What a game! A baptism of fire!

That's what they wanted us to believe.

The game against AFC Wimbledon got off to a shocker. Within minutes the Lepers were struggling. Eight minutes in and the deadlock was broken. Quite how, nobody will know.

One minute later, they were at it again, knocking at the door of the Leper's hardcore defence. Unfortunately, the door folded, and the valiant souls were two down.

Seconds later, and still with minutes to go before half time the game was over. Like a mouse through a mousehole the Crazy Gang were through on goal again, and GOAL. Leper's heads started to go down, and the realisation that this would be a hard season had dawned.

Half-time was a welcome break for the lads. There was a great deal of disappointment, but also anger at the way they had conducted themselves. There were stern words, but the togetherness was still there.

And this was illustrated within minutes of the opening of the second half. The Lepers jammed open the door with a scrappy goal from Mark Jerzak! What a goal that was. They all count as they say.

The battle continued. And the Lepers were beginning to believe. Then from nowhere, Matt Ames picked up the ball on the halfway line. He looked up, assessed his options and shot. Magical. He scuffs the ball into the ground, turns away in disgust, curses every religion under the sun and berates himself. Then ... suddenly ... his eyes open ... and he sees the joy and acclaim from his teammates. Somehow the keeper has collapsed and let the ball in! The comedy of the moment lightens the mood.

AFC Wimbledon collapsed in the tide of ecstasy and aggression generated from the hearts of the Lepers. And it was inevitable when Johan Harvey scored the equalising goal. A truly unforgettable goal.

From that point the Lepers were insatiable with their pressure, but were firing as many blanks as a Chernobyl victim in front of goal, and the game was heading for a stalemate.

Until ... keeper Dave Sheen collected the ball in his area, looking to distribute the ball quickly. He threw the ball straight to the opposing striker ... the Lepers were doomed ... but then the fool redeemed himself with a save out of the top-drawer (not his first!) and the game was over.

What a game! Bring on the rest of the season! And it was down to the Master Gunner for drinks to help integrate the squad. 6 Kronenbourgs and 1 Stella. Again and again!!