Having read on the Rovers' website that a game had been hastily arranged, I made my way to the picturesque ground at Stoke Fleming . On arrival, I was dismayed to see only six regular Rovers' players assembled in the car-park, and although pleased to see two new players hurriedly press-ganged in by Rover regular Chris, in the shape of Dan and Christian, my mind turned to the current festivc season, and thoughts of turkeys, stuffing and slaughter flowed from my pencil.

Stoke Flemings' players went through their warm-up routines but in the absence of fitness guru 'Teflon' Williams the Rovers' players only managed a few half-hearted stretches and I soon found myself humming the theme-tune from the file Zulu.

Due to the shortage of players, Rovers were loaned a couple of the oppositions' subs who duly donned the Rovers' white shirts and the ref was then able to whistle the game under way.

From the kick-off waves of blue shirts crossed the centre-line, the Rovers penalty area soon resembled Rourkes' Drift, but new 'keeper Chris, 'the Cat', held them at bay. However, the sharp tactical choice of ends by Stoke Fleming ensured the lowering December sun eventually blinded him and after twenty minutes Chris was forced to concede the opening goal.

The match continued with what did seem to be a suicidal three-man back-line of Jem, Hendo and Dan. Christian and Adam with the help of the two loan players guarded the midfield and the strike-force was Johnathon and newly-capped Brock.

Then something strange happened, the Rovers' resorted to playing football! Adam led the team well, and within a short period of time Brock equalised with a superbly taken goal. I foresee a bright future for the new generation of young players from the Rovers' Academy of Football Excellence.

Sadly, two more goals were conceded prior to half-time, when the home team took pity on the visitors and lent Rovers a late arrival, a particularly useful winger. The other loan players were also changed, and the midfield was strengthened by a 'pit-bull terrier' of a player, who promptly scored a fine goal for Rovers! This particularly useful winger suddenly left the pitch, only to come on again wearing a blue shirt!

Rovers had clearly got them rattled, and Adam soon slotted home the equaliser in an excellent move. The 'pit-bull' fell out with his former team-mates, Chris 'the Cat' made a series of stunning saves, and the home team only scored the winner in the last few minutes.

At the end Adam smiled, and all those present realised that a great team-effort had produced a result which, on paper, should not have happened.

My trusted Morris Traveller seemed to negotiate the stunning coastal road with more ease on the way home, as a golden sunset across Start Bay engendered a warm glow of satisfaction on a job well done.