After a resounding victory against Redbridge last time out, the Loughts Men's 4s faced a rather different challenge in the form of the Loughts 5s this week. Having picked up a win and a draw this side of the new year already, and running Crostyx close last week, we knew the supposedly "lower side" would be as much a tough challenge as any team in our league.

The first Loughts derby was at the forefront of everybody's minds as we prepared for round 2, and it was clear that the fruit of our success today would arrive through one word. Passion. Captain Rob made it clear to us that the 5s would be up for this match, more than any they would play this season, and we had to show we cared just as much. Though we were playing this time around in the club's away kit, the Lane was our fortress and we wanted to show that today.

The start of the match soon arrived and we began much more on the front foot than the previous contest. Moving the ball wide and quickly through the lines, we were able to evade the high-energy pressing that the 5s set up with. Each player was communicating well and soon the chances came. For the first 15 minutes or so, we demonstrated everything Captain Rob had asked of us. However, the momentum of the match would soon shift to a more even contest. Despite the chances we had created, and the many short corners we won, there was no breakthrough in sight, and the 5s began to sense this. As our movement of the ball slowed, and our team shape became disjointed, the opposition held the upper hand in most 50-50 challenges and effectively disrupted our rhythm. With halftime approaching at this point, the team continued to huff and puff, but there were no little piggies at home - for the first 35 minutes at least.

As the break arrived, the team were understandably frustrated, and every player knew that our standard from the start of the match had dropped, allowing the contest to become closer. With Captain Rob echoing these thoughts, nothing was left to say and the onus was now on us to step up again.

The second half saw much a similar game play out, with our penalty corner count rising, though still with no conversions. We continued to create good openings up front, however the 5s keeper and defence remained solid, with the former pulling off some incredible instinctive stops throughout the match. Our keeper today was Barney, who was playing in his first match back from injury since before pre-season. He looked as impregnable as he was before being out of action, mopping up any loose balls and holding firm in the face of the few shots he had to deal with.

As the time ticked away in this derby match, the team began to feel a growing sense of urgency to make that all-decisive breakthrough. Looking to step up the pitch and apply more pressure on the 5s defence, the game started to become stretched, with the home side finding more space on the counter.

Despite our struggles in front of goal today - the less said about our short corners the better on this occasion - there was a final twist in this tale (or two). With the umpires signalling two minutes, the 5s had a chance to break away and the ball found itself with star striker Ozzie in space inside our 'D'. Normally clinical in front of goal, he must have taken inspiration from my shooting display last week, and completely mishit his shot and the moment passed. Within seconds, the ball found its way down the other end, and in our possession, as we set up for a final penalty corner of the match. In contrast to the countless other short corners we had squandered so far today, when Richard slipped the ball left to Dan, he was able to force the ball in with a low drag flick, just inside the near post. 1-0. And breathe. With just the last few seconds to negotiate, the team, in the end, were able to see out another victory. Hard work today, to say the least.

MoM this week went to keeper Barney for his impressive return to action when he was called upon, ensuring we now went ahead in the club's clean sheet standings. Good to have you back playing Barney. DoD this week was a much closer affair, with Mike coming out on top for his first win of the season. Amongst a plenitude of reasons, his victory was given mainly for deciding to gift the surrounding forest a new ball in the warm-up, and also for being equally as kind to 5s forward Thomas, laying a chance at goal on a plate for him. At least we can never doubt your kind nature now Mike. Special mentions this week go three ways. Firstly, to Richard for running Mike close for DoD, after receiving two green cards (with the latter being for a not so gentle reminder of his presence, as the ball was brought out of the 5s defence). Secondly to JP, for admirably managing to deal with having a hole in his stick at a certain point in the match. And lastly, thank you very much to Tina who was on hand to record another goal for the scrapbook, as we finally made one of her recording efforts worth her time this week.

Twelve wins from thirteen, a half-century of goals scored, and thirty-seven points secured. After a frustrating afternoon, the Loughts Men's 4s triumph over their fellow club side, in the end, to remain unbeaten for the season. Next up is the arrival of Braintree 3s to the Lane, who picked up their first point of the season last week, and have proven to be tougher than their early results suggested, so we will need to be on top of our own game again. Well done all, and as always, let's keep rolling.

Old Loughts Men's 4s Key Stats so far this Season

Goals scored: 50
Goals against: 6
Goal scorers: Richard 9, Sam 8, Luke and Dan 7, Connor 6, Jordan 4, JP 3, Andrew and Josh and Ryan 2
Assists (incomplete): Fonz 7, Connor 5, Dan and Richard 4, JP and Mike and Jordan and Andrew 2, Captain Rob and Mathuran and Ryan and Josh 1
Clean sheets: 8 (13)
Short corner conversion rate: 19/76 roughly (25%)
MoM: Connor and Luke and Ryan 2, Josh and Will and Oli and Richard and Harrison and Sean and Barney
DoD: Dev and Captain Rob 2, Dan and JP and Will and Sean and Mathuran and Luke and Ryan and Mike (Virtue)