Stronstad Utd vs FC Fenner Game 1
Big Match Facts:-
After last weeks controversial defeat to FC Phoenix and mid week wins for J.T.C Rovers and FC Phoenix, Stronstad had slipped to 3rd place in the league. 6 Points from both games could move Stronstad up to 2nd in the league with 1 game to play. FC Fenner are currently bottom of the league with 9 points from their 14 games. Last time Stronstad played at Langstone Sailing Club was their 3-2 extra time defeat against AFC Victory.
First Half Action
Stronstad kicked off playing against a strong wind in the first half at Langstone Sailing Club knowing a maximum of 6 points could see Stronstad move up to second spot in the league.
The first real chance went to Robert Pearson after Gary Cowell battled his way through the FC Fenner defence and knocked the ball to Pearson but he dragged his effort wide of the target from just inside the penalty area.
At the other end captain Gareth Spicer and Jorge Morrison-Cooke had their hands full against a powerful FC Fenner striker who was doing well to hold the ball up but as an attacking force they never really tested Ian Privett in the Stronstad goal.
James Clarke then opened his legs and took the FC Fenner left back on but as he got into the penalty area his pull back was intercepted just as two Stronstad players came running into the box.
With 5 minutes to go Stronstad opened the scoring. Stronstad won a corner and from the corner Robert Pearson swung the ball over but it was only half cleared to Jon Way who was just outside the penalty. He took aim and lobbed the ball goal wards where James Clarke glanced the ball home from 6 yards out to open the scoring.
Just before half time Stronstad conceded a free kick and from the resulting free kick the ball was played in and headed back across goal where the FC Fenner player acrobatically volleyed past Ian Privett to draw the teams level as the referee signalled the end of the first half.
Second Half Action
With the wind behind them Stronstad put FC Fenner under some heavy pressure but could not turn their possession into goals as Stronstad’s passing and moving had deserted them.
With Stronstad looking comfortable but knowing a goal would help them and they did get the crucial second goal. A great passing move saw Stronstad advance towards the FC Fenner goal and a through ball from Steve Beech sent James Clarke through where he brilliantly fired a low shot across the FC Fenner goalkeeper and in over the far post to make the score 2-1 to Stronstad.
Stronstad’s chances of victory should have been made easier as a FC Fenner player who had been booked in the first half for mouthing off was then sent off after getting in a tussle with two Stronstad players.
This should have been Stronstad’s chance to extend their lead but they saw less of the ball as FC Fenner started to ask questions of the Stronstad defence. With Stronstad playing a 3-4-3 formation they were still vulnerable at the back but Stronstad held on and won the first game.
Full Time:- FC Fenner 1 Stronstad Utd 2
