The Jigglers were in good spirits ahead of tonight's Autumn Fives opener against The Blues after a week which has seen the signings of Nick Rapley, Stuart MacPherson and the return of top scorer Dave Carling to boost what looked like being a very thin Autumn squad. Seven days ago Jiggle were fighting to get a team together for a friendly against Ifield Eagles but could now enter tonight's match with the luxury of two subs to start a competition which has traditionally proved to be Jiggle's best. The signs from the new-look squad were promising in the three friendly wins against Eagles and Horse Tranquiliser & Parsnip but could the Jigglers deliver the goods when it really mattered? An opening day clash with former champions The Blues was sure to provide the sternest of tests.

The Blues 0 FC Jiggle 2 (Nick Rapley 12 Jon Hawtin 19)

A week ago only a brave man would have given Jiggle a chance in this opening match of the Autumn Fives. With only four players set to be available for the big kick-off getting a team out looked likely to be a challenge. What a difference a week makes then as some astute dealings in the transfer market by Jiggle's new No.2 David Leake saw the club tie up the capture of Norfok Enchants duo Nick Rapley and Stuart MacPherson. Add this to the return of Dave Carling and Jiggle all of a sudden had a full eight-man squad, missing only the injured Andy Chong for this the opening game of their third Autumn season. Jiggle had got off to winning starts in both the 2001 and 2002 campaigns. Could 2003 bring up a hat-trick?

Jiggle gave league debuts to both their new signings with Stu lining up alongside David Leake at the back and Nick partnering Sam Cohen in attack. Jon Hawtin and Dave Carling were ready and waiting to join the action. The Blues, champions in New Year 2002 were again expected to be amongst the front-runners in League B and would be keen to maintain the momentum gained from a strong finish to the Summer season.

Straight away The Blues were on the attack as their nippy new striker caught Jiggle cold with a brilliant run which brought Phil Laker straight into the action with a sharp near-post save inside the first twenty seconds.

Initial danger averted Jiggle began to settle and pass the ball around with some assured touches. Soon it was the turn of The Blues keeper to see his first action denying both Nick Rapley and Sam Cohen in a two-minute spell. The good work was then nearly undone as a ball over the top found the pace of the Blues new striker but again the Jiggle keeper was equal to the task.

Nick and Sam, the latter leading the line very impressively against a strong defender were proving more than a handful with both unlucky not to open their accounts before the break. As Jiggle continued to probe key Blues attackers were being drawn away from dangerous areas to keep tabs on some good movement led by Stu who was causing plenty of problems as the man coming from deep linking defence to attack.

Just as it appeared half-time would be reached goalless The Blues were presented with the best chance of the half. Jiggle lost the ball upfield, the 2 on 1 counter played the spare man in down the left. He drove in a low shot which was palmed onto the post by Phil before Dave completed the clearance.

It was an even and highly competitive match. Clearly the first goal was going to be vital and encouragingly Jiggle had throughout the first half looked well capable of getting it.

Jiggle started the second period in top gear. Some slick passing was beginning to stretch the opposition defence and led to the breakthrough on twelve minutes. A corner was won on the left, Sam drove it across goal and Nick at the back post connected decisively to guide a shot back across goal and into the bottom corner of the net.

Buoyed by the goal the Jigglers were going for the kill. Straight from kick-off Sam fired in a shot which fizzed a yard off the mark, then repeated the trick a couple of minutes later spinning off the defender and delivering a low shot just wide of the far post.

Dave Carling replaced Nick and Jon Hawtin replaced Sam and the subs instantly continued the good work, holding the ball up and moving well. Both were involved in the fine move that settled the game. Dave picked it up on the left and played it inside to Stu, Stu drew the defender and rolled it into the path of Jon who drilled a rasping low drive into the far corner of the net.

This was a terrific start to the Autumn season, a deserved win over one of the fancied sides. All seven players played very well and it looked like there was more to come. The challenge is to play like that again and again. Next week it's Motley Crew at 8.30. Be there!

Team: Phil Laker, David Leake, Stuart MacPherson, Nick Rapley, Sam Cohen. Subs. Jon Hawtin (for Sam), Dave Carling (for Nick).