After two defeats in 2009, Stronstad finally got a win against Affinion International FC.
With the return of captain Andy Scanlon to the starting line up this should have been a dream return but this was not a straightforward 3 points that Stronstad would have expected.
With Robert Pearson out injured still and James Clarke entertaining his girlfriend (Some say in a Southsea hotel and others in London) not available Stampy made some changes from the last match against Park Academics.
First Half Action From Farlington
For the first whistle Stronstad looked hungry for the match and almost took the lead within 30 seconds of the kick off. The ball was played back to Andy Scanlon and his long ball over the top of the Affinion International back four saw Steve Beech run onto the ball but his low shot was turned around the post for a corner kick.
This was a warning sign of what Affinion were going to be on the end of but Stronstad failed to turn their chances into goals with the Affinion International FC keeper making some good stops and only the cross bar denied Rich Gillam as his long range effort hit the bar and went over with the Affinion keeper well beaten.
At the other end keeper for the day Adi Card was having an easy morning with Andy Scanlon and Jeff Needham having a solid game at centre back denying Affinion any real chances.
After 15 minutes of Stronstad putting pressure on Affinion they finally got a goal. Brad White found space in the Affinion box and his effort was turned around the post by a diving save from the Affinion keeper and from the resulting corner Ian Privett swung the ball over and centre back Jeff Needham rose highest to power a header home to give him his first goal for the club. The only disappointment was how poor his celebration was.
This gave Stronstad a lift as they continued to drive forward looking for a second goal but their finishing had let them down and chance after chance went begging and they were punished as Affinion International grabbed a spectacular equaliser as the ball feel to an Affinion player who let fly from just outside the penalty area and the ball flew into the roof of the net with Adi Card given very little chance.
Stronstad were now being put under pressure but the defence was holding firm with Affinion not testing Adi Card and at the other end Rod Robertson almost scored but his low drive was deflected off an Affinion player and the ball hit the post and was cleared to safety.
Then came a moment of controversy as an Ian Privett corner was swung over and Jeff Needham and the Affinion keeper challenged for the ball and despite the ball being in the keepers hands Jeff knocked the ball out and into the net.
The goal was given and this caused a few Affinion players to charge over to the referee to protest the goal but the goal stood and Stronstad were 2-1 up.
Just before half time good work from Steve Beech saw him power into the Affinion box and his cross to the far post was headed home by Gareth Spicer to make the score 3-1 and some might have said game over.
Half Time: Stronstad Utd 3 Affinion International FC 1
Not really much to write about the second half because it was a scrappy affair but it was all Stronstad and on a number of occasions they came close to scoring with Gary Cowell hitting the bar with a powerful 25 yard drive with the keeper beaten and Steve Beech almost scored on two separate occasions but first his brilliant header hit the fair post and then he had a effort cleared off the line after getting in ahead of the Affinion keeper.
Ian Privett also tested the keeper with a stinging effort that the Affinion keeper did well to hold onto.
In the final 5 minutes Affinion pulled a goal back after a goal mouth scramble saw the ball forced over the line to set up a tense few minutes. At the other end Laurence Redman almost scored his first goal after a cross from Brad saw Logs jump high before heading 10 yards wide of the Affinion goal. Stronstad held out and won the game 3-2 but to some players it could and maybe should have been more but with the news that FC Boca (4th) lost 5-4 is great news for Stronstad as they get back up and running for the title challenge.
Full Time: Stronstad Utd 3 Affinion International FC 2
I gave Jeff Needham the man of the match for his two goals ahead of Gary Cowell who put in another great performance.
At the moment I have given Jeff two goals. I am just waiting for the final verdict from Andy Stamp who will let me know who has the second goal.
If you have any problems or want to put your name down for the goal please text me your reason.
Next up for Stronstad is a tricky looking match against GB Utd
News Update
Stronstad's second goal has been given to Steve Beech
