‘Let’s start quickly’ were James’ words of encouragement in the pre-match huddle. Two minutes in and two goals down it would appear that that James’ words fell on deaf ears. Even with some questionable refereeing decisions and a poor bobbly Memorial Park pitch Affinity contributed to going behind so quickly.
Affinity got hold of the ball and kept it for a while to give themselves a chance to recover a get some shape to their play. Steadily the possession turned to pressure and a well taken goal from Jamie started to put the doubts in Elim player’s minds. Some sound central defensive work by Ian and Soes limited Elim’s attacking options.
Affinity’s second was a flicked shot from James that the Elim goalie failed to read and led to a period of sustained pressure. Charlie put in a couple of nice crosses that just failed to find a team mate and Mike and James shared some passes before a shot just shy of the upright. Jamie was holding down the centre midfield winning all of the headers from goal kicks from both teams.
The pitch being fairly narrow made Soes’ throw ins a weapon and Affinity’s third would be a tap in for Lee following one of these throw ins. Affinity were on top now but switched off for a minute letting Elim find an unlikely equaliser.
Elim started the second half on the front foot and forced a fourth goal from a lob back over Dale’s head following a clearance from a corner. Somewhat stunned to be behind again Affinity pushed forward and found three further goals to leave the victory in little doubt.
The fourth was James’ second finding the net from 5 yards after Luke’s corner pinballed around in the Elim area. The fifth goal and James’ first Affinity hat trick was a flicked header from another Soes throw in. The final goal was a shot from Gary that although deflected easily found the net.
Affinity closed the game down with some fine defensive work with Gilly making a couple of last ditch challenges. Will played a typical number 9 role holding up the ball well and playing Lee and Luke into space.
A battling but effective performance from Affinity proving that the never beaten spirit that has been evident this season is live and well. Man of the match goes to James as much for his overall performance as his first hat trick
