Some games are described as six pointers, this is a term used to describe a game played against a team around you in the league, where winning represents not only 3 points but denies your close rival the opportunity at advancement.
Few games however are literally worth 6 points. That however was the scenario the faced the Alex on a bright but windy Sunday afternoon. Against second in the league and without an established keeper, few would have given the Alex much of a chance. But big stakes can inspire big performances and the Alex showed true metal and flare to walk away with the not inconsiderable spoils.
With no Rolfe or Woody, Dave Mills bravely took up the mantle and didn’t disappoint, commanding his penalty area well and making an excellent save to deny Ladzio in the first half. Matt Amos made his first start of the season, looking dangerous on the left, cutting inside releasing a shot that bounced awkwardly in front of the keeper. Chimpy also had an excellent effort saved as Alex asked questions of the league newcomers.
As is often the case, most of the football was played in the Alex half but Ladzio failed to create many chances and Clapham looking menacing on the break. Ladzio’s undoing was to be their high defensive line. Without much pace at the back any through balls were pounced upon with lethal effectiveness by Mantell and Miller. After a period of pressure from the visitors Mantell was put through by Chris(? )and showing true quality rounded the keeper and finished from a tight angle. Ladzio pressure though eventually resulted in an equaliser just before half time as their strong number 9 muscled his way through and finished past Mills.
Half time 1-1. Alex were in high spirits knowing that more opportunities would present themselves in the second half. Chris and Lavery acquitted themselves brilliantly in the midfield while Rich stepping in for the vacationing Rupert along with Riley Cheesman and Hallé were rocks at the back. (i’ve just realised that if I spend as long describing every goal this report will go on forever, so apologies for my brevity).
Proving football is a game of two halves the second half was as open as the first one was tight. Mantell quickly increased the lead exploiting Ladzio’s failing offside trap and tucking the ball past the keeper. The Alex defended well up the other end and were rewarded when Miller made it 3-1 latching on to a long ball over the top (forgotten by whom), a well deserved reward for all his efforts. The Alex were beginning to believe they could topple a strong Ladzio side. Not ones to make things easy though Alex conceded from a well taken free kick. As opposed to sitting back though we recovered our two goal lead with Mantell polishing off a fine team move for his 3rd of the match. 4-2. Ladzio showed some resilience of their own though, scoring a fortunate goal hat was bundled over the line. At 4-3 nerves were a jangling but out of nowhere Lavery skipped past their hapless defender and smashed in from a tight angle. We all thought it had hit the side netting. As he wheeled away in celebration though the team erupted in euphoria unrefined.
Clapham held on for an excellent 5-3. Brilliant stuff lads, there was some champagne football at times. Not sure where that puts us in the league until the table has been updated but we’ve got a very respectable 31 points so far from 19 games.
