The Claret Shoemakers kicked off their season with the annual Cambridge Fans United Tournament on Sunday 24th August. On an extremely hot day, a squad of twelve had to play five straight twenty minute games, with a short break before the sixth and final match.

The first game was a 1-0 victory over hosts Moosnet (Cambridge) with Nick Randall heading in the decisive goal from Rob Ellam's corner. Next up were MK Dons who were victorious by a single goal, despite only having two shots on goal. The Shoemakers dominated but couldn't covert their chances.

An action packed third game saw Stevenage Borough take the lead in the first half thanks to an unfortunate own goal by Dale Smith. Stevenage then put through their own net to level the scores. Both teams created chances, but Stevenage scored twice to win 3-1.

The toughest challenge came in game four against Fulbourne Sports. Martin Holmes headed in Rob Ellam's free kick to give the Shoemakers the lead. Fulbourne were a strong side and hit back to equalise before half time. Despite some resolute defending in the second half, the local side scored twice more to win 3-1.

After four tough games, all you need is to face your local rivals, but the Shoemakers took to the field to face old friends Posh.net. Posh are a strong side and carved out some good early openings, but strong defending kept the scores level at half time. Dale Smith and Martin Holmes both came close in the second half but neither side could break the deadlock. Posh had a last minute penalty appeal waved away by the referee, but no one in a claret shirt saw what the fuss was about!

In the final game, the Shoemakers met Watford in a meaningless, but crazy game. Watford took the lead in the first half thanks to a near post strike, before somehow hitting the post from about a yard. The Shoemakers dominated possession in the second half but somehow managed to miss a hatful of chances, before Watford grabbed a second.

Squad - Matt Cockerill, Dave Sharman, Ant Collett, Dale Smith, Mark Kennedy, Luis Pereiria, Rob Ellam, Ian Errington, Martin Holmes, Phil Spokes, Nick Randall, James Baker