text: In what was almost a studied casual manner, both teams and the officials strolled onto that durable surface. Spectators were dotted around both within and without the compound. It was obvious that the Dunstable team that started was somewhat more experimental than it might have been against stronger opponents.
  I do not denigrate our opponents one bit as they began well, had the first goal chance and held their own against their senior opponents for a good twenty minutes. The perceived notion that the home side ought to impose itself with some degree of swagger was thus suspended. There was indeed not much in it. Dunstable players would seize possession and imply that they would confuse any challenges, but Sky Sports snapped at their heels in a pleasing ‘we are going to contest this, whatever the score’. I love such exuberance.
  The Blues eventually eased themselves into ascendancy and this was underlined by a notable opening goal from a player who had been attracting favourable comment. This was Ayebami Salami whose shot from range put the home side ahead. I confirmed the name with coach Gareth Jackson. ‘Ayebami Salami’ he said, the words rolling off his tongue making it feel like a multicultural greeting, so much so I bowed in gratitude, just withholding the riposte of ‘Buenos Aires, senor.’
  Salami had been there or thereabouts with some probing goal attempts and showed he can shoot from the hip. He is lean and sleek and has that shaven head of that chap that used to sing for the popular beat combo, Hot Chocolate. Their song with the refrain ‘I believe in miracles’ might be applicable to us as the season unfolds – but it might not since we move onwards with confidence in what we have.
  Dominating but not adding to the score, we witnessed the Dunstable players putting into practice some of the tips/instructions from Mr McCool. ‘Don’t fart around with the ball – pass and move and move yourself.’ But it was not until a minute or so from half-time that the second goal came and it was ‘textbook’. A Claudio Silva corner (I recognised him from the turn-ups in his shorts) was headed in with grace and emphasis by development squad player Kieran Ogden. That brought a smile from Simon Reilly and applause from us all. Ogden is a name familiar to me as that of a fine Irish pipe -tobacco manufacturer, but I digress, except to add that that goal was smoking hot, dude.
  The whistle went soon after and off we went to the interval, still relaxed but pleased. A word here about the splendid organisation. Committee members had been there to meet, greet and direct in a useful dry run for a full-on league game. We knew that those chaps who had been training on the grassy knoll would be seeing action in the second half, which proved to be a lot more dominant for the hosts than the first. There had been many a goal attempt from the home team and the Sky Sports keeper had already earned his share of the post- match refreshments where the sausages and chips had been replaced by a healthier option. Full marks go to Rob and his team in the clubhouse for arranging this so well.