A warm day saw a full team card for the Weekenders game on Saturday as they took on 5th placed Castlecliff. Captain Kane Thomas once again put out the call to war. With a slight change in formation Weekenders took to the field with 3 men in central midfield, a centre back sweeping in between the lines, and one man up front. Brad Townsend was available for the game. Matt Jefferies made a welcome return after a week off, slipping seemlessly in to right full back. Castlecliff started the stronger of the teams as once more Weekenders lulled them in to a false sence of domination. An uncharateristic mistake at the back led to Castlecliff's first goal. Weekenders took the challenge and fought back to take the lead midway through the first half. Pete Ellicott opened his account for the season with a nice shot tucked in the near post after an overhit cross. Rumours abound that this may have been struck with his right foot. Keeper Kinnerley made, by his standards, some comfortable saves as Weekenders kept Castlecliff at bay. Confidence grew and Weekenders started passing the ball well. A free kick 10m in from the sideline and 20m upfield gave a good chance to create pressure. A wonderfully flighted free kick from Geoff Smith that screamed "Head Me, Im Yours" was met by Captain Thomas who launched himself skywards. It wasnt quite the Hand of God, more of the shoulder of Kane. But they both count just the same.
The second half was a much more controlled affair. Goal keeper Pete Kinnerley said after the game he was realatively quiet in the second half. Mike Hogan came on at full back, the defence sat deeper. Hogan showed pace and ran down a 21 year old striker, and then got a goal saving block on a shot. Apart from this Castlecliff never really threatened Weekenders. Weekenders kicked clear when Ellicott scored his second with a powerfully struck free kick. A free kick was given 25 yards out. While most expected him to put a good ball in to the box, Ellicott had only one thing in mind. His hammer blow left the Cliff keeper with no chance. Ellicott then took out Regan Leslie with his goalscoring celebration with a poke in the eye. Darko Mostarac went close with another long range shot only inches wide but then gave away a penalty, throwing Castlecliff a lifeline. Kinnerley dove the right way but couldnt quite get to the ball. Interestingly Mostarac has given away more penalties than scored goals this season. Weekenders dug deep and held on for a deserved 3-2 victory.
MOM
3- Pete Ellicott
2- Jamie Wilsher
1- Kane Thomas
Mentioned in despatches
Peter K, Mike Hogan, Geoff Smith, Matt Jefferies, Scott Allan, Darko Mostarac
Results
City Development 1 v Hammers 3
Cosmos 11v Marist Casuals 1
Braves v Collegiate 2nd XI - score not available
Marist Celtic 8 v Thirstys 0
Cosmos Classics 1 v Collegiate 1st XI 4
