With a relaxed kick off time of 1130, and Tom barely up by the time we left, Alex and I cycled sedately to his cup semi final against Musselburgh. 

Whilst he warmed up, I set about laying in supplies and returned for kick off, happed up well against the cold. 

A decent game with Spartans leading 2-1 at half time. Then common sense gave way to fair play. The coaches decided to give everyone a game rather than ram home the advantage they had; I mean 3 of the back four were changed and a tactical reshuffle saw them lose control of midfield. Inevitably an equaliser appeared and a penalty shoot out ensued. Needless to say they lost. 

But. Alex had possibly his finest game for Spartans. Without any great pace in the opposition attack (for the most part) Alex set about snuffing out any danger, gently easing attackers off the ball when required, knocking them flying when gentle easing was not the correct option; and not only won the ball but set about striding forward with the ball at his feet, intent on slick passing forward to his team mates. Imperious. 

Little consolation though to be dumped out the cup. He'd have settled for a stinker but gone into the final. Even the opposition coach singled him out after the game for fulsome praise. And the MOTM award was heading his way when I checked later. He was quietly pleased with his performance come evening time; not least because there had been 8 of his mates turn up to watch him and they all left if not in awe, certainly nodding quiet approval.

After lunch, I was visited by a brief / slight migraine before getting the air fryer to roast a lump of pork (I declared myself happy with the outcome; the boys had empty plates, so I guess the customer satisfaction rating was good)

Laundry / uniforms / dishes / sneaky weekend accommodation searching for Feb / snooker was the evening

Trying out the new lens again; Alex wants some action shots for his social media; maybe next time his team will play with a strip and not bibs and look slightly more professional.... But here he is, an effective clearance if not one of great  poise and grace. He's a centre half; poise is for others in the team