Shiver-mi-timbers! Spangels Face Pirates In One-Off Friendly

Ahoy there land lubbers! Spangels are setting sail again in an 11-a-side guise against the mighty Panfield Pirates (formerly Sporting 77 first team) of BNESL Premier Division fame! In a one-off return to the beautiful game, Spangels will be dragging some familiar names out of bed for the 10.30am kick-off at Panfield's home pitch The Bell Public House on 31st August.

A few protagonists took convincing, but a strong (if unfit) squad has been formed, with more names in the pipe-line;

Craig "Rammer" Ramsay - since quiting 11-a-side, Rams has produced (via his wife) twin girls, which ensure those bags under his eyes stay of a decent size.

Chris "Stealth Wealth" Lynch - a broken wrist suspended Lynch's dash for glory on a 600cc motorcycle, so now he returns to the turf for further sporting memories to share with anyone in ear-shot.

Ian "Crayzy" Pritchard - Spangels manager, now back with Casuals for 2008/2009 season. This is unlikely to help Spangels, but at least he's kicked a ball this year!

Martin "Mud Splat" Parrett - second oldest squad member. Was excellent in recent 6-a-side outing. Was too keen for his own good when approached for this match...

Matt "Care Bear" Theobald - captain Theo almost declined this one on account of his commitment to perfection, until it was pointed out he's never achieved this. Knob.

Jon "JT" Tivey - the slow-mo flymo is raring to go. With gritted teeth and grazed thighs, nothing will stop JT. Apart from a red card, or a meat product.

Dan "Fudge" Lowe - now slimmed to his true fighting weight, Spangels' Jan Molby will as usual be the key creative force in midfield, that is until the hammy goes, or the shoulder, or the dinner bell!

Dan "Shuffle" Sayer - just one more time the fans (!) want to see the "Sayer Shuffle", that has bamboozled defenders for century's now... A Spangel original, Sayer has more history than the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Dan "Bambi" Wilson - with Aus' calling, Wilson's left-wing play is now of limited future, thank God! Hopefully he can shin one over from three yards or dangle a foot in for old times' sake.

Paul "Whites" Whiteman - the other Casual in the squad, Whites still has what it takes to put any defence to the sword. What everyone is asking, though, is why the hell has he agreed to play for this shower (actually, let me come back to you on that - we're not sure he has)?

Richard "Windy" Winsborough - what he lacks in height he makes up for in headless-chicken running about, which is good because the rest of Spangels' squad will be wheezing after ten minutes...

Leighton Williams - the manager of the opponents, being an ex-Spangel will be turning out for the away side. Christ!

It should be an interesting affair, with Spangels relying on their passing game to keep the youngsters of Panfield at bay. Or alternatively they'll hoof it long for Whiteman to run after gamely. Either way, what a great way to celebrate Spangel-ness, whilst not committing to a league format which will be instantly regretted, with withdrawl after three games...