First the good stuff. Was great to see the former players again for the Tache Trophy and remember the late, great John Rains too. I hope they enjoyed the match and long may this annual event continue.
The other good stuff, was the first 70 mins of the main event, albeit an hour late (more on that, later). Unfortunately, after scoring two goals and then missing a glorious opportunity to make it 3-0 early in the second half we seemed to hit the self-destruct button. Hemel had done little to suggest they had anything in them but scored when they were allowed to sweep in a cross unchallenged and then the penalty followed by Skips 5th caution and then Simon's unceremonious departure on his 200th appearance.
Now, I was a long way from the pen but it did look a clean tackle and was the ref close enough to make such a big call? He seemed to be caught in heels and a long way from the incident. It appears that Hemel people reckon it was a good challenge but what is worrying that it is alleged that the assessor agreed with the ref (or is that to be expected?).
As for the red card, the challenge didn't look pretty but why oh why did he not caution their 'keeper for his foul on Tom B in the first half? The bloke was way out of his area and if it wasn't malicious it was most definitely cynical. Once again a total lack of consistency from the man in black who let's face it had pissed everyone off before he even got here.
How is it that our three players from the same area arrive on time but the three officials can't? I am aware that they can't help being caught in a traffic jam because of an accident but where was their plan B? If a team turns up late they get fined but nothing will happen to the ref and his chums for their tardiness. Would have to question why a match between two clubs based around the M25 required officials from the Bristol area anyway? It is ridiculous to make officials travel that far in the first place. And having turned up why the need for a 30 min chat on the pitch with two guys he has spent four hours in a car with? One rule for them and another for everybody else it seems. Personally, I wished he had still been stuck in the jam.
As a result, I believe we had to take Fitch off as he had an appointment to make and that is hardly satisfactory at this level of football.
However, a drop in concentration cost two points and probably makes next week's cup tie even more difficult to call. Hemel only came to life when they brought on their subs and of course scored that first goal. If we can play like we did for much of yesterday next week, I reckon we have a good chance to progress. But it is Hemel; they are bound to get a dodgy penalty and we a red card. It is how it seems to happen when playing them.