Despite an early unreplacable injury to warhorse Brett Joyce, Zion triumphed 8-3 against Premiership newboys Big Mac and Fries. Four goals from David Jones and a brace for both Dan Shotton and Tommy Powell helped Zion maintain their 100% record this year.
It looked like being a rout from the early viewings of the game, with Zion showing class in front of goal and a ruthless streak. Dan Shotton tapped home after Tommy Powell's shot was saved. Then the keeper presented David Jones with an open goal after his kick fell kindly for the Zion midfielder. Powell then scored after good work from Jones as Zion looked to be cruising to an easy victory. Then the drama arrived, Brett Joyce went down with an ankle injury and his imobilitiy was exploited by The Big Mac's. They cut the deficit, before Jones latched onto Powell's throw in on a rare reprieve and finished neatly to make it 4-1. Steve Winter was on good form keeping out several Big Mac efforts, but he was helpless to prevent two more goals for McDonalds before the break. Making the half time score 4-3.
Zion fans were fearing the worst as Brett Joyce continued to run with a heavy limp. A half of nail-biting seemed on the cards. Those fears proved to be without substance, as Zion battled through the pain barrier to a comfortable victory. Powell played a neat through ball to Jones, who took two shots to find the net. Then Dan Shotton was taken out on the edge of the area and a fight threatened to break out. Video replays proved inconclusive as accusations from Big Mac players of a retaliating stamp from Shotton surfaced. Jones curled the subsequent Zion free kick into the bottom right corner to make it 6-3. Shotton then grabbed his second of the game tapping home Jones' square pass. Powell finished the scoring with a similar finish after Jones had set him up. 8-3 was conclusive but the scoreline didn't tell the whole story in a game that really tested the resolve of Zion and the brave Brett Joyce.
Zion FC Manager Tommy Powell was delighted with his sides victory in difficult circumstances and pinpointed Brett Joyce's courage as the deciding factor, "What a victory considering we had four and a half men. We were concerned when Brett got injured but he dug in and got through the game brilliantly. We hope the injury isn't serious. He was a real hero tonight and we can only pray that he will be available for us next week." The media were keen to get Dan Shotton's take on the alleged stamping incident, and the towering defender responded typically when quizzed, "The guy came right through the back of me and I just happened to fall on him with my foot. It was a disgraceful challenge from the fella and one that I hope the F.A might take a look at. It would be a shame if that incident distracted from the great victory though wouldn't it lads." Surprise leaders Real Portslade await the challenge of Zion FC next week as the Lions look to keep their winning momentum.
