knew we had to take the chance and go on to get the three points.

A corner was taken by Aidan and found its way to the back post where Andy produced a diving header Alan Shearer would have been proud of and as the net rippled and the players roared we were on course for another great win. The game was played out in the middle of the park and great play from Shaun, Nick and the two wingers made sure we kept the final score at 2-1! Another 3 points and another great win!

The game had not come without disappointment, more injuries and losses were introduced into the team but with young blood coming through we can continue up the league and push to better the achievement of 7th in the league that we achieved last term. The win was a great team performace but Sam stood out as a marshall on the pitch, he was incredible from start to finish and he became the first player in Beeston.Biz history to be voted man-of-the-match without a vote being cast. What a player - what a future!

It's that time in LA for the red carpet to be swept, awards to be polished and teeth to be whitened, and Beeston.Biz put in a performance of epic proportions that would not look out of place at the Oscars! We were up against it from the beginning, the team that stood before us had not lost a league game all season and stood proudly at the top of the league. We knew we would have a tough match ahead but looking around the changing room all you could see was determination and commitment. It is worth mentioning that some regular players including the skipper were missing but our squad has such strength and depth that we were able to field a team that was up to the task, and how...

After some delays getting to the match (thanks to Matty's dad for his jump-start else three players might not have arrived at all!) we turned up raring to go. Pete G made his league debut in goal, Mark P joined Jack M at the centre with James B and newcomer Sam C as full-backs. Shaun B came back from injury to partner Nick P in the midfield, league debutant Matty K started on the left with Beeston legend Craig S on the right flank. Oli H partnered Andy M up front and it was time for kick-off.

The game started exactly as we expected, Loft in Space are a great team with some exceptional players and it was not long until our goal came under threat...but that said it was Beeston who got the first clear cut chance, Oli went through one-on-one after a great ball through the middle from Shaun but the effort found itself well wide of the goal. Although the mud had a big part to play, the chance should have seen us take an early lead. Our opponents then found themselves down the right flank and a great ball in saw a tap in for the league leaders, 1-0!

Moments later playmaker Nick P found Oli with a great ball and this time greater composure won out as the ball found the bottom corner, Oli finally back in scoring ways, but more importantly Beeston were level and were on top! Matty caused problems for the right back but after a great flick on from Nick P it was Matty who found the ball six yards out and nearly broke the net with a great finish. Credit goes to Andy for causing problems and splitting the centre backs like an old pro (well, old, anyway)! Bad news then came as Craig's injury caught up with him and forced him off, Craig was solid whilst he was on and we all hope he is fit for his loan spell in Rome next Sunday! Yahya M came on as a replacement and it wasn't long before the half-time whistle went, 1-2!

Everyone knew the score and how important it was, Tom M (another sidelined with injury) gave words of wisdom to keep us on top of the situation and focussed on the job in hand. We walked out onto the pitch for the second half knowing another performance like the first half would see us as the first team this season to take maximum points from the league leaders.

The second half was difficult to say the least, Jack and Mark didn't give the forwards anything and fullbacks James and Sam were incredible, getting their foot on the ball and passing through the midfield despite the mud and standing water on both sides of the field. Shaun battled for every challenge and won just about every defensive header, whilst Nick was instrumental in linking play up in a tightly contested game. A tactical change saw the attacking Matty replaced by the more defensive Ant who put in crunching tackles that Stuart Pearce would have been proud of! Ollie T came on for Shaun who was on his last legs after being kicked all day, but he was a major influence throughout. Pete G did a great job keeping the ball out of his net and all the lads agreed if it was not for him the score line would have read very differently. How many one-on-ones did he save?!

Not long after the changes Loft in Space drew level with ten minutes to play, the league's top scorer finally finding enough time and space to slot home. Was this it? Were we going to draw and was all our hard work for nothing? Worst still could they capitalise and get the win? It did look likely....
...but we had other ideas! After immense amounts of pressure on our goal, Oli found space on the right flank and with one look up saw Andy M and Nick P busting a gut to get into the box, The 40 yard ball missed both defenders and landed right in front of Andy. With one touch he found the top corner from 8 yards, the ball in was good, the finish was sublime (another goal of the season)! 2-3, what a team! What a result! No-one in the league has done what we just had and that will remain in the history books forever!

