A fantastic night to be a Monkton fan – the team showed heart, commitment, bravery, strength and no-little amount of footballing talent to beat Primrose Pumas 3 – 1.
In excellent conditions, the game started at a frenetic pace that never dropped from the first to the last. Monkton were under the cosh for the first five minutes with Jack Georgeson and Alex Reid in defence showing courage under pressure and with the absolutely outstanding Dan Zahara in goal, they managed to keep Primrose out. Wave after wave of attack was defended admirably with Captain-for-the-day Dan standing tall.
Monkton forced their way back into it with huge heart displayed by the midfield trio of Jake Dawson, Ryan Carling and Christian Callaghan, with the outstanding work rate and effort of Zak Tubman up-front they managed to fashion a chance or two but couldn’t convert.
Primrose managed to get back on top and opened the scoring with a goal that bounced randomly before bobbling into the net – Monkton had no option but to up their game, an up it they did. Despite some more defending to do, the managed more and more attacks.
Christian Callaghan applied an excellent finish for a great team goal to equalise, Ryan Carling added an absolutely outstanding second and Jake Dawson scored the third with a finish of expert precision in a 1-2-3 goal burst of five minutes to make the half-time score Monkton 3 – 1 Primrose.
The second half was a display of bravery and commitment, with Callum Corkin and Charlie McLeod adding fresh legs, their performances and efforts ensured that the team levels of play did not drop. Bravery in the tackle and outstanding clearances from them both.
The second half, whilst goalless was as good as the first half, Dan Zahara pulling of some phenomenal saves in “Alamo-like” circumstances – Callum and Charlie defending with bravery, Ryan, Christian and Alex worked their socks off in midfield and Jake up front just never stopped running.
A great performance by all nine of the players – a wonderful match – a victory over an excellent Primrose Team – three outstanding goals and a Man of the Match award for Dan Zahara.
It has been said before; it will be said again, but tonight – WELL DONE MONKTON!!
