Managers and pundits often say good teams can win when playing badly and this is hopefully the case after this rather lethargic performance from the Servicemen. What could prove to be a vital win see’s Civil Service move to the top of the league. A slow start from both teams meant chances were few and far between but eventually Chris Gaywood, making his first competitive start of the season, finished clinically when put through. However this did little to improve CSFC and if anything Holme Lacey Reserves managed to get more of a foothold in the game and although they created few chances managed to find an equaliser minutes before the break. A hopeful ball into the box after CSFC failed to clear caused enough confusion for them to find the net.

Some strong words were said at the half time interval and this helped improve the team’s competitiveness in the second half but as in previous matches wasteful finishing eventually led to Holme Lacey taking the lead after more poor defending. On a positive note CSFC though still underperforming managed to show enough fight to create several chances and eventually Judd scored with a strong header at the far post after good work and an excellent cross from Paul Kaye. With Gaywood hitting the bar from 5 yards with the goal at his mercy it looked like the Servicemen would have to settle for a draw but man of the match Mark Nottingham unlocked the defence once again and this time Simon Chapman finished cooly with just minutes left on the clock.

Though a poor all round performance, the team sits proudly at the top of the league and will be looking to remain their for the foreseeable future.

Team: Gay, Jelfs, T.Calder, Simms, Ridley, Judd, A.Atkin, P.Atkin, Morris, Nottingham, Gaywood

Subs: Johnson, Kaye, Chapman, Day, Parrett