Scouting for Goals pull clear!
Week 4 kicked off with a big top of the table clash between unbeaten Crowninithians FC and Scouting for Goals.
Much to the surprise of most watching, Scouting for Goals took an early lead from a great strike by Dan Bluck, finding the corner from just inside the half way line. Crowninthians looked unorganised and up against it, SFG showing their great energy levels and fighting spirit yet again. The game remained tight throughout and after SFG took a 3-2 lead, Crowninthians piled the pressure on but couldn’t find an equaliser. A hard earned victory saw SFG keep their 100% record and moved 3 points clear at the top. Crowninthians will be looking to bounce back next week against Borussia Maestegladbach to keep up the pressure at the top.
Game 2 came in the way of The Vaders v Park Arabs. On paper, this looked like a very even contest but with Park Arabs struggling to raise a side, The Vaders took full advantage after a tight opening. Robbie Walters and Nathan Whelan both scored wonder strikes for their sides but it was The Vaders, with their fresher legs, who finished the game strongest and ran out 6-2 victors. The win put The Vaders into second place and if they can keep winning, their game with Scouting for Goals in week 7 could be huge. The Park will hope to get back to winning ways next week with more players to choose from.
Still looking for their first points, The Rebel Alliance entered game 3 in confident mood as they lined up against Borussia Maestegladbach and looked very comfortable at 1-0 half time, with not much threat coming from BMG. Changes to both team’s goalkeepers changed the game in the second half, The Rebels losing their defensive shape and Gareth Hanbury providing a target for BMG up top. BMG pegged The Rebels back and The Rebels took the lead once more, before 2 quick goals put BMG in front for the first time in the match. They held on easily til the final whistle, despite The Rebels’ Gavin Davies having a goal disallowed with a couple of minutes to go. BMG look to have put their bad start behind them and will hope to keep up the momentum. The Rebels look to next week where they play fellow strugglers Sports Centre United, both currently on zero points.
The final game of the evening saw Olden But Golden give Sports Centre United a bit of a lesson in possession. The older heads keeping calm and holding onto the ball for the majority of the game. It wasn’t all one sided, though. SCU’s youth provided some exciting moments and they had plenty of chances to score, especially in a second half where they had a good 10 minute spell and looked to get back into it. Olden But Golden got reduced to 7 for 5 minutes when Dai Evans went to ground but SCU couldn’t capitalise on the numerical advantage, with it being late in the game and with some very tired legs after chasing the ball a lot. The game ended in a comfortable 6-2 victory for Olden But Golden but SCU still have plenty to offer. They may fancy their chance at a first win when they face The Rebels next week.
One change made this week which was to add goal areas, and it proved to be popular with almost everyone. It meant less ‘lucky’ or rebounded goals being scored and give the keepers a better chance.