Welcome back to all our followers from last season. East Barnet Old Grammarian's football calendar has once again started and we'll be reporting to you our weekly results, keeping you posted on how our season is taking shape.

Last weekend was the club's first competitive weekend of football following a series of friendlies during the previous few weeks.

The 1st XI kicked off their season against local rivals Old Finchleians. At 3 – 0 up after 20 minutes it looked as though the 1sts were going to have the best possible start to the season, but, whilst EBOG got the breaks, it was evident to observers that both defences were equally uncomfortable under pressure.

Credit to newly promoted Finchleians for not crumbling under their early misfortune and they fought back to 3-2 before conceding to a ‘Lee Barker special’ just before the break.

Despite the significant lead, there were few that felt the game was safe. In the second half Finchleians made the most of their aerial dominance down the middle to draw level and make several other chances looking for the winner.

The last 15 minutes was mostly EBOG but their early luck deserted them. In the final seconds, a finger tip save from a Weldon free kick bobbled tantalisingly along the line to just elude the desperate lunge from Berry to settle the match and his hattrick. Overall though, probably a fair result. Final score 4-4.

Last year the 1sts conceded an average of over 2 goals every League game but fortunately scored almost as many. The Div 1 winners Nottsborough averaged less than 1 goal against and this has to be the eventual aim for the new management team of Richard Barker & Nick Page. We need to learn how to ‘shut up shop’ when we get an early lead. In the meantime, a goal every 10 minutes on the bottom pitch is very entertaining for the crowd!

All the remaining sides were up against teams who finished above them in the League last year, so prospects were not good.

New Captain Lee Sterry’s 3rds could hardly have had a tougher opening fixture, away to last year’s 3rd placed side. However, they came away with a very creditable point.

The 4ths also were up against last year’s 3rd placed side but never looked in trouble despite their goalkeeper dropping out at the last minute. Thanks to Gary Haycock for stepping in and doing a good job.

The 5ths were facing a newly relegated 4th team and Sam Warne can be pleased with his first game as Captain. Newcomer Liam O’Connoll scored on his League debut. The only downside was letting oldie Sam Patel score the winner!

More newcomers helped the 6ths to a good start under new Captain Steve Down, with Jordan Samford and Carl Lynch getting on the scoresheet. Hopefully I’m getting all these names right but will correct them in future issues if not.

All in all, a very satisfactory opening day with no losses, a rarity last season!