The Puckering Irregulars may have lost a battle on Saturday, but the tactics of their manager, Bert Walsham, may eventually win them the war. For the first time this season Puckering were actually leading a game, thanks to the quickness of young striker Burstow, and the intimidating defense of Knobbly Lyles. Wooden Forest's back four  seemed rooted to the spot compared to the speed of Puckering's first-time goal scorer and both he and the ball ended up in the net after a glorious run through the middle. At the back Lyles' reputation stood before him like bad breath on a first date, and none came near. Yet once again Lyles' temper got the better of him and, after being cautioned for barking at the Forest center forward, he was admonished by the referee and given a yellow card. Knobbly reacted to the unjustified caution by kicking the ball at the referee. Unfortunately, given the general accuracy of the Irregulars, he struck him on the back of the head. It was now that the manager stepped in.

"What Knobbly did was unprofessional, but I don’t think he meant the ball to hit him. Anyway the ref was stunned a bit, so whilst he was gathering his wits and getting the grass out of his glasses, I substituted Knobbly. When the ref came to and tried to send him off, he was already gone! He'll now be available next week and I think we'll have him taking the free kicks!"

Without Lyles, the Irregulars stumbled at the end and their opponents swept forward like leaves driven by the wind. But determined defense kept Forest to a single goal, allowing them to come away with a draw and a valuable point.