Line-up (4-4-2):
Barrasso, Eyre, Moore, Johnston, Chris Walsh, Moore, Fulton, Johnson, Gower, Saif Butt, Kuczynski, Tejada. Subs: Charles Quartey, Richard

The game started very promisingly, with some sharp passing and movement and the ten men of the Old Boys were being run ragged by some of CPR’s new boys. Down the right wing in particular, Matt and Saif were playing some lovely one touch football along with Jase. The only disappointment was that our final ball was a bit rusty and chances were limited to a couple of Alvaro snap shots on the turn.

The Ecuadorian target man was having to put in a fair shift up front in the heat, tirelessly chasing some flighted long balls. These were primarily delivered from the new Central defensive partnership of Walsh and Johnston, who were taking advantage of the acres of space afforded them by Somerville’s abysmal lone striker, who it emerged was Hernan Crespo’s niece.

An injury to Captain Kuczynski meant that CPR had to re-shuffle earlier than anticipated but gave us a chance to view the talents of debutants Charles and Richard who both showed promise in their respective midfield berths.

CPR’s continued pressure won several corners, from which we were at our most dangerous. Scotty was rising time and again to meet Jim’s perfect in-swingers and won so many headers that a faint peroxide ‘nice and easy’ glaze was becoming visible below the Mitre sign on the match ball.

The proverbial deadlock was inevitably broken with ten minutes remaining in the first half and came from another wicked corner from the left, causing a bit of a scramble on the opposition goal line. Stand-in striker Andy reacted sharply to poke the ball home.

First half chances for Somerville were scarce although a ricochet on the left allowed them a solitary shot at goal. However, Walshy got back well to help out Donny on the line and ensure that CPR’s lead was maintained at the break when match referee John Andrews, looking majestic in his green and white hooped ref’s shirt, blew up.

The second half brought further changes and allowed Super Donny B a rare cameo in central midfield, a move that delighted everyone, especially the young barmaids in the clubhouse from where Donny’s buttocks were clearly visible, resplendently packed into the bright blue Adidas junior shorts.

Somerville, now with the breeze at their backs and the full compliment of 11 were causing a few more problems without ever troubling Charles in the CPR goal. But suddenly their chances had disappeared when Alvaro sent Stuart through one on one with their keeper. The stubborn Scot who should’ve still been on the sidelines resting his ankle, predictably rounded the keeper and slotted home.

With CPR desperate to keep a clean sheet, Somerville were frustrated by their lack of shots at goal. That was until the very last minute when a corner was only half cleared and allowed their ginger winger a free header at the back post. His effort was bound for the top left corner until Charles dived smartly to tip it over the bar.

All in all, the first game of the season could not have gone much better, providing CPR with a confidence boosting easy win and a great chance to trial our impressive new signings. It was also great to welcome Jim back into the side and in my opinion, give a performance to rival Jason and Walshy for man of the match honours.

Final score: Somerville 0, CPR 2

Match Reporter: Paul Johnston