The game ended and the boys done good!

With it being Oscar season it is only right that we have a leading man and that was Mark P. He had such presence and power on the field and although he did not do it alone he went a long way in ensuring an emphatic win for the Biz! Who's next?

On a Sunday that was preceded by what must have been the wettest week of the year so far, Beeston.Biz went into this game trying to go four wins in a row and move further up the table. After an early pitch inspection our warriors took to the field. Jamie took the number 1 gloves again and played behind a defence of Mark P, James S, James B and Tom M. The midfield had an all new look, with Nick P and Mark M making the centre of the field their territory and Yahya and Aidy working down the flanks. Upfront, the partnership was Oli H and Andy M - all in all a strong team despite the notable absentees (with at least half a dozen regular players missing from the squad).

The pitch was boggy and the low sun was bright, but we started at blistering pace again looking composed and determined as ever. It was not long until Aidy turned the full back and put a superb ball into the box, Oli scuffed his first effort under his body but a bit of fortune landed the ball at his right foot which he put in the net, very early on 1-0! Almost immediately after Oli found himself in behind the defence after a cracking ball from Andy, when the ball was squared to Yahya he was unmarked and the 'assassin' finished with ease, 2-0! Yayha scored his first of the season but like buses his second was very close by, a corner found itself onto Andy's head - he put the ball into Jahya's path and again into the net, 3-0!

But, this game was far from easy, the pitch was very difficult to play on and visibility was very difficult especially against the long balls 'out of the sunshine' employed at times by both teams. There were also some choice challenges from our opponents but for the majority the game was played in very good spirits. Lion Revived got a goal back but questions of offside were not heard by the ref and the goal stood. Then you can call it genius or luck but when Yayha picked up the ball on the right flank he created something that would appear on a Football Christmas DVD, when his shot/cross went into the box the keeper palmed the ball onto the bar only to see Aidy (our very own fox in the box!) divert the ball back into the goal using his loaf. Just before half time Lion Revived got another goal back to leave the score at 4-2 to the away team.

At half time we could have all done with a shower and a change of shirts (who the heck thought it would be clever to order us a new yellow kit this year?!) but instead stand-in captain Tom M used the break to make us all aware of our qualities and mistakes. Having someone like Tom in the team is a joy as his understanding of the game is second to none. I often get asked by people why we put ourselves through the mud, rain and cold conditions of Sunday morning football, my answer is simple. Looking around at your team-mates covered from head to toe in mud, but all willing to go that extra step for you on the field, is something that makes me feel I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. We went back out for the second period with the words of wisdom going through our heads (but maybe some of us were thinking about the cleaning bill)!

The Lion Revived defence must have wanted this game to be over as they were not given a break. A combination of Oli's pace, Andy's link up play, and creativity from Aidy and Nick was destroying the home side and when Nick latched onto a ball on the edge of the box his thunderous effort left the 'keeper standing. We are however not just a 'lump-it' team and when Yayha scored a back post header from a well worked corner he not only claimed his hat-trick but also showed the many levels to our game. Tom G replaced the excellent Andy up front and his first touch saw him put Oli though only for him to miss the chance as his shot cleared the far post. From the resulting goal kick it was the other Tom who became provider, finding Oli in behind again who slotted the ball home, 7-2!

As the game progressed we found more and more space and when Aidy ran onto Oli's through-ball he finished with one of his trademark left foot lightning bolts across the goalkeeper and into the net. Oli was replaced by Sam and Nick made way for Ollie T, who was making his league debut. The balls kept flooding forward and Aidy was again one-on-one and cheekily nut-megged the keeper to claim his hat-trick and put the score at 9-2! We were rampant! It was turning into the Aidy show as he found himself with another chance at goal and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner. This gave Aidy four goals in this game and also put our score up to ten. We are one of only two teams in our league to hit double figures this season and we couldn't be happier.

