Away from home, second from bottom, no game for 2 weeks, playing third in the league and John ‘Excellent’ Evans is out with a broken leg. A lot for the mighty Excelsior to do.

It was a belting day for a match. No wind, damp surface and Fairhaven’s pitch a joy to play on. New formation 4-5-1. Mills returns in sticks. Back line, from right to left, Clarkey, Ross, Andy Mac, and Neil. Five in the middle - Mercer, Fiss, Scholes, George and Danny. All alone upfront; top goal scorer Sean Lonsdale.

Off we go, ready to take on the world and within minutes Fairhaven are one up through a dubious free kick decision which was well taken by the Fairhaven skipper. Just as the negative thoughts of here we go again were flooding back Sean Lonsdale brings us right back in to it with a fine, fine, fine finish blasting across goal. Hero status re-affirmed.

1-1 and they threw everything at us, thwarted time and time again by the performance of the season from our back four.
Best strike of the day and we’re winning 2-1. Steve Mercer dinks a beauty in to the top corner after hard work on his territorial right flank.

Belief was flowing through our veins and we were starting to click. Danny, a constant thorn in the right side of Fairhaven, was linking up well with the ‘90 minute man’ Neil Harropp and creating many chances.

Sean Lonsdale started the hatrick wagon wheels moving with his second goal of the day coming from a crisp header into the far corner of the net. A perfect ball into the box from Clarkey. Very unfortunate not to be on the score sheet himself after the keeper pulled off the save of his life by pushing his 30 yarder around the post just before the break.

Half time 3-1 to us. Great 45 for all 11 and special praise to Scholey in his Nicky Butt roll, he did not lose a single challenge and was the key player of the half.

After the usual inspirational Gaffer team talks and the odd F word popping up from a few mouths we were ready to lock horns with the Fairhaven for another 45 knowing the next goal would be vital. Who else to get that goal but the very reliable Sean Lonsdale. Hatrick in the bag, bed post notched and Lonsdale was still refusing to be stopped and gave all four of the defenders and at times a couple of midfielders, a right royal run around.

Tired legs and cramp were the order of the day. Playing on a pitch of that size fu*ked a few of us and the changes were made. Simon on for Mercer and Daz Wozzer on for Danny.

Sean on the right, Simon up front. Fairhaven got their consolation from a long drive, possibly a hit and hope, which caught Mills unawares. 4-2 – we held strong and kept our shape.

Neil picked up a black eye in the last 10 but apart from that we finished the game in fine form.

Man of the match – Sean Lonsdale. Scholes and Neil with man of the match performances but the hatter gets it.

Great performance lads. That’s one game down out of a possible 12, still loads of games to win and goals to score.

Sunday – we fu*king burry Layton Institute Jrns at fortress Moor Park.

Fiss