In a shock deal that sent shock waves throughout the world of football, Chris Snell was released on a free transfer only to be immediately signed by Jons Team. It has been revealed that the whole of Wednesday morning was spent by the player/manager of the Plebs looking for new blood. At the eleventh hour after a medical, the player/manager completed a shrewd deal signing Mark Chadderton on a lucrative long-term contract.

The game was also full of many surprises, most notably the low scoring result. The player/manager scraped though a late fitness test and the uncertainty of the inclusion of the Plebs goalkeeper was settled by the time the starting five was announced.

As the loyal fans have seen so many times this season the Plebs took some time to find their rhythm, conceding two goals in quick succession. The assistant manager made an atypical start to the fixture, making two crucial errors, reminiscent of G. Neville’s youth. After a poor back pass to goalkeeper Toye, Jon latched on to score with a powerful low drive. Again Petch made a schoolboy error in turning the ball into his own net under no apparent pressure. However, this two-goal head start was academic come half past six.

After numerous failed attempts on goal from Lewis and Chadderton it looked as if the Plebs were heading for an unscheduled high scoring defeat. However a quick brace from the 'Blancster' enabled the plebs to get back on level terms. With the player/manager wearing virtually all white together with his now trademark support pants it appeared like he was trying to dazzle the opponents with his dress rather than his silky skills which are usually synonymous with him, but tonight had a quiet game by his standards due to severe injury and a strong team operation.

After some intense pressure from the left channel now taken up by Shelton who harried and ran the line so well, the Plebs were rewarded with now solid defending and the managers signing reaped instant dividends with a fine goal after some good interchanges across the field from the midfield unit that has become Shelton, Petch and Chadderton. Petch was getting into more advanced positions and worked the line like a galleon on full sail.

However the Plebs were to self-destruct yet again, with Toye conceding a goal on the stroke of half time which could have caused heads to drop. After a long-range effort from the other team, the goalkeeper was vastly out of position and could now included himself in the same hallowed hall of fame as the likes of Tiabi, James and Seaman.

After some words of wisdom from the manager and a half time team talk emphasising teamwork helped the Plebs to continue strongly on the field. The second half opened with the Plebs applying persistent pressure with some slick passing from channel to channel from the midfield tiplet with the defensive cordon being patrolled by Lewis and Toye goal tending.

Toye, last years winner of the McNish of the Season, was one of the players that stood out after an early blunder in an otherwise team performance making saves using his extreme bravery. This resulted in Toye picking up an injury on the way but nevertheless the goalkeeping custodian battled on like a hero of the Soviet Union.

With a solid backbone, the midfield began to press, spearheaded by debutant Chadderton who made inroads into the other sides defence. With a move that started from the defence, epitomising teamwork, Plebs United arrived at the gates of football heaven, scoring an exquisite goal finished by the debutant.

As soon as the score went to 4-3, it was the turn of the Jon’s players heads to drop, which they so did, and the Plebs completed a famous victory with Chadderton scoring a further two goals to kill the game off. One of the most notable statistics to evolve from the game was that the Plebs achieved a total shutout for the second half, conceding nothing. This shows how the players rallied round after an early first half crisis to find their heads and play like they are recognisable for.

The signing of McSnell for Jon’s team failed to have the desired effect which could be attributed to the severe back pain he had to endure throughout the encounter only playing because he too passed a late fitness test. It is unsure if the player will now be on the shelf, or if he will be traversing the left channel on Wednesday night.

Overall the Plebs’ second half performance was exceptional and it seems they will always have a chance when the league and tournaments commence. But the manager still has to encourage his players to improve their second half performance and must not rely on the gun hoe attitude that could be their downfall, but overall the performance was positive. With such exciting football and excellent play, revealed by the low score line, Wednesday night could produce another epic which might never again be seen for eons.

Star Man: Mark Chadderton - instant dividends and played a crucial role stabilising the midfield unit and also finishing the game with the most goals with four.

Thanks to Lewis for this extensive review. Any comments? Visit the message board to air your view - GO -