An injury crisis had struck the heart of the Leper side. That combined with one player on international duty at the Owen Hargreaves school of excellence and Will Webb watching some more ballet while consuming vast quantities of alcohol in an attempt to lose his job, meant the Lepers were forced to call in a ringer.

 

Chris Cornwall, long in the footballing wilderness was the man to fill the gap. Shortly before kick-off, with still no sign of the reprehensible Drake, it was clear that Cornwall was about to start his first Leper game. This was confirmed as Drake arrived, only to have to excuse himself for a call of nature.

It was not of great importance to the side however, as Chris found himelf in space within the first minute and jabbed the ball with his wrong foot past the Watling keeper. Delight erupted on the player's face. Moments later a great flowing move found the insatiable Harvey in space on the left and he fired home to put the Lepers two goals to the good.

 

Further good running from Cornwall and some great interchanges throughout the side saw the newcomer bag another two goals within the opening ten minutes. His celebration of his hat-trick saw him leaving the pitch to be replaced by Drake.

 

An extremely rare error from keeper Sheen, attempting some amateur acrobatics whilst on the ground saw the Watling boys get one back.

 

At half-time the lads were pretty pleased to go in at 6-1 up, and looking comfortable. The second-half was a little more reserved with just  three goals coming from it.

 

Cornwall took two of his many second-half opportunities to take his tally for the match to 5, a Leper record, beating Matt Ames' 4 goals in the previous season. What a debut!

 

Matt Ames, not to be outdone, completed his hat-trick in the second-half to complete the match's scoring at 9-1.

 

Once more the Lepers could canter off to the Master Gunner with a solid performance under their belts, and with other results working in their favour, they slipped into second place, behind their first match nemesises, the Christine Hamilton Academicals.

 

Interesting to note was the arrival of Will Webb. The man came bearing gifts, obviously influenced by his WAG's occupation, of Michelob Ultra. The Lepers' record crowd were loving the alcoholic supplies, even with their suppressed carbohydrate levels. The beer was also a welcome sight for the Lepers as they left the pitch.