A bright sun lit and windless Saturday in Guildford made for almost perfect conditions; although the temperature was close to freezing, the excessive use of Deep Heat and underwear belayed the onset of hyperthermia. This however, should probably have been supplemented with a large dosage of 3 in 1 oil to loosen the cogs following the longer than expected weather induced break. Pete Beer's inspirational as ever pre-match talk, which included a comprehensive met report, set an expectancy of what was to come.

The pitch had all the characteristics of a ten-pin bowling alley … that had been ploughed over with a larger than usual Massey Ferguson, and a bounce that embarrassed even the more experienced and able. Guildford's first goal of the match was testament to this following a backward header from man of the match Mark Farrell after a particularly unfortunate bounce and a delightful through ball, by co-centre half Tony Clayton, enabling Guildford's centre-forward and arguably best player to finish sublimely past the outstretched hand of keeper Dave Gault. This invigorated Icarus and a glut of goals quickly followed. Two delightfully headed back-post goals from Mark Farrell following exquisitely delivered corners from Mike Greenway; a great solo effort from Steve Wood and pinpoint strikes also from Steve Woods and Si Hays saw the half time score make for more comfortable reading than the match actually portrayed. Guildford came excruciatingly close on several occasions to filling the Icarus onion bag.

The second half began with changes having been made and the machinations of Pete Beer ringing fresh, Icarus were soon on the attack again and unfortunate not to score from the first foray of the half. As the game progressed it was clear that this period would follow a similar line to the first with Guildford creating several good goal scoring opportunities only to be undone by the outstanding goal keeping abilities of Dave Gault. However, it wasn't long before the Guildford net was bulging as goals from John Pullen, Stu Lindsay and a penalty from stand-in taker Ade Morris, (unfortunate substitution that Mike), completed the tally. Stu Lindsay obviously felt the need for some close in shooting practice as he thrice rebounded the ball off their keeper before calmly side footing in. All under control? Of course.

So there it was, normal service had been resumed with a resounding 8 - 2 victory. Another tick to add to the "W" column. Despite being an arguably rusty display, there were some very creditable efforts providing a sturdy back-bone for the more dislocated amongst us. Debutants, Dave Gault and Chris Higgins demonstrated commendable performances; Dave almost single handedly keeping the opposition score to two goals by thwarting an ensemble of 1 on 1 situations. An industrious midfield engine of Si Hays and Jon Fox worked tirelessly throughout, (the former winning the award for the loudest scream of the day after kicking his opposing number). And of course, obvious choice for Man of the Match Mark Farrell, proving to be the "everywhere man" of the defensive suite and bagging 2 headed goals. With individual commitment and team morale being at tropospheric levels we soar upward with a whoosh and a roar seeking some retribution against the HAC in the next fixture.