AS Camboli defeated the Crab and Dragon for the second time this season with a good performance that kickstarted their season once more.
It was important to start the game well after their demoralising cup exit the previous week. A frozen pitch delayed the start but once underway it was The Crab and Dragon who seemed to freeze up. A fantastic start by AS Camboli saw them pressure their opponents at every opportunity and they were rewarded in the first minute as John Stanborough broke down the left and crossed early for Jack Burgess to slot home from 8 yards.
Camboli continued to pressure their opponents and forced numerous corners and dangerous throwins as their opponents struggled to get out of their half. Gary Smith went close from one corner and Jonny Gosnell flashed a vicious volley just over from another. A second goal was always going to be crucial and the provider was again Stanborough who, following a neat one two with Burgess from a corner, crossed for an unmarked Dave Aird to volley into the back of the net from 12 yards.
The away side continued to dominate possession and territory with Crab & Dragon relying only on the odd free kick, often needlessly given to them by their opponents. Burgess may have added a second when he headed over from 6 yards as might Gosnell in a similar position. Camboli continued their dominance of the half. Stanborough worked very well from the front and was constantly supported by the evergreen Smith and Burgess. The midfield 'triangle' of brothers Jim and Sam Welburn and Gosnell were also able to dicatate proceedings with minimal fuss. As half time came Camboli were definitely the more satisfied of the two sides and were more than deserving of their two goal lead.
The second half was a little more even than the first. The home side began to fire long balls into the Camboli half in the hope they might unsettle the visitors' dominance. The Crab & Dragon briefly threatened in patches but in truth they never really tested James Prices' goal. Their only real chance came with a misunderstanding at the back midway through the half which saw an attempted lob sail over but otherwise the back four of Johnny Hannaway, Dave Aird, Andrew Bradshaw and Ritch Putman had proceedings under control. Ryan Adger continued his return from injury with a second half appearance to jeers from the home support when he replaced the effective but tiring Stanborough. Rob O'Flaherty also came on in place of Burgess who had another solid game. A debut for Charlie Fisher helped see out the final minutes of the match.
The win sees Camboli cement their current fourth place and with the title race so close they can be very pleased with the result and overall performance.
"Camboli deserved the win. They've improved a lot. A couple of lads weren't at the races today and I'm listening to bids for players like Gordy and Immy during the window but I don't hold up much hope."
Mark Nicholls, Crab & Dragon Manager
"I was pleased with the performance - especially the first half. In the second half they came back at us which was to be expected, but today was mainly about the three points and the first half showed what we are capable of for the rest of the season. We should be able to tie up the signing of Dean Penfold during the week but otherwise we're happy with the squad and with a number of players coming back we look strong and are up for the challenge."
Tom Welburn, AS Camboli manager
