Zion FC convincingly defeated Bramble United 6-3 to ease worries of a relegation battle. Three goals by on-loan players, and a goal a piece for Alex Ternouth, David Jones, and Dan Shotton fired Zion to victory.
Zion were stunned into transfer action as rumours of an unauthorised European holiday taken by Tony Dain left Zion's squad depleted. The tabloid gossip suggest Dain and his agent are in Spanish territory engineering a move to a La Liga club. Coupled with the absence of Tommy Powell who has been given leave in his role as ambassador for the WorkingComputers4All charity has seen him travel throughout Europe also. Many believe that the official word is a cover up of Powell's attempts to jump ship due to Zion's flirtation with relegation. The club acted fast in making two, week long loan signings from Scarletfusion. Darren and Jack turned out for Zion with solid performances.
The game started well for Zion who passed neatly and created early chances. The Bramble keeper was on top form keeping the Lions at bay. His goal was breached however, when good combination play between David Jones and Alex Ternouth resulted in the latter heading home at the second attempt. Jack then had a fantastic moment of genius spotting the keeper off his line and delicately chipping the ball over the jumping Bramble man and into the net. Bramble hit back to give them hope but David Jones then saw a fine individual run end with a confident finish after a good pass by Dan Shotton. Steve Winter made some decent saves to maintain Zion's lead into the break.
The second half continued to please the Zion fans as their players played with poise and confidence. Darren got himself on the scoresheet when he finished off a great team move involving Dan Shotton, David Jones, and then the scorer. Jack got his second of the game when he profited from Jones' pass and tucked the ball home only after a parry by the inspired keeper. Bramble got a goal on the break to make it 5-2, before Dan Shotton tapped home after good work from Jones. A late consolation making the final score 6-3 was not enough to dampen the mood of the traveling support who saw their side excell. They were particularly impressed with Alex Ternouth's contribution as the combative holding player was everywhere as he endlessly ran, tackled, and passed.
Zion keeper Steve Winter played down his sides chances of getting back into the title race when he spoke with the media, "We are four points off the pace and mathematically it is possible, but with all the personel changes this season, I think we could write this one off as a transitional season and hope for more continuity and consistency next season." Man of the match Alex Ternouth was more optimistic about the sides performance and believes the title isn't gone just yet, "It was a decent win tonight. Some neat football and strong defending along with some great goals. Jack's lob was amazing. You never know what could happen in the race for the title, with a little bit of luck we could get right back in it. We'll see how it pans out." Rubber Chickens await a fixture with Zion next week.
