Affinity vs Elim
The start of the 2014/15 season kicked off at the memorial park as Affinity took on Elim in the new look ‘1 division for all’. Affinity took a fairly early lead in the game after some nice build up play down the left with Ryan latching onto a flick from Ian, cooly placing the ball past the Elim keeper.
Affinity then thought they’d gone 2 nil to the good after Ryan again latched onto a ball which ricocheted through off an Elim defender after some more good attacking football from Affinity, only to be ruled offside. The referee stating Ryan was in an offside position when the initial shot was taken.
Elim then had a decent spell and seemed to be able to find space wherever they were on the pitch and after some good build up play down their left and some lack lustre affinity defending they drew level after a tidy finish from the Elim striker.
Elim continued to press and they made it 2 not long after. A lofted ball from the right was brought down well by Elim’s winger and slotted away nicely leaving Steve no chance in the Affinity goal.
The remainder of the half was scrappy but Affinity came back into the game well, getting the ball down and had the better of the play in the last 15 minutes of the half. James and Ian both had chances from good balls into the area and both had more time than they realised. Ryan also went close to a second after a good run through on goal, only to put it just wide of the post. Elim then nearly made it 3 at the end of the half after a number of headers in the area from both sides resulted in Steve tipping the ball on to the bar before it was eventually cleared away up field.
The teams went in at half time at 2-1 and Affinity knew it was key that the next goal went their way as a 3-1 deficit would make the second half even harder. Just 5 minutes into the half and Elim made it 3 after a good header from a very good freekick into the box. The comeback was now more difficult but after Mark’s words about belief at half time I think everyone in the Affinity side still thought they had enough to win it.
After conceding Affinity piled on the pressure and for the remainder of the half there was only one team in it. They pulled a goal back as Elim struggled to properly clear the ball out of danger and a good ball in from James was put away by Gilly with a fine header after staying up from a corner. Gilly then put away another making it 3-3 after another good passing move from Affinity, only to again be ruled out for offside by the linesman, further frustrating the Affinity players.
Affinity continued to attack and soaked up anything coming from Elim with ease as the back four looked a lot more organised and composed on the ball second half. It was soon 3-3 after Mike headed in as Elim again failed to clear their lines after another good Affinity attack.
The full time whistle went and a spirited Affinity comeback was enough to earn a draw, but left the pitch disappointed that they hadn’t won the game.
A strong second half team performance made up for a shaky start and showed a lot of promise for the rest of the season as we continue to build as a squad. Special mentions for Gilly whose aerial presence both in attack and defence was vital throughout the game. To Ryan who led the attack well with his clever runs of the last man, who will no doubt score goals in this league this season. To Sean who was solid throughout the game, judging each situation well, chipping in with some good freekicks from range. To Steve R who had a solid debut in goal making some key saves to keep us in the game and to man of the match, Mike, who made the difference. Battling for every ball, talking positively throughout and turning defence into attack on numerous occasions.
