Saturday 23rd September Old Habs 2-1 Old Chigwellians (Keenlyside, Paterson) Old Habs started the season in fine form, coming from behind to defeat a rugged Chigwell by two goals to one at the much improved Croxdale Stadium. Once the nets had been taped to the posts and secured to the ground with traffic cones, all that was left was for new captain, Stephen 'Shylock' Jameson, to inspire the troops with an emotional pre-match war-cry. Controversial team selection left some - not least new club secretary, Keenlyside - fuming at being put on the bench, but team spirit in general was high. Several new boys were thrown into the battle zone that is the Arthurian League with high expectations. Could they deliver? An encouraging start, doubtless owing to Jameson's fearsome warm-up, led many onlookers to predict a comfortable OH victory. But the traditional blight of the Blues reared its ugly head once more as poor marking from a set-piece allowed Chigwell to take the lead. Not to be overrun, Old Habs managed to steady the ship until half-time through valiant defence. Half-time saw three changes. Off came big-man Tom Nichols, the rugged Rasol Yalaqi and OH fine-master, Matt 'The King' King; in their place, two bright young things arrived in the form of Will Reidy - desperate to make a name for himself in the arena that has proved so fruitful for older brother Chris - and new hard-man Martin ' Smudger' Smith. Keenlyside also made an appearance, though he was clealry still baffled by his earlier omission. He was soon to be given an opportunity to 'stick it right up' captain Jameson when, following a mesmerising run from MOM Russell Jones, a free-kick was awarded all of 25 yards out. Club veteran Evans fancied it; so did Keenlyside. Youth won out and Keeno curled it into the top right corner. 1-1. Old Habs were in control from then on, and a delightful through-ball from key man Vellosa put surging right-back Paterson through on goal. The ginger tearaway kept his composure to slot home OH's second with panache. Few hairy moments followed, and anything that threatened OH's goal was calmly dealt with by araldite-hands Sumon 'Shuey' Huq. A terrific start to the season for the glorious OH. Westminster beware. What the keymen said: Paterson: "We had an inspirational half-time chat from the guv'nor Jameson and came out all guns blazing - Keeno slotted the equaliser then came my Forrest Gump moment. I optimistically went on an overlap and Rob slid it down the line, I rared after it and kept expecting a challenge but none came so I started to head in towards goal. I was prepared to draw the keeper and give Will Reidy a tap-in but the keeper stayed rooted to the line so I ran right up to him and scruffed it into the corner!" Jones: "Bill's goal was a bit like that. If you just heard that he'd run 50 yards with the ball before calmly slotting it in it would have sounded like a screamer. Unfortunately that inaccurately depicts the true sensible soccer style of it and the curious Barthez-Di Canio actions of their keeper. I loved it on Saturday, and think as a whole we looked a lot better. Really solid at the back. They only netted through a massive bundle from a corner. I reckon we'll definately win again on Saturday!" Keenlyside: "We're going to win this division goddammitt!" See Bill's winner at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ISiqRbqx_E