Bolstered by new signing Bananaman (real name Eric Wimp), Artois United took on AC Crowborough at Goldsmiths. With the Crows having just been promoted to Division 2, this was never going to be an easy game, as anyone who played in last year's friendly would have known.

The pitch at Goldsmiths was in great condition, a reflection of the recent mix of wet and warm weather. We hope that our own pitch at Tonbridge Farm is as good to play on.

In a much changed side from last week, only four of the starting eleven took the field again. Despite the number missing we were still able to field a strong side, which is a tribute to the quality of the current squad. With all our regular golakeepers unavailable for varoius reasons, Stuart Wrangle offered to put on the gloves. He played well and made a few good stops, hopefully his back hasn't suffered any adverse reaction to these exertions.

Artois took the lead through an own goal, just like last week, a diving header. Credit must go to Danny Pring for this goal which followed a succession of dangerous crosses from the right-hand side of midfield. Artois then proceeded to hit the bar three times (Hardy, Thirlaway and Pring) before also hitting the post (Warran-Smith). On the stroke of half-time, debutant Rob Harman opened his account with a back post header that eluded the keeper's grasp.

2-0 at the break suggested that Artois would go on to win comfortably. However, to their credit, AC Crowborough made a fight of it and it was well into the 2nd period before Harman scored another and went on to complete his hat-trick with the pick of the goals, running from deep and beating several defenders before calmly slotting past the keeper. The Artois scoring was rounded off by Tarling, his first for the club, who managed to replicate Arshavin's recent effort by netting from a seemingly impossible angle. AC Crowborough scored a late consolation goal from a corner; the veteran Drabble, should have cleared the ball but succeeded only in heading it in to the roof of the net.

We're very pleased to announce the signing of Joe Risby who is playing for Crowborough Town on Saturday. Joe played in the centre of mid-field today and looks a very accomplished player for an 18-year old. We hope he enjoys his football with us this year and for many seasons to come.

Fortunately, Bananaman has promised to bring some other superheroes along for next weeks game against Armada. So expect to see a strong subs bench consisting of Scotsman, Doctor Gloom and Bubblegum Bert (see link attached).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bananaman