Match Report - 1st XI v South Bank CUACO

Match Report – Old Stationers 4-3 Southbank CUACO

After an agonising defeat in Extra Time of the SAL cup last week it was back to league action this week with a home fixture against Southbank.

Unlike last week we started quickly, playing some nice football and creating a few good early chances. The heavy rain in EN5 had made for a zippy surface and we were knocking it around nicely looking dangerous with Dave smashing one off the bar. Our early pressure told when Simon finished neatly following a lovely weighted through ball from Dave. In what was to become the theme of the day we were pegged back from the spot. We went ahead again when Simon got his second of the game finishing well from the edge of the box after tidy play from Seany set up the chance. Jacko’s treacherous 24 hours continued as he sustained a cut to the head meaning he had to go off and have his head bandaged Terry Butcher style. Just before the break we were given the chance to extend our lead from the spot. Simon looked set to complete a first half hat trick but the less said about the pen the better. 2-1 up at HT.

We spoke at HT about starting the second half quickly to try and put the game to bed. Unfortunately, it was Southbank who started the quicker and drew level 10 mins in. True to form, we came back again as a ball over the top sent Seany racing away and he finished to make it 3-2. A lapse of concentration from our own throw in deep inside our half gifted the oppo yet another equaliser. We had to go again. We did. Breen’s floated delivery was perfect for Power to arrive and head (shoulder) home what proved to be the winner on his return to the team.

The points were not safe and after Brad rampaged down the left and had his one on one saved, it looked as though we might get pegged back AGAIN. However, heroics from Pel in the net saw him pull off two sensational saves to give us the three points. We managed the game well in the last 10 minutes and restricted the oppo to very little in the way of chances.

Two wins on the bounce in the league. We go to The Warren next week looking to extend our good form. COYS.

Team: Perry, Phillips Jacko, Power, Brad, Jamo, Elsey, David, Simon, Breen, Seany

Sub: Matt

Goals: Simon (2), Seany, Power

MOTM: Perry