After missing 3 games so far in 2010 Stronstad finally got back to league action with a tricky looking match against FC Phoenix who had finished top of the league at the end of 2009.
First Half Action
The game started as a slow affair as both teams struggled to find their feet after the Christmas period but it was FC Phoenix that started to get the ball moving but failed to create any chances of note.
15 minutes into the match the first goal of 2010 came. Stronstad had broken a FC Phoenix attack and after a few passes the ball was upfront with Robert Pearson carrying the ball, his pass to Steve Beech saw him advanced into the penalty area and his pull back found Robert Pearson who controlled the ball before firing into the bottom corner of the FC Phoenix goal.
This goal did come against the run of play and this lifted FC Phoenix who then pushed looking for the equaliser but found the recalled Jorge Morrison-Cooke and captain Gareth Spicer in top form at the back for Stronstad.
As FC Phoenix pushed to get back into the game they also had to be aware at the back and again Stronstad almost doubled the lead but Robert Pearson’s powerful drive found the side netting.
At the other end Ian Privett pulled off a smart double save. First an FC Phoenix player took aim but Ian Privett touched the ball onto the post and from the rebound Ian Privett got up and turned the ball around the post for a corner.
It was all FC Phoenix as they continued to put Stronstad under pressure and they had claims of a penalty turned down as Jorge Morrison-Cooke put his body on the line and blocked the FC Phoenix player’s shot when it could have easily resulted in a goal.
Stronstad then thought they had a second goal but it was disallowed as the FC Phoenix keeper dropped the ball under pressure from a Robert Pearson flick on, Steve Beech was on hand to put the ball into the roof of the net but the whistle had gone. James Clarke came close to scoring, as a corner from Dan Moore was flicked goalwards by Steve Beech but James Clarke who was 6 yards out headed over.
But then James Clarke made up for his miss by scoring a delightful second goal. Stronstad forced a throw in deep in the FC Phoenix half and from the resulting throw in a long ball into the box from Robert Pearson to Jorge Morrison-Cooke who’s header back to James Clarke was brilliantly volleyed into the roof of the net to make the score 2-0.
It could have been worse for FC Phoenix as Dan Moore was tripped as he got into the penalty area and amazingly the referee waved the appeals away.
Half Time Stronstad Utd 2 FC Phoenix 0
For most parts of the opening 20 minutes of the second half it was all FC Phoenix as they looked to put heavy pressure on Stronstad but some good defending from the back four and the two centre midfield Nick Crocker and Rod Robertson kept FC Phoenix at bay.
At the other end Stronstad were not creating chances for the two strikers but when the ball found the strikers Robert Pearson’s through ball to Steve Beech saw him sprint clear but a poor touch took him wide and then his shot was cleared by the FC Phoenix keeper.
FC Phoenix’s two big men in midfield were winning all of Ian Privett’s goal kicks and it was from another goalkick that saw FC Phoenix pull a goal back. The ball was played up to the half way line and then headed back towards the Stronstad Utd goal. The two central defenders missed the ball and that gave the FC Phoenix striker chance to advance towards goal but despite the best efforts of Jon Way he was not able to stop the striker who then beat Ian Privett to make the score 2-1.
Stronstad were still looking dangerous going forward and they should have had a 3rd goal as a great move between Roger Harris and James Clarke saw the ball cut back to the centre of the FC Phoenix to Steve Beech who rushed his shot and blazed over.
At the other end FC Phoenix almost scored but a powerful drive hit the bar and went over with Ian Privett well beaten.
Then with time running out FC Phoenix broke again and as the FC Phoenix player rounded Ian Privett but took the ball wide and from a tight angle rolled the ball towards goal but Jorge Morrison-Cooke got back and cleared the ball away from danger.
With 2 minutes to goal Stronstad ended the game as a contest as Steve Beech scored a killer 3rd. A long ball from Nick Crocker saw the ball controlled by Adi Card and his pass to Steve Beech was controlled and then volleyed home to seal the 3 points for Stronstad.
Full Time Stronstad Utd 3 FC Phoenix 1
