First game in 2014 and the first game in the C&D Church league played on an artificial surface at Grace Academy.
Mosaic started the game with a fierce wind mainly at their backs and were quickly on the front foot. Gary B made a great early save to keep the game level. The wind was making it difficult for either side to keep any consistent possession but when Affinity found their passing game chances started to come with Josh P coming close with the first Affinity attempt on goal.
Playing against the wind made goal kicks difficult to control distance wise for Mosaic with the ball holding up from the Affinity end with Jamie winning his fare share from both ends. Although under pressure the Affinity defence held firm with a number of a last ditch blocks.
Gurps and Luke switched places and within minutes fashioned probably Affinity's best goal of the season with a slick passing move between them finished off by Gurps drilling the ball into the far corner of the net. Mosaic's response played into Affinity's hands with their players turning on themselves. A second goal followed before half time with James playing a short free kick to Luke who drilled the ball into the corner.
Gilly who had been very solid in the centre of defence first half was replaced by Sean for the second half with Wally making his first appearance at right back. Mosaic started the second half well and were back in the game within 5 minutes with a passing move finished off with a shot in the corner giving Gary no chance.
All to play for now the following 10 minutes became a battle of attrition with both sides battling to gain the upper hand. A series of corners from Mosaic were defended effectively and Affinity with the wind at their backs started to test the Mosaic defence. Lee should have restored the two goal margin when he slipped the ball past a defender and keeper only for his shot to finish the wrong side of the post.
A third goal came with Jamie making the decision to take a quick free kick while James, Gurps, Luke and the Mosaic defence pondered what to do next! Mosaic players surrounded the ref reminiscent of Roy Keane's Man Utd troops of old crying foul but the two goal cushion stood.
Will replaced Gurps and settled in quickly holding the ball up well and bringing others into play effectively. A fourth goal followed to end the match as a contest with Josh finishing off James' corner arriving unmarked at the back post.
Sean is awarded the Man of the Match award with a fine first half performance at right back and an accomplished second half performance at centre back and fast becoming a utility player. Other mentions for Ian solid at the heart of the defence and Jamie bolstering the midfield, winning most of his headers and quick thinking for his goal
