Muers, doing what he does best, picking up the ball out of the net, after being lobbed, again.

A new year and another win for Sassco 11-a-side, who are now unbeaten in nearly two years.

Sunderland Deaf Football Club were the opponents and the venue changed time due to Castle View being waterlogged, to the plush surroundings of Chester-le-Street, and the sumptuous 3G pitch.

Squad was cobbled together again, with drop outs and late additions, seeing Simon Williamson, Michael Conlin, Michael Forsythe, Karl Lockwood, Mike Barker (aka Max Baxter) all making Sassco débuts. It looked just that way, when in the first few moments, DFC nearly scored from a mix up at the back. Normal service resumed and goals from Conlin, Brook and Charlton put Sassco 3-1 ahead. They were pegged back 3-2 to conclude the half, but in the second, the team raced ahead, with more goals from Charlton (another hat-trick), Conlin and Baxter (plus an own goal from Deaf FC).

Only downside was Muers and his ample frame getting lobbed by the same player, TWICE, like he did last time. However, due to complaints from Muers, we have to mention his fabulous save, late in the second half, when all Sassco players turned towards the centre spot, expecting a goal to be conceded.