Last Friday's 1-1 draw with Livingwell maintained Jiggle's unbeaten start to Autumn Fives 2003 and kept the side elevated at the heady heights of second in the table. The scene was set then for a real humdinger tonight as the Week 4 fixtures pitted a confident and on-form Jiggle with the slick well-rehearsed 5-a-side machine that is Caledonian Old Boys. No surprises that they had started with three wins out of three and sat proudly at the top of League B. Everyone had been looking forward to this game all week. A win tonight would be Jiggle's first against Caledonian and if it came would put Jiggle top of a division for the first time. Could it happen?

Caledonian Old Boys 1 FC Jiggle 0

Exactly a year ago this week Jiggle met Caledonian, third match of the Autumn Fives, both sides unbeaten and with their eyes on the top of the league. What a difference a year makes? Not much so it seems. Apart from the fact this was the fourth week of Autumn Fives 2003 the scenario was identical. 1st versus 2nd. The biggest match of the League B season so far.

The Jigglers were without the services of Andrew Chong (injured) and Jon Hawtin (wedding - not his own) but were still able to name a strong squad of six. David Leake returned to defence alongside the free-scoring Stuart MacPherson, the one change from last Friday's line up. Dave Carling and Sam Cohen continued in attack with Nick Rapley, fighting off a cold to provide the back-up. Caledonian, as Jiggle's network of spies had discovered earlier in the week were at full-strength, boosted by the return of Barthez in goal (what is his real name?). A fascinating tussle was in prospect to be fought out under the watchful and studious eye of referee Roy who must have enjoyed League B so much last week he decided to stay on Pitch 4 tonight.

From the first whistle it was evident this would be a contrast of styles, Jiggle's pacy movement against the considered and methodical build-up of Caledonian. Pacy movement started very well, forcing Caledonian to sideline methodical build-up in favour of watchful defending for the opening four or five minutes. Dave Carling forced Barthez into his most energetic save in three matches against Jiggle within two minutes with a confident early strike turned away by the keeper's legs. Stuart MacPherson found the keeper's arms and the lively Sam Cohen fired wide in what was an encouraging spell from the Jigglers.

The first goal tonight you felt was likely to be more vital than ever and as Caledonian slowly began to work their way into the match it was they who produced the best of the efforts to break the deadlock.

Having not touched the ball in any meaningful sense early on Phil Laker was called into action on six minutes as a Caledonian defender, from a seemingly innocous position teased a fine through ball into the path of his striker who saw his well struck right-foot shot turned over. A couple of minutes later a similar scenario worked room for the attacker to get in a ferocious shot and bring a second fine stop from the Jiggle keeper.

It was an even game in the possession stakes but Caledonian were creating the better chances. On the stroke of half-time they put one away. Another steady passage of build-up play eventually worked a yard of space on the left, the striker still had plenty to do but did it in style with a stunning, fierce rising shot which Phil having got comfortably across to the ball chose to leave at the last moment only for it to hit the post and fly in the top corner. With the keeper still fuming at letting it go, referee Royston blew for half-time.

There was still a lot of confidence in the ranks at half time that Jiggle could launch a stirring comeback. A smart response was required and the Jigglers did their very best to provide it, stretching the Caledonian defence and keeping the play in the Cally half for much of the opening five minutes of the second period. Jiggle were just lacking that final ball to unlock a defence that was being superbly marshalled by the experience and know-how of Caledonian's big defender. Jiggle's movement was causing problems and Stuart MacPherson and Sam Cohen both gave Barthez cause for minimal alarm with low shots ultimately fielded comfortably by the keeper. The best chance fell to Dave Carling midway through the half after Stuart MacPherson won a strong 50-50 ball on half-way. 3 on 2 the defenders chose to pick up Sam to the left and Stu to the right, the space opened invitingly for Dave but with a clear sight of goal the experience of the Cally defence told once again as a excellently timed tackle stole away the chance.

Caledonian were content to play on the counter but remained in control, enjoying more possession as the half reached its latter stages and Jiggle continued to chase the game. Phil continued to be the busier keeper making a cracking save high to the right from a perfectly struck half-volley, then getting the faintest of fingertips on a shot which came back off the post.

As Roy commented at full-time, it had been a game of high quality but was not to be one that the Jigglers were able to wrestle a point from as Caledonian's method and experience won the day and were worth the win that secured the three points. Jiggle can take a lot of plusses out of the game, not least that if they can keep up this level they'll win a lot more than they lose over the next seven games. And if that is the case a place in the top four can be a real possibility. A backlash to this defeat, the best possible response will be required against Southern Celtic next Friday at 8.30pm!

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