Sometimes it takes a few days to fully appreciate the chains of events that shape a match and this is a good example. This was a really vital game for Sawbo and they were making a good fist of it - One down in just two and a half minutes looked like the same old story, but the ship was steadied, the hole in the midfield which Leverstock had exploited so ruthlessly was plugged and two minutes into first half stoppage time Ky Mitchell equalised from the penalty spot after a regulation 'beaten by pace' foul by the Leverstock full back.

The second half started well and Sawbo looked set for a good result until keeper Jack Ryan simply held his ground when Leverstock's Rawn Seale ran dead straight into him. The forward went to ground spectacularly and the ref unhesitatingly pointed to the spot. The locals shook their heads in unhappiness at the decision then cheered loudly as the spot kick clattered back into play off the post !

Nothing wrong in all that, except that minutes later another challenge by the keeper was pulled up by the ref, and after consulting with a linesman he decided to award a penalty and send the keeper off. Now - was the earlier challenge in the refs mind when he took that course? Was it really a foul let alone dangerous play? Was it even outside the box? (I shall never know now, the really excellent quality video which Leverstock post on their website unfortunately only shows the penalties themselves). So I cannot help but wonder if the keeper standing his ground earlier had a bearing on the decision?
No mistake this time 2 - 1

The third penalty, fourth of the match, was duly awarded for a foul, (if not remotely lethal but foul nonetheless) tackle and the match was over, 3-1 despite spirited resistance from the home team.
End result looks on paper to be a regulation win for Leverstock but these freak games for Sawbo must surely stop eventually? Certainly never a dull moment !
So
Merry Christmas everyone, Its all on to Wednesday evening 27th now, when the local derby against Stansted is frankly massive - bottom club at home to third from bottom. Sawbo need your support.

Bill