The annual John Coombes memorial game once again saw the Chairman’s XI victorious following a tense penalty shoot out after the 90 mins finished all square at 3-3.

The Secretary’s XI raced in to a 2-0 lead early on and held the lead into half time but an inspired team talk (mainly consisting of a fag and some mulled wine) and a change of shape from Chairman Coombes ensured his side rallied in the 2nd half to draw level courtesy of a neat finish from Walker at the far post then an own goal from Ross Titmuss, in between goals Walker’s jinking run in the box won a penalty which Mike Lee failed to convert due to a smart save from Stringer, moments later however Alex Bird put his side ahead to complete a spirited fightback.

Ash Derrick was very fortunate to not concede another penalty midway into the 2nd half when the defender was seen to haul Walker to the ground only for referee Vaughan to wave away the influential strikers appeals, moments later Scott Bird dispossessed Nick Williams in the full back area to present a simple chance for Matt Davies who made no mistake from 6 yards and drew the scores level.

The resulting penalty shoot out stretched beyond the initial five takers with a mix of average goal keeping and good penalty taking ensuring over 20 penalties were needed to settle the contest which eventually ended thanks to Scott Bird and his tame penalty which ensured the cup once again was handed to the Chairman’ss XI and captain Stan Copeland.

Thanks to everyone who took part and ensured that the game was once again played in a good spirit with all proceeds going to a children’s hospice this year.