Looking to pick up our first three points of the season, the boys were all hopeful going into our first meeting with Marldon, who were the lowest placed team we had met to date. With a full squad to choose from, those who attended training on the Monday were given starting berths, and for once we won the toss, captain Jack electing to avoid the sun in the first half.

Trying a new attacking formation, we were immediately in a battle, but with Henry and Will working the wings we found good outlets for releasing the ball and Mark and Kiernan at the back were coping with Marldon's counter-attacks.

Harry L made a couple of great stops to keep us at 0-0 for much of the half, but after Ben went close with a long range strike, and Henry was just off-target after a great one-two and turn, the away team struck twice in quick succession to lead 2-0.

As United attacked again and again, we found the Marldon keeper in outstanding form, and everything we tried ended up in his hands. The introduction of four substitutes couldn't aid our comeback, though Toby came close to a goal with a strike that their goalie palmed away, after strong work from Harry C.

George played a sumptuous through ball for Ben, but a heavy challenge and the out-rushing keeper left us approaching the break still without finding the net.

With a couple of minutes left before the half ended, Mark's last-gasp clearance rewarded continuing Marldon pressure with a corner, and they managed to hit a third after a goalmouth scramble.

The half-time reshuffle didn't do too much to alter the pattern of the game, and the visitors continued to press, adding a fourth to their total, despite Aaron and Harry C battling hard to clear the ball.

Going forward again, the game seemed to be turning in our favour, and all of our passes and touches were beginning to find their targets, but the in-form keeper in the visitors goal was having the game of his life and he kept absolutely everything out that we could muster. Marldon's fifth came mid-way through the half, and as the match drew to a close, they hammered in number six, despite Harry L bravely beating away the first effort.

Kiernan and Henry worked well up front towards the end, with both going close to a consolation for us, but as the final whistle went, we congratulated their goalie on an unbelievable performance, which made the scoreline look very un-just.

Final Score: Liverton United 0 Marldon 6. Goals: None. Man-of-the-Match: Will