Sunday Morning Footie (VII) - Punching above your weight

Sunday morning, an away trip to the team at the top of the league, it was always going to be a battle.

The sun may have been shining, but it was seven degrees above freezing and the wind made it a lot colder.....

The boys knew today was not going to be easy, our friends in Gravesend have had a great season and with good cause. They are a well drilled bunch, with size and results on their side. It was like heading to Old Trafford, knowing that any points gained would have to be hard earned.

Before any further observations are made about today, we have to spare a thought for the havoc that has been laid down at the feet of the people in Christchurch, New Zealand. It puts everything that could have happened today in a real sharp perspective. Please take a second to read my fellow blogger Adrian's recent postings and experiences. My thoughts and my best wishes are with them today and for the harsh times that they now face. http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fkiwiscots.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fpeople-behind-number.html&h=fe9e9 Have a read and spare a thought.

We travelled to Gravesend today with a certain degree of optimism. We gave them a run for their money at our place and today we could flex our muscles and see how far we have come as a team. Boy did we do that!

For the first ten minutes, we showed what hard effort and steel can do. Despite our lack of height, when compared to their considerable advantage, Rainham 84 showed a togetherness and willingness to compete that I have never seen in a team so young.

Every boy on our side got stuck in and followed the orders barked so well directed from the Gaffer. Our boy Harvey continued the good form he has been showing all season and put a lump in the throat of his Dad watching from the sidelines. He broke up a skillful move from the opposition and instead of hoofing the ball forward, went past three or four and set up a move that resulted in 84 taking a well deserved lead. I am glad I was standing away from the touchline, cause what I said was passionate, but unrepeatable! The finish from our Centre Forward was just sublime.

However there was always the sense that this top of the league bunch could cause us problems and with a swift break and cross, they finished with an accuracy that would have knocked the stuffing out of most. But yet again our boys stuck to their task and half time came with honours even.

The second half started in the same vein as the first. 84's passing and skill was being tested by the oppositions greater physical prowess. However we were a match for them. Every step of the way.

I honestly thought I was watching a Football match. But the referee obviously thought he was refereeing a Basketball game. I need say no more other than, you blind, stupid, daft, idiotic, fool, please spend your Sunday Mornings in bed, never ref another game in your life, do us all a favour and sell your kit at a Sunday Morning boot fair. He got a big decision hugely wrong. The blind guy walking his dog next to me saw the hand ball that led to their second goal. I hate making excuses for losing, but lose we did and to be honest, the guy in black did for the boys. It spoilt it so much for everyone. It is easy for me to say watching from the sidelines. A trip to spec savers for the ref would really not have saved the day.

I really can not praise Rainham 84 enough for the way they played today. From Keeper to Centre Forward, they played their hearts out. They deserved better care from the man in the middle. However I reckon they learned a lot today. For 40 minutes, they stood toe to toe with the Man Utd of our division. They gave away a lot in height, but matched them every step of the way in passion and beat them in the ability stakes.

There is no 'I' in team. When the lads stand together and work as a unit, they are amazing. I watched Gillingham play Bury the other week. What a bag of poo that was. Rainham 84 genuinely serve up a better fare, than that bunch of well paid individuals. I hope the boys realise that together they will beat 'top of the league' opponents on another day. On their own, well the Xbox will be their only friend.

Let us hope that Christchurch gets some respite and the good people in that part of the world get a chance to put their lives back together. Some things in life really are just not fair.