Greensleeves staged a late turnaround as they defeated The Dugout 2-1 in a highly competitive encounter.
The tone for the game was set early on, as almost straight from kick-off a Dugout player, perhaps revealing some unresolved childhood traumas, lashed out at Dave who had had the temerity to tackle him. He received a 2-minute sin-bin for his troubles.
Greensleeves attempted to put pressure on during this period but the ball spent most of the time out of play.
Almost immediately after the numbers were level again, Sam received his marching orders for dissent. No-one quite knows what was said but Greensleeves would expect their captain to set a better example. Again, the two-minute sin-bin period went by without incident.
The Dugout took the lead shortly after, in bizarre circumstances. They won a corner, which was John Martin took and stroked into the goal. It later came to light that the post and been knocked and the goal was out of position, which opened up the angle for him. Having said that, Eddie still should have made an attempt to stop it. 0-1.
Greensleeves were shaken. Eddie redeemed himself quickly with some good saves as they failed to clear their lines during a difficult spell.
The game settled back down before half time, and strikers at either end were limited to a few half-chances each.
Greensleeves knew that they could get back into the game, and they stepped up a gear. The distribution from the back improved, and the ball started to stick more up front. Good chances arrived. Matt dragged a couple of good opportunities across goal, and Sam had a good drive palmed round the post by the Dugout 'keeper. Further Greensleeves attacks broke down following persistent following by John Martin.
Greensleeves had to be careful, though as The Dugout were still dangerous on the counter-attack, and Eddie made a good save with his feet midway through the half.
The Dugout brought Deacon on to try and hold the ball up, but he became isolated. Sam marshalled him well, while Elliot, Dave and Matt pressured the ball and made it hard for The Dugout to clear their lines time and time again.
The pressure told, and the equaliser came with a few minutes left. Elliot picked up the ball and fired at goal. The strike took a slight deflection and flew in the top corner.
It was 2-1 shortly after. A crisp passing move ended when Matt squared to alert who completed the comeback. 2-1.
There was still time for a third, but Elliot was denied his hat-trick by an amazing diving clearance from Ian Carey in the final seconds.
The referee ended the game moments later to mark an important win, and one that all-but secures promotion with just 1 point needed from the remaining two games.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Elliot's finishing turned the game, but Eddie just wins the award this week after a really good performance.
STAT OF THE MATCH: Greensleeves have now won 5 games on the spin.