There were some outstanding performances, Jamie did superbly in the bad conditions, James B made light work of the wingers and James S was a giant at the back who gave nothing away. Mark P rolled back the years with some outstanding tackles and Tom M was our fearless leader. Mark M and Nick P really became midfield generals and Yayha and Aidy's contributions are clear for all to see. The three subs really showed our depth and gave us another gear to use as we put in one of the performances of the season.

It was decided that the man-of-the-match award could not be awarded to just one player. Although all 14 players that took part were superb (and Rich and Paul, plus the old man and his dog on the sidelines, all very much appreciated!) it was decided that Yayha and Aidy would share the spoils. To be fair seven goals between the two of them is very special. All of the Beeston.Biz squad is really coming into its own and 12 points out of a possible 12 in the last four games is incredible form. A total of 23 goals in those four games is outstanding - a fair reflection on our positive forward play and goals coming from all positions in the team.

Poker and football are very similar in many respects, there are different ways to play and always trying to out-wit your opponents. You can play a steady tactical game or try to force your way to victory. After an evening of cards and being hustled by Shaun we arrived at our venue to continue our league campaign, the opponents were Stratford Haven Reserves who had done the double over us last season so we knew we would be in for a battle.

Absence and injuries are becoming very familiar within the squad but we put out a very strong line-up that we knew would get the job done. Andy found himself between the sticks, 'Jack - the lad' and Tom M partnered the formidable partnership of Mark and Mark at the back. Last league games man-of-the-match Yahya played alongside Paul, Nick and Adrian in the midfield with Tom G and Oli H upfront.

Kick off was delayed due to the late arrival of the referee but when the whistle blew Beeston unleashed a wave of relentless attacks upon the un-expecting Stratford. It was not long until we were awarded a free-kick to the left hand side of goal about 25 yards out. Oli stepped up and finally found his range this season putting the ball just out of the keepers reach and into the net, 1-0! What a start, what a team!

Again the attacks kept flooding towards the opponent's goal and when our opposition did finally break through it led to Mark P making one of the tackles of the season, however the referee did not see this and gave a penalty (this was not to be the only bad decision of the match). Those of you who appreciate Karma will be glad to hear that this dubious penalty was missed and normal order was resumed. Then a series of events occurred that could easily be seen as more of a farce than the scenes at the Stadium of Light when Darren Bent was assisted by a beach ball to put Liverpool to bed, Tom G made a great run down the left flank and squared the ball to Oli who put the ball round the keeper but also round the far post. Whilst the shouts of offside fell on deaf ears the referee had given a goal, what?! If not for the honesty of all the Beeston players the goal would have stood and the game would have been a joke. This level of sportsmanship and integrity is second to none in the league and has gone even further to establish us as a fair and honest team. The score remained at 1-0!

Not for long though... Again Beeston were attacking from all angles with Aidy, Paul and Nick having fine efforts at goal. Tom M made a move up the left wing and received the ball on the touchline, with one look up he played a superb ball into Oli on the edge of the box who brought the ball down and smashed in his second of the match, 2-0! Not long after it was time for Paul to become provider with an excellently weighted ball to Aidy who skinned the full back and hit a stunning drive across the keeper and into the far side netting for his first goal of the season, 3-0! Paul and Tom had both claimed their first assists of the season both were of the highest class.

Half time couldn't come soon enough for our opponents as they found themselves torn apart at the back and frustrated upfront due to the great work of the midfield and defenders. When the whistle went we were of very high spirits and this was by far our best performance of the campaign, yet we still had a few more gears we could use. During the first half Jack had picked up a strain and some old injuries were in danger of catching up with our players but the starting eleven went back onto the field to start the second half the way we played the first.

