Short on legs and short on ideas.........

The 2005/06 season kicked off in familiar fashion with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester Road. In conditions described by some as "plainly ridiculous", the seasons' first knockings were painted against a backdrop of searing temperatures, ageing limbs, and acute dis-organisation. In a game that they "should have won" WNSS looked every bit the side that finished 2nd bottom at the end of the previous campaign. Despite the pre-match discussion, countless debates as to their dis-ability to pass the ball, and the need to conserve precious fluids and energy, the WNSS struggled to hold on to the ball, pick a pass, or create more than 3 shots on goal in 50 mins. Reverting to type, Flames and The Doctor were condemned to "dealing" with the usual mixture of penalty-box shelling and throat height exocets. The continued absence of their midfield general (Daz, nursing a knee injury from an unofficial friendly) and a glaring gap in the shape of a striker meant that it was "business as usual" against a suprisingly spritely Manchester Road attack of Ali and Pes (Flames' neighbour). These two goons had a good 3 yards on the WNSS attack, and made use of the 10 years that they also had in the locker. Guido, Mikos, and Pistol were run ragged in the early exchanges but in the extreme temperatures the passes didn't come to allow the WNSS to hold the ball and play at their own tempo.

Owing to WNSS dysfunction in front of goal, and the oppressive elements, it was critical to avoid conceding early. For the new "Cat" it was key that the onion bag remained chaste so that he might build his confidence and become the foundation for the WNSS fortress. 8 mins in, this plan went up its own arse. Despite an early flurry Manchester Road didn't look particularly lethal in front of goal, but when WNSS failed to clear their lines the result was inevitable. Poor. Behind, again, they were chasing the game, the ball, opposition shadows, and each other all to no avail. The Beast, having worked tirelessly, pulled up short; the victim of a high pollen count. Steve came on to add his hand to the tiller.

Two changes at half time, saw the Legend and Flames get the call. The tortured ginger genius was already sodden with his own juices before he came on!!! With the WNSS still in the dressing room, and Flames at odds with his own skin, Manchester Road came streaming down the right wing. Flames didn't deal with it, the cross came in and it was game set and match. With the new season 2 games in, and the stats reading played 2 conceded 8 scored 0, there can be no hiding from the facts. A team that can't defend or score has got some serious problems.

Can you hear it? Its the sound of the managerial merry-go-round firing up.