My first sporting outing of 2014 turned into something of a nightmare, and is an experience I would rather forget. I won’t go into all the gory details of Faithfold C’s 8-2 defeat, but it was a day when everything that could go wrong, did.
Prior to Sunday, I had never conceded eight times in any MGBSFL match, and in 24 or so years, had only collected two bookings. But that was all to change on what was an emotional return to Brunel to take on one my former clubs - Norstar London Raiders.
The first goal whistled past me within minutes, and it was downhill from there. They were flying in from all directions and I just wanted the ground to open and swallow me up.
And to add insult to injury, I was cautioned in the closing stages, having been adjudged to have brought a player down, although contact was minimal.
Perhaps the pace of the Maccabi Masters League is better-suited to me now, but I have to say that Raiders were absolutely fantastic on plastic, though I just wish it wasn’t at my expense.
On the flipside, I’m pleased to report Master Caro is having a better run. Recently introduced to London Maccabi Vale’s Cricket Club’s indoor winter nets, he was seeing it like a football and it was a joy to watch him smash the ball around the place. You never know … we might just have a new KP in the making!
* Hendon United boss David Garbacz doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry over his team’s fixture pile-up. The 2011/12 treble winners have only played seven league games and are still involved in both cup competitions.
After Sunday’s scheduled visit to Division One leaders Woodford Wanderers, they face both London Maccabi Lions teams followed by Brady Maccabi and there’s a danger the title may be out of reach by then.
* Chigwell Athletic fans are reeling from the news that defensive hard man Lee Hyams has been forced to retire through injury.
Medical experts have advised the former Faithfold stopper to end his playing days after he fractured an ankle on duty for Southgate Harmen in the Maccabi Masters League.
Hyamzy is now mulling over an offer from Chigs boss Richard Slater to become his no. 2 next season. Lee’s wife, Hayley, commented: "Not if I’ve got anything to do with it!"
* Maccabi GB are stepping up their efforts to find female footballers for forthcoming international events. Kate Freeman and Clare Lewis, two former Team Maccabi GB athletes, will assist in the recruitment of players for Berlin and for the 20th Maccabiah Games in Israel in 2017.
An Open training session will be held at Rowley Lane on February 9, with the position of team manager still up for grabs.
To get more from Life, click here to sign up for our free Life newsletter.