After a long break Stronstad returned to action against bitter rivals Watersedge FC in the last game of the 2009-year.
Stronstad were dealt a blow before the game as Ian Privett was injured playing for his Saturday side so the returning Mark Betteridge went in goal making his first appearance since the 5-1 win against Cosham Blues.
First Half Action
On a very heavy pitch Stronstad started the brighter of the two sides and maybe should have taken the lead as James Clarke burst forward but his final touch let him down and the Watersedge keeper came sliding out and collected the ball. With the game only 5 minutes old Stronstad took the lead with a well-worked goal. Rich Gillam played a long ball forward which saw Robert Pearson collect before crossing a delightful ball into the Watersedge penalty area where Steve Beech brilliantly headed the ball home from 12 yards out to make the score 1-0.
This was Steve Beech’s 3rd goal in 3 matches and this gave Stronstad a lift as they looked to beat a Watersedge side that beat them to the divison5 title last season.
Stronstad were looking dangerous going forward but they also had to be aware of the Watersedge attack but a well-marshalled defence from Jeff Needham and captain Gareth Spicer saw any danger cleared.
At the other end Stronstad maybe should have had a second goal as Steve Beech created space down the wing but Robert Pearson fired over his cross from close range when he should have done better.
Stronstad then thought they had a second goal as a free kick from Rich Gillam fell to the feet of Robert Pearson but his Bergkamp style control and shot was ruled out for offside.
Steve Beech and Robert Pearson’s pace was causing trouble for Watersedge and it was from another flowing Stronstad move that saw Stronstad go 2-0 up. First Rich Gillam played the ball to Steve Beech who then laid the ball to Gary Cowell that laid it back to Steve Beech. Steve Beech then played a through ball to Robert Pearson to slot past the Watersedge keeper to make the score 2-0 and a brilliant passing goal. Some people said it reminded them of the Brazil side of the 70’s the way the simple passing opened up the Watersedge team.
It was almost 3-0 as great play from Nick Crocker saw his floated ball into the box headed wide by Robert Pearson with Steve Beech and James Clarke both inches away from converting.
At the other end Mark Betteridge pulled off a fantastic save from a Watersedge player a he got down low and turned the ball away from goal and Stronstad cleared the ball. Watersedge then pulled a goal back from a corner. Stronstad failed to clear the corner and the ball was played back in and bundled home from close range.
Straight from kick off Stronstad restored their 2-goal lead as another assist from Steve Beech as his defence splitting pass saw Robert Pearson coolly slot past the Watersedge keeper to score his second of the game.
It could have been worse for Watersedge as first Steve Beech was denied by a poor touch and then a last ditch tackle denied Steve Beech again as he looked to pull the trigger. An excellent tackle denied Gary Cowell when he was also looking to score.
Just before half time it was then 4-1 to Stronstad Utd. A through ball from the half way line released Robert Pearson and he burst through on goal. As the Watersedge defender came sliding in Pearson dragged the ball back like Johan Cruff and then fired a powerful drive past the Watersedge keeper to complete his hat-trick and give Stronstad a comfortable lead going into half time.
Half Time Stronstad Utd 4 Watersedge FC 1
Stronstad were slow to come out for the second half and Watersedge went out looking to get an early goal which would have changed the game but some more solid defending and midfield battling saw the early threat stopped.
At the other end Stronstad were still looking dangerous going forward and only a great stop from the Watersedge keeper denied Robert Pearson his 4th and James Clarke seeing his stinging drive well held after jinxing into the penalty area.
Soon after it was 5-1 to Stronstad Utd as a moment of madness from the Watersedge keeper who threw the ball to his player but due to Gary Cowell’s pressure the defender lost the ball. Gary Cowell composed himself before lobbing the keeper with a delightful lob from 25 yards out to make the score 5-1. This was Gary Cowell’s second goal of the season and from his poor celebration shows that this is a player that does not score often.
Stronstad were putting Watersedge to the sword and still more chances fell to Stronstad Utd with the roll of the ball denying Steve Beech and Robert Pearson but they need not worry as it was soon 6-1. A ball through to Robert Pearson was deflected to Steve Beech who was able to run through before firing a low shot across the Watersedge keeper to double his tally and give Stronstad a comfortable lead.
At the other end Mark Betteridge was showing his qualities as he made an excellent save when the Watersedge player was one on one and also bravely diving on a loose ball from a Watersedge corner.
Yet more chances came Stronstad’s way with first James Clarke seeing his effort go inches wide, Roger Harris spurned a great chance when well places. Dan Moore saw his powerful drive clip the bar and go over.
Then Stronstad players witnessed the worse miss in history. Great work down the Watersedge wing saw the ball crossed to Roger Harris but from only a couple of yards out he some how knocked the ball back towards the Watersedge keeper and the chance was missed.
Not to worry for Roger as he was given another chance further out and he made no mistake firing the ball into the roof of the net to give him his second goal of the season.
Stronstad were playing some great attacking football and it was possibly the best attacking football this season as players were getting forward to create chances. Jon Way was another player to take on the well beaten Watersedge defence but his cut back from the bye-line was cleared by the Watersedge defence.
Before full time a flash point occurred when a Watersedge player kicked out at James Clarke, which saw players from both sides coming together. After the dust had settled the Watersedge player was booked.
Full Time Stronsad utd 7 Watersedge FC 1
