They say a week is a long time in politics but for Affinity the next match day couldn't come soon enough. A return to Finham Park school for the final cup group game against ARYPT2 and with it the possibility of Affinity finishing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in the group depending on the result.
The opening exchanges were fairly even with both sides trying to play a passing game. With a very wide pitch the opportunities to play with width were clear and ARYPT went ahead before the 10 minute mark following a run down their right and a ball across finding a fellow striker with an easy finish.
Reminiscent of the Cathedral game Affinity were soon 2-0 down after a similar run down the right a striker tucked in and fired in beating Steve at the near post. Unlike the previous week where at two in arrears Affinity struggled to battle their way back into the game this time a recovery was built starting with the back four ensuring that they picked up the two ARYPT strikers further up the pitch.
Mark and Sean took the opportunity to push wide and bring Jamie and Steve G into the game down the flanks. Mike and Ian took a stranglehold of centre midfield and chances for Jobo and Will to pressure the ARYPT back four and keeper started to open up. The pressure eventually told with Sean moving through from right back to the edge of the ARYPT penalty area with his shot finding it's way past a hesitant keeper. The goal was reward for the manner of the response to going behind.
It wasn't all one way traffic though and Affinity had to defend a couple of corners which were cleared effectively by a powerful Gilly header and Steve R punch. By the end of the first half the play was camped in the ARYPT half with further chances being created with half chances resulting rather than clear cut opportunities. An equalising goal came a few minutes before the break with a cross from Jamie from the left falling initially to Jobo with Ian getting the final touch before it crossed the line.
The half time team talk had a completely different feel to it this week; Affinity were playing for the win rather than pride. The 2nd half started the way the 1st ended with Affinity in control of possession and the momentum. The defence had a good shape allowing the midfield to push forward as a unit.
ARYPT were limited to quick breaks after the breakdown of Affinity attacks but a sufficient enough threat to keep Affinity on their toes. A third Affinity goal came from a great header from Will from a Steve G cross from the right, it was Will's first for Affinity and reward for his commitment to the cause.
The goal stirred ARYPT and a couple of good chances followed with one in particular leaving Affinity stretched and grateful for a finish that sailed wide. A fourth Affinity goal came with 8 minutes remaining with a fine finish by man of the match Mike taking a return pass from Steve W and giving the keeper no chance. The last few minutes were played out with Affinity controlling play and enjoying the feeling of a good job well done.
This was a great confidence boosting team performance built of fine personal performances. Mike's all round motivational display was key to the comeback with particular mention also to Will's, Ian's, Sean's, Gilly's and Jamie's role in the win. A league return fixture against ARYPT2 up next with a chance for Affinity to build on the win and an opportunity for payback for ARYPT