That is exactly what happened... Oli and Tom were given great service throughout the game from all the players on the park and Andy's kicking was causing huge problems for the Haven back line. It is becoming a very regular occurrence in our games that one moment of pure class will be bestowed onto the field of play, this game was no different. After the kepper punched a corner clear Tom arrived from nowhere to hit a stunning, fizzing bullet through a crowd of players and into the net. How the net withstood such force is baffling but if you blinked you would have missed it. One of the Stratford defenders was heard saying 'there is nothing you can do about that', that sums up the strike and has become a contender for goal of the season.

We then made some changes to the team, Tom G was replaced by James S, powerhouse Jack rested his leg in placement for Steve B (making his first appearance this season) and Oli who took a slight knock was replaced by keeper Andy which left Jamie to come in goal for the last 20 minutes. Then the face of the game changed entirely.

It is very easy to lose concentration when the opponents have hardly been involved all game but they made up for 70 minutes of demolition with 20 minutes of great attacking pressure. Not long after the changes a great ball was played in and Stratford scored a close range header which was very hard to defend against. Two more sloppy goals were conceded and the pressure was surely on, Steve was putting 110% in against a forward twice his size and Jamie showed unbelievable bravery to punch a ball between two attackers which saw a heap of players on the ground but a certain goal prevented. We did hang on for the last couple of minutes and this match should never have been in question but 3 points none the less and we all learnt a valuable lesson, the game is not over till the last hand is dealt.

Mark P was immense, powerful and some of his tackling was of the tallest order. This performance was probably amongst the best this season and earned him man-of-the-match for the first time of the campaign. Credit must also go to Mark M who was a great partner at the back and all of the team who played their hearts out to push us up the league.

During a weekend that saw British sport hit a new high Beeston.Biz made it back-to-back wins in the league. As David Haye prevailed as the underdog, fighting against all odds, it showed that if your in the race you always stand a chance. We went into this game as the favourites, we had won our last league game against the same opponent in a very comfortable manner but as the huge Russian found out, anything can happen in sport.

We began the game missing some key players due to injury and other commitments but our strength and depth within the squad allowed us to bring in players of great ability and talent. The pitch was boggy and there were a few red eyes from the squad members who enjoyed Haymaker's giant killing, literally. As soon as the whistle blew we were on the offensive with Tom G acting as a target man and a solid midfield made of Tom M, captain Paul, Nick and league debutant Yahya. After a period of end to end football that was lacking a killer final ball Paul received the ball inside the box with his back to goal, it appeared that there was no-where to go with defenders surrounding him and no obvious pass in sight. What happened next was un-expected, a quick swivel and shot saw the ball loop over the keeper and hit the top corner of the net, sublime, 1-0!

Not long after taking the lead Sparta started there assault on our safe-hands keeper Andy and after a very good set-piece the Sparta number 8 got to the ball just ahead of Andy and found the back of the net, 1-1! Usually heads would go down and frustration would kick in after conceding so soon after going ahead but the resolve and determination within the team spurred us on to have chance after chance. Oli scuffed a square ball from Paul which really should have hit the net, Tom G connected with a free-kick only to see his effort narrowly miss the target. Then a touch of genius descended onto the pitch, Nick picked up a stray ball and moved to the edge of the box, audaciously he tried to chip the keeper from 20 yards whilst he was stood on his line. The effort seemed to hang in the air forever but Nick's effort was not in vane as it fooled the keeper and went in, call it cheeky or just admire the quality from a very talented young footballer, 2-0!

Half time arrived and some much needed hydration for some of our players. We were winning but not playing to our best and that was made clear by Shaun who knew we could perform better. Another injury had made its way into our squad, James B who was having a great game needed replacing at right-back for Aidan who came on into this un-familiar role and performed excellently and Adrian came on for Tom M who had put 90 minutes worth of work into one half.

The second half began and again it was Beeson.Biz on the offensive. More chances came our way with Paul hitting wide after a corner and Adrian almost connecting with a few long balls. Moments after missing some chances Andy launched a long kick up the field for Paul to flick on, Oli chested the ball into Tom G's path who with one touch gave him the ball back, Oli then turned and hit a rising drive from outside the box which had the keeper at full stretch as it hit the top corner, 3-1! That was the third goal of the game and all three were of such a high standard they have all made it into our goal of the season competition.

