Not Steve, but his old man Keith. Jones senior qualified as a Net and Peg man way back in 2007/8 just before "One shirt" Freeman and Bill "spicy" Currie so it was disappointing for me, as Keith's coach, to see that he was totally unprepared for his follow up examination which is necessary before he can move up the ladder into the higher leagues.

The pitch as Warbanks has been carefully modelled on a Beruit playing field which doubles as a hand grenade practice area and it was an ideal testing ground for Jonesy. No corner flags, net pegs or post ties were provided and the nets had been specially brought in from the Grimsby Trawling Society. Personally I was disappointed in Jonesy because I know that he always carries spare equipment in his car as he is well aware that he could be called upon at any time to do his "follow up".

When he recognised the problem I saw him scurry to his car and I knew that he was not going to be caught short --- but he came back wearing long trousers, having abandoned his shorts, and carrying nothing -- I thought "he's got all the equipment in those deep pockets and is using the collapsible corner flags that he keeps in his glove compartment"

I was completely and utterly wrong -- he had been caught out and was only concerned about his legs being bitten by horseflies. So he now needs a refresher course which costs only £300 -- an expensive mistake Jonesy -- but lucky for me as I run these courses.

JP came to the rescue and along with the crestfallen Jonesy, JU and myself we got the goals into a workable order and we kicked off 10 minutes late.

Despite the poor playing conditions the standard of football was pretty good. HAC are always very determined opposition and they fielded a strong squad. However, Stu D'Urso got himself off the cold list with our opening goal and we held this advantage at half time. I was impressed with our defensive work with Adam Freeman on top form using his pace to get in front of the HAC attackers and cutting their attacks out before they could develop into the second phase. He was ably supported by Joe Kemp and the D'Urso brothers.

We looked the better side but there wasn't much between the teams and HAC were playing some neat football. KDO made five or six changes in the second period and the pace of Kasey Alexander and Charlie McGeary up front worried the visitors defence on several occasions. It was no surprise that both of them got on the score sheet -- Kasey with a superb chip and Charlie with a tap in after an interchange of passes with Joe Ivory. He should have scored again but tried to return the compliment to Joe instead of netting himself and the chance was lost.

HAC scored twice -- the second following an almighty goalmouth scramble reminiscent of Wickham Common Junior School under 8's v Hawes Down School. The game finished 3 - 2 to the Bluebloods and both sides should be congratulated on putting on a good show under the adverse conditions.

Mark Williams made a pleasing debut in defence and the other new lads also contributed to the win. Overall the whole squad can be pleased with their performances.