After recent set-backs, a slow, stuttering start was to be expected and the 3s took a while to realise how possession worked along with the benefits of keeping the ball off the deck.

Kent competed ferociously for every ground ball and at times they did look fresh from a slash and burn harvest as they took scything swings at the Spencer youth. Over-enthusiasm rather than malice to blame.

Spencer’s blend of youth and the sort of player that has kit manufactured way before most of the team was born proved too much for the visitors and the double points should ensure the 3s in a respectable league position in their debut season.

With the Byrnemeister away, the team introduced Liam ‘Shut-Out’ McGreavy to the line up – the first time he’d been trusted between the pipes since conceding 26 goals against Stockport u-13s some time ago.

But he displayed all the solid, stopping ability of Geoff Boycott getting behind everything the oppo could throw at him. In truth, his most dangerous moments were dropping the ball and watching it roll back towards the net.

Kent did claim the first goal with a shot that appeared to go through a hole (or not) in the net but the ref ruled it a miss so that McBoycs could concentrate on a clean sheet. Kent’s goalie was by far the busier and stopped a procession of shots – many directed with laser-guidance into his stick by the wayward Spencer marksmen – to keep the score down.

Jules Glover improves each game with his intelligent distribution from x but Pete Compton was also in masterly form with clever feeds that set up four goals. Salim and Ibs al-Souss continued to grow in confidence and effectiveness in the midfield and used the ball well. The defence was in total control throughout and negotiated a three-minute man-down spell with ease.

PC thundered in two classic shots top-right corner, Sam Johnson netted a cute under-arm and Ivan Gillett bagged two impressive strikes after good build-up but the pick goes to Leigh Keegan who executed an outrageous over-the-shoulder shot on the crease to cap a brilliant all-round display. He battled in the midfield and dominated the ground-ball buying the team time and space at every breakdown.

Another win could mean a top five slot!

Quarter scores: 3-0 / 7-0 / 8-0 / 11-0
Scorers: Sam Johnson 3, Pete Compton 2, Ivan Gillet 2, Jules Glover 2, Leigh Keegan & Salim al-Souss
Man-of-the-Match: Leigh Keegan