The 2012/2013 season starts with a home fixture for Affinity against promoted Elim.
Having looked rusty in the previous weeks friendly Affinity would step up the pace, the touch and clinical finishing to leave Elim no doubt about the task ahead for them this season.
The opening exchanges were fairly even with both sides trying to find some early rhythm. Affinity set out their stall to play a passing game and make the ball do the work on a hot morning and this strategy started to pay dividends as Elim's early pressure brought them no success.
Jordan in a new right back role was instrumental in stretching the play down the right side and Mike down the left. Slick interplay by the midfield linked the defence and attack but it was a cross from Jordan from the right which looped over the keeper's head that would open the scoring, his first Affinity goal. Two further first half goals would follow from James corners, the first a quickly taken corner drilled across the goal finding Mike to finish neatly and leaving Elim questioning each other about picking up Affinity players. No lessons learned from this inquest because a powerful header from an unmarked Ian soon made it 3-0.
Affinty's dominance continued into the second half with the game becoming even more stretched. Affinity's passing and moving was really pleasing and further goals looked likely. Defensively Affinty looked secure and Dale took the opportunity to vary his penetrative goal kicks with starting attacks from right and left back positions. Ian in particular was effective in heading Dale's goal kicks on for Lee and Josh P to run onto.
A ten minute period of play gave Affinity a further three goals from Ian, Gilly and Josh P. Ian's second was a smart finish after a great first touch, Gilly's a cross from Mike following a short corner from the right and Josh P a rocket in the top right corner from the edge of the box.
Elim's fortunes would improve with 20 minutes remaining with Jobo handling in the box resulting in a penalty and a red card which was harsh given that the ball hadn't been on target before he handled it. Dale reached a well taken penalty to his right but could only push it into the corner of the net.
Affinty continued to try and push forward but Elim made the extra man tell with more possession and efforts on goal with Dale making some fine saves to keep the lead intact. A second Elim came from powerful shot from the right hand side giving Dale no chance. Affinity held on firmly in the last few minutes to leave a well deserved 6-2 victory that will send a message to the rest of the Division 1 teams.
Some fine individual performances amongst a good team performance. Specific mention to Ian, Dale, James, Mike and Jordan who takes the man of the match award with an all action performance
