The second saw Athletic find their shooting boots! The first half still saw shots from everywhere narrowly missing, and it could have been many, many more.
The scoring was opened by Nic Burrows and was a beauty. The ball was won by Tom at the back who sent a great pass through to James. A james and Finley one-two, sent James into space who rolled the ball through to Nic who made no mistake. A fantastic team goal, straight from the training ground. Nic added a second when a Finley pass put him one on one with a kepper, and a scooped finish sent the ball over the oncoming goalie and into the net.
Chances continued, James went close on four occasions, including one stopped on the line. Jude hit some powerful left foot shots, which went whistling just past the post and Finley has several efforts saved or just wide. The opposition had a couple of breaks, but Tom and Spencer had the attack well marshalled and won their battles.
A third was added just before half time when James found Jude who slotted home from the edge of the box. Three nil at half time, but another half where it should have been many more.
Half time saw some changes, James for Sam, Nic for Dylan, Jude for Josh and Riley for Spencer with Finley dropping back into defence. There must have been something in the half time tea, as the floodgates opened.
Some lovely passing finished in a move with a Dylan shot which the keeper saved, however Riley anticipated this and followed up brilliantly for a simple tap, which he smashed to make sure of no mistake. The fifth saw Josh play a ball to Sam who took it down the right wing on a powerful run past the defender and slammed the ball home. Sam then turned provider, winning the ball down the right and rolling it back to Josh who’s first time effort hit the bottom corner.
Riley then assisted another, his pass to Josh allowed him to beat the defender and hit the net. Riley, enjoying his midfield role was provider again for the eighth. He went down the right wing and cut the ball back, Sam narrowly missed it but Dylan was waiting to turn the ball home.
A shift in positions saw Finley move to midfield. Having missed a couple of chances earlier, Riley released him through the middle. Strength and determination saw the opposition defender beaten to the ball, he went one on one with the keeper and kept his cool to slide the ball past the keeper and it nestled in the bottom right corner.
The final goal, saw Riley again assisting. His lay off to Josh was met on the half volley and the ball sailed into the net. An absolute screamer.
In amongst all of the goals, the defensive display was assured and resolute. Basti was perfect when called upon, one of a keepers toughest jobs is to remain focussed when not seeing a lot of the ball. He did a great job, pulling of two saves and closing down a one on one. Tom and Spencer were limiting chances to the opposition. Tom, in particular, had a superb game, his best yet. Tackling, positioning and distribution of the ball were all outstanding, which despite all the goals at the other end, led to him being named a deserved Man of the Match.
