Medway Magic caused something of an upset against unbeaten NPU and defeated them for the first time in 3 games to get their League campaign fully on track. From a Manager's point of view this was the best performance since the opening game of the pre-Season Cup, and in similar fashion we were able to dig deep when under pressure. take our early chances when they came and demoralise the opposition and completely dominate the finish of the game, NPU resorting to niggly and blatant fouls right until the end.
A team performance with no outstanding Man of the Match candidate, Dan Williams yet again led the line manfully and contributed two goals and an assist to add to his tally this Season and so he shades it, but in truth it could have gone to anyone.
NPU attacked from the beginning and Magic were forced onto the backfoot but we held firm and when we did get the ball under control we instantly created chances both austin and Issa going close, with Austin terrorising the NPU fullback all half. We soon took the lead as intricate play through midfield between George and Mike ended with the latter feeding Dan who made space and finished well. NPU continued to exert pressure though and we rode some luck with both Anthony and Dick clearing from the six yard box before these two combined to give Magic a two goal lead. Anthony cracked a trademark freekick goalbound which the keeper could only parry and Dick followed up to smash into the top corner. Magic hung on for a two goal lead at half time, only a dodgy refereeing decision stopping us extending our lead as first he allowed play on for Austin to round the keeper and slot home before consulting the linesman and giving offside.
In the second half Magic took control and despite NPUs best efforts we gradually took complete control of the game and despite a couple of scares we were home and dry after an hour. First Dan was put clear and although the keeper saved his shot Mike Marter was on hand to follow up from a tight angle. Then a good team move sent Issa clear and he was callously brought down for a penalty which forced him from the pitch - Dan converted in customary fashion to give us a four nil lead.
NPU gave themselves a chance when allowed a free header from a free kick but in truth their game was now in tatters with Magic in complete control. Dan turned sharply in the area but we denied his hat trick by the bar and Femi raced clear on the right to hit the post and even before NPU were rightly reduced to ten men with 10 minutes remaining Magic were now enjoying time and posession with George and Femi in particular beginning to really the enjoy the game and going through their repetoire of tricks and flicks.
A complete victory for Magic and one I hope we can use as an example for every game and rid us of our inconsistency and enable us to put a run together and challenge in the League now, as well as Cups.
Next week sees us away against another nemesis, Strood Crusaders, who we have failed to beat in three games including last Season's Cup Final, and who will be up for this game containing three ex Magic players. Only a similar performance will suffice to gain three points.
