What a way to start the season. Great passing, movement and commitment – one of our finest displays.

You would never have known this was our first game of the season, as we looked the part straight from kick-off. The new 3-5-2 formation worked a treat, even though we had to change round the personnel a number of times. Lots of possession, and good width.

After a couple of half-chances, CPR made the breakthrough via a cross from the right hand side which the KP keeper couldn’t cope with. A bit of confusion, and Chris Davis was there to prod the ball home.

Trying to hold the lead into the interval, CPR were put under pressure down their left flank, the KP winger broke a couple of tackles and crossed into the centre where their striker netted.

With not long left in the first half, CPR were caught when a dodgy backpass put John under pressure, and we had to concede a penalty. Fortunately the KP striker lost his nerve and put it wide. 1-1 at the break.

Into the second half, it looked like the next goal would be crucial: and what a goal it was. Some good passing football worked the ball from left to right, and when the ball reached young Nathan, 25 yards out, he swivelled and took it on the volley with his left foot. The ball arced into the KP net, and Nathan was off on a glory run (the fastest anyone’s ever seen him move).

CPR extended the lead a short while later, when Chris Davis was viciously chopped down in the penalty box. Matt slotted home, as usual.

The penalty-mad ref, Luis Enrique, then somewhat bizarrely gave another one against CPR: the ball had slammed into Jon M’s arm from approx. 2 yards away. KP changed the penalty-taker, and the new man finished with no problems.

CPR were still in control of the game, however, and made it safe when a lovely bit of interplay down the left wing worked the ball to Martin, who beat the keeper from the edge of the box.

However, the match was not done yet. Determined to keep the entertainment going, Senyor Arbitro then gave another weak penalty when a KP striker fell down in the box about 15 seconds after he’d been tackled. Justice prevailed this time, though, as John guessed right and pulled off a great stop.

Summary: brilliant start to the new season. Nobody had a bad game, and we played some attractive stuff, creating chances in the process. Can we keep this up ?

Final score: CPR 4, Kensington Place 2

Match Reporter: Garry Griffin