The companies behind the screening of England’s World Cup qualifier in Ukraine as a pay-per-view online broadcast today hailed it as a success after almost half a million people tuned in, despite complaints about the picture quality.

The Swiss agency Kentaro, left holding the rights after Setanta went bust this year, and Perform, the internet broadcaster it employed to show the match after receiving no “satisfactory” offers from TV broadcasters, said almost nine in 10 viewers who responded to a post-match survey found the picture quality “satisfactory or better”.

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As is usually the case with these early kick-off times, getting the players at the venue on time and ready to play is a challenge in itself. But somehow we started on time and with a full compliment, even if the two subs were nowhere to be seen. Unfortunately it was a changed side from the previous weeks 18-2 romp with Mark and Mike missing upfront and so we had to make do with a couple of untried ringers, one of which seems to be very promising.

The game itself against the Bengal Tigers was nip and tuck for the first 10 mins until Steam got their noses in front and then went 2-0 up with some fine movement and finishing by Chris (the newbie). The Tigers, who were not living up to their billing on the kicking front, got a goal back before the interval with a fine finish off a deflected Rob leg into the top corner that Tim, in goal again, could only parry. So 2-1 at half time. The second half opened with a controversial penalty which ultimately cost Steam the match. The poor refereeing in the league does not seem to have changed from previous seasons and another written complaint is in the post to Soho Square! The Tigers pulled one back from the penalty spot and then proceeded to press Steam who were visibly tiring and got the winning goal from a miss hit through the goalie’s legs. The Steam players missed countless chances upfront and so the result was ultimately fair. The highlight for me though was Graham “the Juggernaut” Granger’s crunching tackle under the referee’s nose that, although legal, left the opposition player rolling around the deck like he’d been shot. Next week Bolt Burden 630pm ko.

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Steam UK have helped to set up the groundbreaking John Smith’s People’s Darts tournament; back again for its 2^nd year and this year it’s bigger then before: bigger charity prize fund, more participating pubs and clubs, more regional finals and a host of darts pros – Tony ‘Silverback’ O’Shea, Darryl ‘The Dazzler’ Fitton, Ross ‘The Boss’ Montgomery and Trina ‘Golden Girl’ Gulliver – will join the ranks of mentors that coach the eight regional finalists.

The John Smith’s People’s Darts gives everyday pub and club players the chance to play at Lakeside just before the BDO World Championship final in front of a packed house and a TV audience of millions.

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According to a magazine survey of football fans, the beautiful game would be even better if more women went to games.

Among other recommendations to sex up footie would be being allowed to enjoy beer in their stadium seats. Fans also want to see an end to goalscorers kissing their jewellery in celebration, the Mexican wave banned and match-day mascots given the red card.

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