It was billed as the Drew Smith Homes Southampton League's version of East versus West.

In the blue corner, from west of the River Itchen we have the reigning Premier Division champions Brendon, while in the red corner we have the challengers Ford Sports, who finished in third place last season.

However, the first obstacle at Millbrook Rec for the white-trainer footed reporter was to safely negotiate the huge muddy lake which awaits you on the other side of the wire-meshed entrance gate between the car park and the dressing room block.

Having no doubt chuckled at ballet-style efforts of entry, a familiar-looking, friendly face (obviously not a referee then!) greets me with a "Hello Derek, alright?" just outside the changing rooms - no, it's not Carol Smillie.

It's one of those semi-awkward moments where you know who it is but the name won't come out. Yeah, we've all been there haven't we?

He reminds me a bit of Wimborne's Jason Lovell and I've definitely seen him somewhere recently, but where on earth was it?

You know I think I'm starting to show signs of that disease where people keep forgetting names and things, you know, ummm, ooohhh what's it called?

Anyway, a quick friendly nod of the head, a half (sorry I can't remember your name at this particular micro-second) smile and "yeah, you?" sees me safely over a quick unexpected second hurdle.

Into the dressing rooms and this time there is a face from the past which I do remember, it's Dick Downes of Brendon and he has some excellent news for yours truly.

"You know you mentioned Gandhi's Indian Cuisine Restaurant in Commercial Road, Totton, in the old Kegs on Legs competition the other week?" says Downes.

"Well, I know the all the boys down there and you've got yourself a free curry when you're in there next."

Oops, I did it again (Britney Spears). Oh dear, I've just mentioned the South's premier Indian restaurant with its friendly, relaxed atmosphere and fine selection of wines and chilled lagers and beers, once more.

That'll be a ceiling-high plate of complimentary poppadoms and unlimited supplies of Kingfisher as well then please. Thank-you very much.

Oh, and I'll be needing some form of transportation to get me there. One of those rather nice cars with Scotthall BMW written along the side of it would be tip-top. Hey, what a great job this really is!

Any thoughts of a mouth-watering, meaty madras were quickly dispelled as Fords' early pressure almost saw them take the lead when a right-footed shot from Gary Calder rattles the champions' upright.

Paul Parker !!! ...... Of course it was. It was Paul Parker stood outside the changing rooms earlier on and I had seen him play for Woolston T&L just two weeks earlier in their Sunday Hampshire Senior Cup tie at the Veracity Ground.

Actually, that nice Mr Parker person is a very keen amateur boxer and, bearing in mind that I bruise very easily - especially around the facial region - an extremely good player!

Back to the match and the rattling of timber seemed to have shaken Brendon from their slumbers. They took the lead midway through the first half when Mark Richardson nodded on a corner and ... ummm .. Paul Parker rose salmon-like at the far post to plant home a firm header.

Brendon doubled that advantage before half-time with a stunning goal, Terry Koizou supplied the pass and Ian Bush completed an exquisite finish from the edge of the penalty area.

Despite their greater possession, Fords were not troubling Gary Rose in the Brendon goal although the keeper was relieved to see Tony Patten head off the line in one lively Fords attack.

There was certainly no quarter asked or given in this keenly-contested affair with its share of full-bloodied tackles which were all within the rules of the game.

However, the one casualty of the afternoon was Fords' Fernando Valdivielso, who got a bloodied nose for his troubles after taking an unfortunate whack in the face during an aerial challenge.

One Fernando Valdivielso ..... there's only one Fernando Valdivielso! Anyway must go now, got to curry favour with some new friends in Commercial Road.

* FOR THE BEST PARKS FOOTBALL COVERAGE READ PARK SCRATCHINGS EVERY TUESDAY IN THE SOUTHERN DAILY ECHO.