On a day when grey clouds prevailed in Manchester Carlisle met old foes Didsbury Greys.

The home side began with vigour threatening the Cumbrians’circle at the outset and were soon awarded a penalty stroke for a visitor’s foot on the goal line. There was a hush from all watching as the Didsbury striker faced Carlisle keeper Brown Owl (formerly Grey Owl)The visitors cheers broke the silence as Brown Owl batted away the goal bound attempt with confidence .

Carlisle’s greyhound Katie used her speed to unsettle the home defence but Carlisle’s optimism would be short lived as Didsbury got back into their stride. A quick counter attack caught out the Cumbrians and Didsbury opened the scoring.

Two minutes later they added a second following strong and accurate interpassing ending with a reaction volley. Carlisle were now on the rack as the home side closed down the Cumbrians giving them little room for manoeuvre and launching penetrative attacks.

Carlisle were dealt a further blow when lynchpin Alice had to leave the pitch feeing so unwell and looking distinctly grey. The visitors dug deep in her absence ,working hard to restrict their opponents, hurrying and scurrying rather like grey squirrels foraging for nuts
So, although Carlisle were still 2-0 down at the break they had refused to fade to grey and had hope to be able to infiltrate the grey zone that was confronting them.

The second half started with Carlisle continuing to battle to try and make headway but nine minutes after the interval Didsbury struck again to increase their lead. Unabashed the Cumbrians responded almost immediately, forced their first short corner from which Holly’s powerful strike was deflected in by the ever watchful Jenny.

Didsbury restored their three goal lead from a short corner midway through the half. Carlisle tried to reduce the arrears as the home side tired and good saves from the Didsbury keeper kept them at bay.

Overall it was a victory for Grey Power. The Cumbrians worked hard, never gave up but could not find enough grey matter to make sufficient incisions into the Grey’s anatomy