YOU'VE heard of strength in depth well what about strength in depleted team?

For that's what Wilpshire Bulls Head can boast after winning their Memorial Sunday League fixture at the weekend with just eight players!

A Christmas do on Saturday night took its toll (I know how that feels) and Wilpshire could only muster eight players for their Division One clash against Woodnook.

It didn't start too well for Wilpshire after going behind. But when Liam Lishman equalised they suddenly thought they were in with a shout.

Woodnook regained the lead again but a Paul Chippendale hat-trick secured a memorable hat-trick for Wilpshire.

Veteran midfielder Alan True dedicated the victory to former chairman Harry Dewhurst who sadly passed away last month.

He said: "Both Craig Barnes and myself are thirtysomething veterans on the Memorial Sunday League and had a lot of time for Harry Dewhurst.

"I would like to dedicate the victory to Harry because we played at all costs just like Harry liked it.

"We could have conceded the points, wasted everyone's time and gone home. But we gave it a go and were glad we did!"

My old 'mate' Terry Lambe has found his true vocation as a goalkeeping coach -- which is a good thing really as he was a rubbish defender!

For Terry, with the assistance of his club Accoutre Juniors, is holding a once-a-week coaching course for young keepers which is proving to be a big hit.

Terry, a qualified FA coach, is holding the course at Blackburn YMCA every Thursday between 8-9pm for keepers aged seven to 16-years-old.

And he is now inviting clubs from across the area to send their young stoppers for some specialist training.

Anyone interested should contact Terry Lambe on 07904 891623.

By the way Terry, nice Christmas jumper!

I know exactly how young Blue Star under nines must be feeling.

The new boys to the Blackburn and Darwen Junior League have yet to win a game and have scored more own goals than goals in the right end.

Well, if it is any consolation lads I too have scored more own goals than goals in the right end.

On second thoughts, that is no consolation whatsoever!

Here's a good topic of conversation for you at the office party -- a part from the boss's silly Christmas tie in his vain attempt to be 'in with the crowd'.

Sticking a team in the Orphanage Cup. Yes, it is that time of the year again for Blackburn and Darwen works team to enter in the annual knockout competition.

But you'd better hurry because the deadline to register your team is Monday, December 23. For details contact Peter Bush on 01254 693856.