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That's more like it.

After last weeks below par performance against CUP, the boys needed a boost in confidence which a good performance today could give. Unfortunately for this fixture we were again five players short from what we would think would be our best squad. However, these kind of problems give opportunities to others and it's up to them to make the most of them. It also has to be said that playing strong opponents like Fulbourn with so many players missing would be a good test of the strength of our squad. Rick Woodrow came in for the unavailable Richard Inman and Ricky skippered the side today.

Buster Harradine moved to wide left and Ian Rush, playing just his second game in two years, replaced Chris Smith in midfield. Benny Murray started his first game for the club, although still not fully fit, alongside Marlon Bruges up front. In the early stages the teams cancelled each other out to a large degree but from our point of view centre halves Martin Flack and Shaun Davies were dominant. Captain Ricky Woodrow led by example at left back winning every tackle and setting up attacks down the left. In the centre of midfield Jordan Lambert was strong, as usual, ably backed up by the outstanding Ian Rush, whilst on the flanks Buster Harradine and Darren Bates both treated us to some skilful play and also worked hard up and down the lines. The front two gave Fulbourn plenty to worry about. Marlon Bruges had a super game today, playing to his strengths, holding the ball up with to bring others into the game. Benny Murray showed that, although still recovering from injury, he'll score a hatful of goals for us once he's fit. For me there were three main incidents in the first half. Firstly Darren Bates, the smallest player on the field, was booked for what the referee indicated was his second foul. I'm unable to understand that when far worse was going on in a competitive game.Secondly, the referee missed a blatant penalty appeal when a Gt Shelford player was pulled down in the Fulbourn penalty area by his shirt and thirdly the referee made amends when awarding Shelford a penalty for handball when,I am told that no Fulbourn player touched it. It has to be said that the normally reliable referee Mr Rayner had a poor game today. Buster Harradine converted the penalty to make the score 1-0 to Shelford at half time.

I thought that the visitors just about shaded the second half on posession but without really troubling the Fulbourn 'keeper. They seemed to be coping well with anything that Fulbourn threw at them. Phil Peachey looking very accomplished whenever they did threaten. Fulbourn equilised with about 15 minutes to go after some loose marking at the back allowed a shot from the edge of the penalty area to creep in to make the final score 1-1.

Really we have to say that this was two points lost but the way we played was a vast improvement on last week. When everybody is fit the manager will have some big selection problems.

Roll on Saturday when we host the early league leaders Eaton Socon.