Sparta never gave up and made the game much more of a challenge than the previous encounter and their efforts did not go un-rewarded. After a quick break from a break-down in our possession the Sparta substitute cut inside the box and hit a well struck shot into the bottom corner, 3-2! Immediately after the goal we made a very tactical change to the team, this does get rather complicated so keep up. Jamie came on for Andy in goal who replaced Oli upfront who replaced Nick on the right who replaced the excellent and solid Michael at left back. It was now a more natural 4-4-2 with two out and out wingers and two big guys up-top. A bad decision cost us a goal as Oli put the ball in directly from a corner, the keeper scrambled the ball out of the goal but it was judged not to have crossed the line. In fairness to the referee it was a very difficult call and Mr McGill who was outstanding, could not be blamed for not giving the goal.

As the clock ticked down chance after chance came our way and all were missed. This game should have been tied up with ten minutes to go but we did not finish our chances and that kept us under pressure for the remainder of the match. Lots of credit must go to James S and Mark M who were fantastic at the back and Yahya was superb as a covering midfielder protecting the back four. The final whistle eventually blew and it was 3 points for the BIZ! We have now climbed to seventh in the table and we are all enjoying our football. Credit must also go to FC Sparta who are a great bunch of lads who have shown us a lot of respect on and off the field. Beeston.Biz is keeping its reputation as a football team made of great lads who love the game of football.

Man of the match went to the outstanding Yahya who was an inspiration to the team throughout with a great touch and excellent reading of the game. If Yahya was not on the pitch this could have been a very different story.

On Sunday Beeston.biz played a Cup match of epic proportions at home to Bull Farm Celtic, from the Mansfield Sunday Football League. Under pressure from the start (Bull Farm missed a penalty early on and had several other chances including another shout for a penalty not given) Beeston eventually gained a foothold in a match they were not expected to win, based on current league position and the well established opposition, who even had their own minibus!

The defence held firm and the midfield battle began to swing in the home team's favour with all four players providing tough tackling and great through balls for the strikers to chase. Goalscoring opportunities for both sides were thwarted by goalkeepers and determined defences, but eventually the waves of attacks paid off when Beeston scored - and at half time the away team manager was livid with his team.

The roasting he gave them in the interval seemed to spur the Celtics on, and with the wind and sunshine behind them in the second half, Bull Farm once again put the home side under pressure. This eventually lead to an equaliser as a striker evaded the off side trap (dubiously) and fired home. There followed a stalemate, with both teams striving for a winner but to no avail - even half an hour of extra time failed to settle the tie.

So, the inevitable penalty shoot-out was needed to determine who would progress to the next round. Unfortunately for the home team, a combination of the goalkeeper, the wind and the woodwork contrived against them and the away side - on the quality of their penalty taking alone - deserved their win. This was however a superb team performance from Beeston, and penalty taking aside they probably deserved better.

We went into this game expecting a tough and physical game as we found ourselves on the same points and next to FC Sparta in the league table, we were not disappointed. We started with Andy returning back between the sticks and a defence made up of James (Kaka) B, Josh G, Mark P and Mark M. Our midfield was a very similar set-up to previous games with Shaun partnering captain Paul H in the middle and Nick P and Oli H on their usual wings. Bill played up front with an unfamiliar partner James S who took over the number 9 shirt for the first time this season.

We always aim to start our games at a high tempo because we have a lot of energy and speed within our squad, this however was not to be the case. FC Sparta won an early corner and converted it with a near post header that left the defence standing still, it was time to wake up and start playing football. Not long after the disappointment of going behind, Mark M played a lovely chip ball into Paul's path which was flicked high in the air by a Sparta defender and Paul had excellent composure to watch the ball fall and with one touch put it around the keeper and into the net, 10 minutes gone 1-1! Mark M was involved again when he struck a 30 yard bullet that narrowly went over the bar and the sounds of ooohhh could be heard in Derby. Sparta won their second corner of the game and we feared the worst after what had happened earlier but after great hands and thinking from Andy we started a counter attack which saw Bill release Oli down the left who beat the last defender and slotted the ball into the far bottom corner to give Beeston the lead. The ball went from one end of the pitch to the other in less than 20 seconds and was a great team goal, 2-1!

