With the title now out of reach after Stronstad’s poor showing against Watersedge last, this left Stronstad 4 points behind Park Academics with 3 games left a win against 1664 FC would leave them 1 point behind with a big 6 point next week to see who would claim 2nd spot and the chance of promotion to Division 4.
Stronstad returned to the scene of their heartbreak in the Semi Finals against AFC Victory 2 week earlier looking to put in a first class performance.
With Brad White suffering from a knee injury during a midweek game it was all change from the side that was well beaten by Watersedge.
First Half Action
With a strong wind behind them Stronstad looked to put some early pressure on 1664 FC but after 10 minutes of heavy pressure Stronstad were left frustrated as the final ball just would not fall for Stronstad.
At the other end Jeff Needham had to be alert as a rare 1664 FC attack caught Stronstad cold but the shot from the striker was weak and Jeff Needham was able to gather the loose ball.
At the other end Stronstad were stringing some nice passes together and this created a chance for James Clarke to get in behind the defence but his cross come shot was well saved by the 1664 FC keeper.
Then came the frustrating part of Stronstad’s play. In the final 3rd of the pitch Stronstad had numerous chances to open the scoring with Jorge Morrison-Cooke guilty of missing the best chance as he headed over when he should have done better.
Robert Pearson then tested the 1664 FC keeper from long range but his effort took a deflection, which caused the 1664 FC keeper trouble, and he turned the ball around the post for a corner with Steve Beech looking to collect the loose ball.
Stronstad then took the lead in the match as a ball into the 1664 FC box was controlled by James Clarke and his knock on found Robert Pearson who fired across the 1664 FC goalkeeper and into the net to make the score 1-0 to Stronstad.
Stronstad should have doubled their lead as a strong run from James Clarke again saw him beat the 1664 FC left back before playing the ball into the centre where Steve Beech’s effort was blocked and ball fell to Gary Cowell but he dragged his effort wide from around the penalty spot.
Steve Beech then missed a golden chance as a long throw from Robert Pearson was flicked on by Jorge Morrison-Cooke and at the far post Steve Beech some how headed the ball wide.
It was all Stronstad but they could not get the all important second goal and they can look back at this game as yet another missed chance again from Jorge Morrison-Cooke after a Rich Gillam free kick found Jorge at the far post but he failed to hit the target from 6 yards with the ball landing almost in the sea and another chance had gone.
Half Time: 1664 FC 0 Stronstad Utd 1
With the wind against them in the second half they knew this was the time to get the ball down and pass the ball to foot, which they did, in the early part of the second half.
Stronstad almost went 2-0 up after a quick Gary Cowell throw in found Robert Pearson but his cross-come-shot was tipped wide for a corner as Stronstad looked to take control of the game.
James Clarke came inches of extending the lead as he powered into the 1664 FC box but his effort bounced back off the post and into the hands of the keeper
Stronstad did get a second goal soon after as an Ian Privett corner to the back post found Jorge Morrison-Cooke and his rugby style up and under found the head of Steve Beech who planted his header into the net to make the score 2-0
Stronstad were really in the mood to play and they continued to pass the ball around and were looking comfortable all over the park. Players were able to get their foot on the ball and switching play well like they did in parts last year and from a swift counter attack Stronstad got a 3rd goal. The ball was played into Robert Pearson’s feet and he turned the defender before powering forward and his centre found Steve Beech who slotted home from close range to get his second of the day and Stronstad’s 3rd.
Stronstad were cruising and maybe should have had a 4th goal as a driving run from Ian Privett brought a smart save from the 1664 FC keeper but he spilled the ball and James Clarke dribbled around the keeper before slotting home but his joy was short lived as the offside flag was raised.
Then after all the pressure Stronstad had put on 1664 FC they were hit with a sucker punch as Stronstad gifted possession away in an attacking position and 2 passes later the ball found the 1664 FC striker who beat Jeff Needham to make the score 3-1 and memories of the 3-3 draw against GB Utd came back.
Then came the miss that may have given 1664 FC the hope that they could get back into the game. Stronstad had a throw in and as the ball was played back to Robert Pearson his curling effort hit the bar and feel to the feet of Steve Beech 3 yards out and his effort was well saved by the keeper when Steve Beech should have fired home to put the game to rest. The chance was missed and Stronstad were to pay.
This miss then gave 1664 FC the chance to lift their game and they then pulled a goal back. The ball was played down the Stronstad left and as Stronstad were slow to get back the ball was fired back across the goal and the 1664 FC striker slid in and knocked the ball into the net to make the score 3-2.
Like I said before memories of GB Utd came flooding back as a once comfortable looking Stronstad were miss placing passes and the players that were getting their foot on the ball were not getting the time to do this as 1664 FC with the wind behind them kept pressuring Stronstad.
Stronstad were then punished by another goal from 1664 FC as the 1664 FC player had time to pick his spot before firing past Jeff Needham to draw the teams level.
Stronstad were happy to hear the final whistle as they could have easily lost the match as they looked disorganised and the 1664 FC strikers were getting plenty of room which was a great concern for Stronstad as this draw levels them 3 points behind Park Academics in the race for 2nd.
Full Time: 1664 FC 3 Stronstad Utd 3
