After the previous weeks thrilling 6-5 loss to Waltham Abbey we needed to win only our 2nd game of the season to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle this side of Christmas, unfortunately Santa was not on our side today.

With Steve and Ben out with a cold (ah bless) and Earoles on the bench due to his cold (ah bless) we were again down to the bare 12.

With the ref unhappy with the bog patches on our normal pitch, the game was switched to the Italians pitch; I am putting this switch down to our loss.

It was obvious from the start it was going to be a hard day as the young skilful whipper snappers from Royston pressed forward from the kick off, after only a couple of minutes Barnsey started playing basketball in our area but thankfully the ref missed it and didn’t award a penalty.

It didn’t take long for Royston’s dominance to create a goal, the player hit a sweet curling left foot shot that went in off the post, Snails could only watch it go in and dreamt of being 10 years younger and actually make a effort to save it, 0-1 after 8 mins.

Royston continued to push forward but the defence were holding firm and Lee and Manno had their work cut out tracking 3 players in the centre of midfield, Tony slipped over and let the striker clean through but he hit his shot wide.

After 30 mins County had their first effort on goal from a Manno free kick, Stacey from Eastenders headed over when it was easier to score.

Then shortly afterwards Barry was through 1 on 1 with the keeper but decided to try and go round him and was tackled and Manno followed up with a good lobbed effort that was well saved, we looked like we were coming back into the game.

Then Royston struck back and Snails just about palmed out a looping header which looked like could injure his back again. Then Tony fell over again and the player was through 1 on 1 with Snails, who made a great save to keep it at 0-1, Tony then pretended he was injured, but deep down we knew it was only his pride that was hurting.

Then with the half almost over, Stevie J didn’t track his player and the Royston forward rounded Snails and with an open goal from 8 yards hit the post, a awful miss of Scott Cobbold quality.

Tony made his usual rousing team talk with the infamous words of they aren’t very good and we can win this. Within 32 seconds of the restart we were 0-2 down, a cross wasn’t dealt with and the Royston player volleyed home inside the box, it was difficult to take after a spirited first half performance.

Royston could sniff our heads were down and had several chances where they hit the bar and Snails made some good saves, they still managed to score another 3 goals.

After 70 mins Barry had another 1 on 1 and had his fine left foot saved by the keeper.

Matt came on for Koffi with 15 mins to go in some very tight shorts, it will be interesting to see if those shorts still fit in the new year! Barry went on a mazey run and saw the keeper make yet another good save.

With about 5 mins to go when we were 5-0 down, Taylor Collins said ‘I don’t think we are going to win this one’, he must be a physic.

It was a tough game today against a very fit young side and with several key players missing I thought 5-0 flattered Royston, the defence played well and were under pressure from the 1st minute, Lee and Manno ran their socks off and Barry made the best of little or no service, lets all have a good Xmas and come out fighting in the new year if we want to avoid relegation.

Tony has now decided to share the managerial duties with Earoles which has made Steve happy as he was getting worn out with all the work he does for the club.