The Cobras third season started with a pre-season six-a-side tournament at Ruislip. Confidence was high courtesy of the usual line up of new football boots and new haircuts that kick-start any new season but also as the team were now sporting a new kit, complete with sponsorship from BP Collins. However, we were soon brought back down to earth with a bump, a few shoves and some strong challenges from some very physical London sides and we limped out of the competition quite early on. 

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In preparation for the new season our attention turned to the transition to seven-a-side. Formations took on a whole new meaning! All sorts of shapes and number combinations were discussed. Diamonds? Christmas trees? 3-2-1? Who knew! And we still don’t know but it didn’t seem to matter too much.

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Our first match, away to Westwood Park saw us lose 6-2, which was a score line that flattered them. Following that match, the Cobras went on a TEN match unbeaten run from October 2017 to May 2018 scoring 49 goals and conceding 15.

 

Highlights of the season would have to include recording three consecutive wins without conceding a goal, which is all the more impressive considering we still do not have a regular goalkeeper. Further highlights included a 9-0 away victory against Chorleywood (although it could have been double this!) which included debut goals for Daniel and Luke C. Another debut goal recorded earlier in the season came for Reggie, who was unable to hide his delight and celebrated like a true professional with a knee slide and instantly capped it off with a face plant!

 

All throughout the season we have continued to be supported by a great set of parents, grandparents, family etc. Our thanks must be extended once again to Matt Jackman despite providing us with one of our worst first aid incidents when he headed a football having forgotten he was wearing sunglasses!

 

Thanks also to Neil Slade, our new ball boy, which is currently under review having pumped up each football to within an inch of its life so none of the children can kick them more than a metre! Joking aside, both have stepped in to support us with training, when we have been unavailable due to family commitments and severe cases of man flu.