A great performance and 3 much needed points for the lads in the Belle Vale JFL. The performance level and intensity was 100% improved when compared to recent matches and it was great to see the lads looking like they were enjoying themselves once more. All the anxiety of not having a goalkeeper seemed irrelevant in a first half that saw stand-in keeper Joseph Cunningham have only one simply catch to make. This was helped by the way the lads kept the ball so well and worked so hard when Ash Celtic were in possession. There was some great football on show especially in the first half when midfield trio of Kaleb Sweeney, Luca Jones and Charlie Hogan controlled the game so well. The opening goal came after great work from Charlie Hogan to first win the ball, then go past a defender and unleash a great low shot that beat the Ash Celtic keeper. The ball was likely going in the bottom corner, but Callum Sandle like all strikers should do, made sure by side footing in first time. Ash Celtic never looked likely to score in the first half with Shea Housley and Michael Parr defending really well and passing so confidently out of defence. Another Mags goal seemed on the cards and it came after a fine passing move ended with Luca Jones rifling the ball home from the edge of the box.
HT Mags 2-0 Ash Celtic.
Second half was much more of an even game and credit to Ash Celtic they managed to match our intensity and determination. It was the turn of Max Miveld to don the keepers gloves and Joseph Cunningham moved back into centre midfield. Ryland Sheridan came on up front and Sam Parkinson right midfield. Both teams had chances to score early in the half but as the half wore on Ash Celtic began to build some momentum. Max Mivled was lightening off his goaline on a couple of occossions to stifle a couple of dangerous attacks. Then Kaleb Sweeney who had been immense in the game, made his most important contribution which an amazing blocking tackle when Ash Celtic looked destined to score. If that had of gone in at that stage of the game then the result may have been different. Mags remained dangerous on the break and Sam Parkinson, Joseph Cunningham and Ryland Sheridan were unlucky with efforts on goal. Ryland Sheridan on two occassions seemed to do everything right in beating the goalkeeper only to see the ball whistle past the post. Ash Celtic did pull a goal back which made it a great game to watch for the neutrals, but a nervy last five mins for the Mags when it was end to end stuff.
A great performance and great game to watch.
It was hard to pick a man of the match when everyone played so well, but for me Kaleb Sweeney really did stand out today and was my MOM. Then at the end the referee came over and named Shea Housley MOM who was also excellent in defence so it only seems fair to have two MOM's today.
FT Mags 2-1 Ash Celtic.
Next week we welcome new goalkeeper Jordan Holmes to the team which should make the rest of the lads much happier!
