After a disappointing result last week, Sovereign were delighted to secure a win against Darland Athletic.
The match got off to an unfortunate start, and Darland managed to get an early goal. The ball was headed neatly in at the far post thanks to a great free kick. Despite the early boost to Darland, Sovereign were seeing most of the ball, and the first half was littered with chances to equalize. It was however, Darland that managed to take a commanding lead into half time, a great solo effort leaving Pat Tamsett in the Sovereign goal no chance. Darland had 2 goal scoring opportunities in the first half and managed to capitalise on them both going into half time 2-0 up leaving Sovereign a lot to do.
Sovereign started the second half confidently, knowing that they were unlucky to be 2 goals down after dominating the first half. The next goal would be very important whichever way it went, and after a Darland Athletic defender fouled Oliver Allen inside the area, a penalty was duly awarded. Oliver Allen confidently fired home to bring the game back to within one goal. Shortly after, Conor Swarbrick headed the ball on to Joe Sword who brought the match level thanks to a great run and slick finish. Sovereign continued to dominate and were keen to get the third goal, knowing a draw could severely damage their title hopes. Unfortunately with half an hour left, Alan Payne suffered an injury to his leg after a heavy tackle and had to be substituted, being replaced by Jake Swarbrick. This lengthy pause in play seemed to slow the pace of the game, and Sovereign struggled to get back into their rhythm.
With less than 10 minutes left on the clock, Oliver Allen was again brought down inside the area and another penalty was awarded. Unfortunately, before the penalty could be taken there were some disagreements between opposing fans which caught the referees attention and he rightly stopped play until things calmed down on the sidelines. The match got back under way in no time and Chris Hill stepped up to take the penalty. The game wasn't decided from the resulting kick however, as the keeper managed to get his hands to the shot and parry the ball away, keeping the tie level with only a few minutes left.
With the match almost over, Sovereign managed to secure all three points after Jake Swarbrick managed to get on the end of his brother's rebounded shot and put the ball into the back of the net from a tight angle.
Sovereign now sit 4 points clear at the top of the table after Rainham Eagles Reserves could only manage a goalless draw at Arriva, making this an important win. Mark Butterfield put in a great performance in the centre and was awarded Man of the Match.
****Other results in Div 4****
Arriva 0 - 0 Rainham Eagles Reserves
Intergills Reserves 1 - 2 Cuxton Autos
Riverview Rangers 1 - 3 Deanwood
Stirling 2000 2 - 2 Tempest
The league table is available to view from the tab on the left hand side or by clicking this link: http://www.teamstats.net/sovereignsports-/cs/Division-4-League-Table/2051/