We started to play the way we know we can and won every 50-50 challenge but in football you always need luck, and we got it. We were awarded a free kick just inside our own half and the ball was played into a sea of bodies in the opponents' box. The ball has headed on by a Sparta defender which unluckily for him looped right over his goalkeeper and into the net, with some fortune it was now 3-1!

After another incisive pass from Bill, who was linking up with the wingers and James superbly all game, he sent Oli down the wing to put a low cross into the box which James struck at full stretch and looped over the goalkeeper again into the net. We were now 4-1 up with 5 minutes left in the first half. The attacks kept on coming from all areas of the pitch and this time it was Nick who cut inside and played a precise ball into the box for Bill to drive low and hard past the keepers outstretched right hand, half time 5-1!

Spirits were high at half time, but we were warned that if we started the second half like we started the match we would let Sparta back into the game. After a quick discussion we walked back onto the field knowing we could take control of this game and hopefully get a few more goals. The whistle blew for the second half...

Sparta came out fighting and really made us battle with every challenge and loose ball. We still kept our passing sharp and pushed for another goal. After some great chances from Nick and Shaun which just failed to go in we won a corner which was poorly taken and cleared by the first defender. The ball dropped to Bill who again played an excellently weighted ball to Oli to cut inside the box and put the ball in the bottom corner for his second goal of the game, 6-1! Game over? Not quite!

After scoring our sixth goal we made some changes to the team, James moved back to his usual role in defence (however he has done more than enough to be given the number 9 shirt again) and Tom G replaced the hard working Mark P and went up front. Aidan came on for Nick and captain Paul was replaced by Tom M after getting a gash on his head when a clash of heads brought both players to the deck. Tom M took over where Paul left off taking no prisoners in the middle and working hard to maintain our deserved lead. Almost immediately after Tom G appeared on the pitch he drove a solid shot on target but unfortunately too close to the keeper, the pressure continued with efforts from the energetic Aidan and Shaun. Then the game took and unlikely twist...

A very good ball from a Sparta midfielder caught our two centre backs chasing their number 10, and when he hit his shot everyone would have put money on it going in but Andy made (in his words) 'the save of my life' and seriously you can only appreciate how good a save it was if you saw it for yourself, but as screams of 'Go on Andy' and 'Great Save' were echoing over the pitch the referee had blown his whistle and given a penalty for what he said was a trip by Mark M. Mark claims not to have done so and was booked by the ref for having this view, it was a strange set of circumstances but a penalty was awarded and coolly converted by the number 10 to make the score 6-2.

The last ten minutes saw Sparta really apply the pressure to us and only for amazing defensive displays from Josh and James B keeping the wingers at bay we kept the final score at 6-2 and another 3 points well deserved. After the match it was very obvious this had been an excellent team performance with some great goals and a very disciplined back line. We now have a little break from league football but have a tough encounter in the cup next week.

There were several excellent performances in this match, to name a few Josh was solid at left back as usual, Mark P was as calm and composed as usual, Nick P played another outstanding game on the left and James took to being a striker like a duck to water. However it was agreed that Shaun be given the man-of-the-match award for a powerhouse performance in the middle of the park and some key passes that led us to victory. That is his third man-of-the-match award for our resident ginga-ninja this season and there's little doubt that plenty more will come.

Special thanks go to both Jackie at the Prince of Wales who provided endless supplies of chip butties and Sky TV so Bill could watch his Burley heroes narrowly defeated at the hands of 'Boring Boring Blackburn', and to the opposition who came back to the pub after the game and were great sports (and half decent pool players as well)!

What a Game! This match had everything, goals, saves, yellow cards, sending offs, individual flair and great team-work.

