In face of sub-zero temperatures, Octopus United rallied late to hold on to the top spot after a frosty encounter against a strong Do It Like A Dude outfit in the Slough Power League.

This week's encounter began at frenetic pace with plenty of early touches for Octopus, and especially for Jack Harris who saw plenty of the ball early on. Though unfortunately at both ends of the pitch!

Having scored the opener, seizing upon a through ball from United's ever-present captain Tommy Flisher, Harris then embarrassingly levelled up the tie putting through his own goal. Looking to make amends for his error, Jack then drilled home from distance to restore Octopus' lead.

This lead was extended before half time with a further five goals, with Flisher, Harris, Steve Miller and Sammy Jamieson (2) sharing the spoils, and only conceding two goals in response.

With a flattering 7-3 advantage at half time, Octopus knew the Dudes would be out to raise their game in the second half, and raise it they did. Despite many a strong tackle from Sammy, Steve Spencer and Tom Holland at the back, United let their 4 goal cushion slip and allowed the Dudes to level the game with time running out.

Desperately seeking inspiration, out of nowhere, Tommy "The Wily Mouse" Flisher slammed in a superb finish across the keeper from a wide angle. Moments later, he again showed all his 5-a-side knowhow in supplying Harris with a sneaky free kick to put the Octopedes back in front with minutes to spare. Calmness then prevailed as Octopus ran down the clock and came out relieved 9-7 winners to remain clear at the top of the table.

In other news, Octopus' wheeler-and-dealer approach came up trumps in the transfer market with the recruitment of free agent Callum Fortune before the window was slammed shut on Tuesday.

Along with the welcome return of JP Charles, Fortune will be in contention for an immediate debut with a call up to next week's squad.

Unfortunately, Julian Moore's long-awaited return from the injury list has been set back by another week, as Octopus seek assurances that he has fully recovered from the Achilles injury that has plagued his career.

Jack, as commentator.

Octopus United continued their impressive start to the season with another comfortable victory in the Slough Power League.

This week's game against WMC started off slow and both teams cancelled each other out with long-range efforts. However, Octopus Utd seized an advantage with Captain Tom Flisher bagging the opener with a clinical finish inside 10 minutes.

From then on Octopus controlled the game and goals from Steve Miller, Sammy Jamieson and JP Charles saw the team take a 6-2 lead at half-time.

Octopus picked-up the pace in the second half, with early goals from Sammy and Tom. With a comfortable goal cushion Octopus played some good free-flowing football and ended up winning 13-2.

January has been a good month for the team, who have notched up three consecutive wins and are now top of their league.

Octopus will look to continue their good form next week, and with Julian Moore still on the long-term injury list, the team may give a debut to January signing, James Pieslak.

JP