All 24 teams return to Abingdon Monday 5 a side

It was fantastic to see all 24 teams at our Abingdon Monday 5 a side league at Tilsley Park returning as lockdown restrictions were eased. Let's hope this is the last time we have to stop the leagues. Football has been massively missed by so many, it's not about the Premier League football it's about being able to keep fit and have a game with your mates that we all miss. Just seeing people gives everyone a boost.

So let's think after that long break what week are we on? Yes that's it match day 8 and just over the halfway point of the Monday night season. The Premier league table is still as close as ever but has lockdown been kind to some teams and not to others. Has one used the time to get fit while another enjoyed one to many beers and takeaways. Well the leaders Fruity Spartans certainly looked strong on their return to action as they defeated Victorious Secret 16-3 to maintain their two point cushion at the top. We then have a group of 3 teams all on 10 points, into second place are Coopers Troopers who jumped above Club Tropicana Drinks with a keenly contested encounter that saw Coopers come out on top with a 6-4 victory. Reigning champions Hadland Rovers also had that winning feeling again as they defeated a spirited SWXI side 9-3. Finally Hardly Athletic secured an excellent win over Sex Drugs and Carlton Cole by 6 goals to 4.

The top two met in Div 1 as runaway leaders Young Guard aimed to make it 8 wins from 8 as they took on FCUOB. The game ebbed and flowed however Young Guard showed that bit of extra class to show why they are top by 6 points and secured the win 9-5. KanteFitMyWillian gave their survival bid a massive shot in the arm as they moved to within a point of safety with a 8-5 victory over Basically Barca. Also a huge congratulations to Cunning Stunts who picked up their first win of the season by beating Class On Grass 9-3. A great day for both the bottom two. Last but not least the mid table clash between Savills and Substandard Liege ended with a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

We finish our round up in Div 2 as the battle for the title continues between Expected Toulouse and Unportected Cesc. Cesc ended up on the right side of a 9 goal thriller with a 5-4 win over a strong Ivory Toast side who drop to fourth. Although the win for Cesc kept them top it did give Abingdonnys the chance to close the goal difference gap which they did as they hit 10 against Survey Monkeys in a 10-5 win to move to within 2 goals of Cesc. Expected Toulouse are up to third as they had a comfortable 7-1 win over 2 Girls 1 Schlupp while the points were shared as the Tass and Norfolk N Chance match ended 2-2.

Thank you to all 24 teams plus Dean, Andy, Warren and Ian for reffing. Remember we are off on Easter Monday, so back on the 12th April.