Cup fever

The smell of glory is hanging around the ICC after today's historic, if inelegant, 5-a-side victory over Physics Rangers. The win puts the ICC's side, imaginatively titled "Astro", into the final of the annual knockout tournament. Whilst there was an air of confidence that, having gloriously sailed past tournament hopefuls Engineering, Physics Rangers would pose less of a threat, we made thoroughly hard work of it.

Norris, in the "Henrik Larsson" role (being on loan from local rivals Cosmic) put us ahead in style - latching onto a cross to slide home from short range. Rangers were back on level terms in short order though, after we were caught napping and hit on the break.

The side remained unchanged as we started the second half (Bielby - also on loan, Eke, Davies, Crain, Norris) and I saw possibly my finest goal of the season - a left foot volley from the halfway line going in off the post - disallowed as we'd already been awarded a free kick (much talk of "where's the advantage ref?"). Nonetheless, Greg soon put us ahead again, surging down the right flank and firing home skilfully after the ball bobbled up awkwardly.

Not learning from the earlier mistake, lapse defending soon allowed Rangers back into the game, against the run of play, as a gambled cross found an unmarked striker ready to tap into the open net. Fresh legs were introduced as the Marks swapped - Swinbank on for Norris - but still the game looked to be heading into extra time, as Astro's unfruitful onslaught on the Rangers net sapped any remaining energy. Cue fitness masochist Vince Eke to take full advantage, positioning himself perfectly to latch onto a threaded ball from Swinbank and guiding home from short range. Rangers had no time to respond and Astro took a narrowly deserved victory.

The final is set for this Friday against runaway league champions Earth Sciences. We'll need to pull out all the stops to win that one, especially without goal machine Raul. Still, if the loan deals on Bielby and Norris can be extended we might stand a chance.

Also satisfying was this year's league position, a respectable fourth behind Earth Sciences, Physical Rex and Engineering. Coming above the likes of ASAT, Chembridge Utd and - of course - Cosmic, is very satisfying.