The game kicked off at a substitute venue - Beeston borrowing Stapleford's home pitch because their own was not available. It was the yellows who came out of the blocks fastest - so quick that Usain Bolt would have been proud! The Beeston midfield made up of Shaun, Paul, Oli and Nick started passing the ball around and creating chances for strikers Andy and Craig. It didn't take long until Mark M collected an over-hit corner and put a ball back in that landed right on Paul's head which he headed like a bullet at the goal....

...The keeper made a good stop but Paul led by example and followed up the rebound and bundled the ball over the line with his right ear lobe, 1-0 to the BIZ! Almost straight afterwards, normal roles were reversed when Oli flicked the ball on for Andy to chase... to say the finish from 30 yards into the top corner (under pressure from the defender) was sublime is a huge understatement, 2-0! But - what happened next can only be put down to loss of concentration, with Beeston finding themselves 3-2 down with only 25 minutes on the clock.

This should have ended any hopes of a win, but the character from the team pushed the lads forward and chance after chance came until Shaun's excellent headed goal from Oli's corner evened the score at 3-3. Never one for the rule book at set pieces (or anywhere else for that matter) Shaun says 'I don't move until the ball's been kicked', and with a towering header like that, who's to argue?!

An indirect free kick was given to the home team in the box for a high tackle, which had the whole Lion Revived team standing on the goal line. A well worked routine resulted in the bar being hit, but the yellows were not to take the lead again just yet. The determined Lions scored another two goals and found themselves well ahead in a real topsy-turvy game, but again character and determination pushed their rivals on to create chances again and again...

Solid at right back as usual, Stormy took a long throw-in that Andy flicked to Craig... and with one amazing touch Craig put the ball behind the opponent's defensive line to Oli who squared the ball to Nick for a tap-in, 4-5, Game on! After this goal Nick seemed to attract the ball and when a sloppy clearance landed at his feet he thundered in a shot that left the keeper standing! So it was Half-Time and the score was 5-5!

The second half began with Mark P (who was superb at the back again) making way for James after he picked up a slight knock. Beeston didn't start the second half as quickly as in the first half, but always seemed dangerous going forward - if a little guilty at times of forcing the play and hitting a long ball when a shorter pass would suffice. That said, Jamie hit a goal kick that cleared all 20 outfield players and allowed Craig to run on. His first touch was so good it seemed like there was glue on Craig's boots, but there was still plenty to do and he finished the chance to give Beeston.Biz a well deserved lead, 6-5. Could the lads hang on until the end?

Erm, well, not exactly. Beeston again let the opposition in to level the score and it was 6 apiece with 15 minutes on the clock. Chances came and went, with Josh, Craig and Paul going close and two more chances hitting the woodwork. Aidan replaced Shaun and Matt came on for Andy and both played really well adding more threat to the opposing goal. With 2 minutes of normal time to play a draw looked on the cards, a free-kick was given for a push, Lion's number 16 was booked and then sent off for dissent. This rattled Lion Revived and Beeston saw the opportunity to go on and win. The much delayed long free-kick bounced in the box and everything went silent as the ref blew his whistle and pointed to the spot, a deliberate hand ball was the call. Despair on the blue team and joy for the yellows! Oli stepped up to take the penalty which was further delayed by several minutes as the ref booked the away side's captain now for dissent! Tension took over as Josh who was immense all game couldn't watch and Andy and Shaun hid on the line as watching the kick was unbearable. At times like this words of wisdom should be spoken - 'Stick the ball in the net' from captain Paul seemed helpful! Eventually the ref blew his whistle for the penalty to be taken and Oli struck the ball in the bottom left hand corner which the keeper got a slight hand on, 7-6 and 3 points for Beeston.Biz. The celebrations went on at the pub after the game and it was our first points of the campaign and well deserved.

Nick who was excellent for 90 minutes picked up the man-of-the-match award, but credit goes out to the whole team for not giving up and walking off with 3 points. A performance that was somewhat better than most of the lads attempts on the 'bucking bronco' at the pub after the match!