Goodfellas maintained an unbeaten M7 record with a hard-fought but thoroughly deserved 3-0 win over Formica at a cool Happy Valley on Thursday, which was celebrated in style with drinks on the Chairman in The Stable.
After last week's game was washed out by a bit of rain, the plush artificial surface at Happy Valley underwent a welcome pre-match soaking to bring down the temperature following the weekend's heated outings.
Lining up with Andy in goal, Bear and Dave at the back with a midfield three of Thariq, Jason and M7 debutant Alex Todd providing the support for the lone Frenchman Cedric, Goodfellas imposed themselves on the game from the first whistle with a prolonged period of possession.
As the half progressed, Goodfellas continued to enjoy the majority of the possession with Formica being restricted to hopeful long shots as Bear and Dave stood firm at the back. And the Goodfellas were rewarded as Alex Todd floated in a right wing corner for Cedric to rise unmarked to power home a header.
Cedric was replaced by the Chairman with Alex Todd and Thariq making way for Vince and Julian, while Ikes joined Bear at the back after replacing Dave as Goodfellas introduced fresh legs.
Vince marked his M7 debut with a yellow card and from the resulting free-kick Andy was called into action to turn away a low shot which was destined for the bottom corner to preserve the 1-0 half-time lead.
Following the half-time arrival of Howard and new Belgian recruit Maarten to increase the crowd to two, the Goodfellas lined up for the second half with Andy in goal, Ikes and Thariq at the back with the Chairman continuing up front supported by Dave, Alex Todd and Julian in midfield.
Goodfellas continued to dominate while they looked for the crucial second goal as Dave and Alex both hit the woodwork. As the half progressed, Bear replaced Thariq at the back with Cedric coming on for Chairman up front after the loon from Kowloon had ran himself into the ground up front. Jason also replaced Dave in midfield, while Julian made way for Vince on the left.
And the changes paid dividends as a flowing team move led to Jason setting up Alex Todd to open his M7 account and end Formica's hopes of a comeback.
And just minutes later, after attempting an audacious back heel in front of goal earlier, Vince also struck on his M7 debut to cue wild celebrations and seal a fifth win of an unbeaten six game season.
All round deserved three points following a hard working display from the yellow clad army. Despite being frustrated after being unable to add to the lead at the start of the second half, Goodfellas stuck to their plan and were rewarded with a late flourish of goals.....but we still suck!!!
