Zion FC recorded another victory that saw them open up a three point advantage at the top of the Premier League. 2 goals from Dan Shotton, 2 from Tommy Powell, a David Jones strike, and an own goal gave them an impressive tally of 7 goals as they ran out 7-5 winners.
An amazing team move brought the Lions faithful to its feet straight from kick off. Dan Shotton played the ball to David Jones who spotted Tony Dain's forward run. The defender received the ball before cutting it across to the unmarked Tommy Powell. Zion's record goalscorer tucked the ball away with ease to give his side the lead. Powell almost doubled his tally when Jones played a ball towards him, however, an outstretched Bramble United foot poked the ball away from the striker. Unfortunately for the unlucky defender the ball found its way into the bottom corner of his own net making the score 2-0. Zion had started brilliantly. Some beautiful moves involving all the players almost stretched the lead. At the other Steve Winter was performing solidly with some decent saves. His clean sheet didn't last too long though as an Orange shirt broke free to strike at goal. Zion picked up again and Shotton scored two quick fire goals, finishing like a striker after passes from Jones. Powell then made it 5-1 with a great left footed effort from the narrowist of angles. The illusion was quite majestic as he squeezed the ball past the keeper. Zion conceded a late goal in the half which reminded them that the job was yet to be completed.
Bramble came out in determined fashion. Several efforts were beaten away by Winter who continued to impress in the Lions goal. Jones then calmed the nerves when he received the ball from Powell. The midfielder side stepped his man a struck the ball past the keeper. Bramble soon hit back with a sublime effort from outside the area. The top corner of the net bulged as their belief returned. That belief was extinguished soon after when Jones and Powell combined again. The latter produced another bit of magic to finish past the keeper with his left foot. At 7-3 the game seemed over. Bramble had other ideas. 2 goals unsettled the Lions fans as their side created and wasted their chances while Bramble continued to apply pressure. The final whistle with neither side completely happy. Zion manager Tommy Powell stormed down the tunnel with a look of disappointment on his face. Despite the result he expects better of his side.
After an earbashing that echoed all the way to the press area from the changing rooms Tommy Powell eventually addressed the media, "It was good to get the win, but the performance has to improve. We started so well and then got sloppy, if we want to retain the title this season we need to better than that. The second half in particular was poor, they beat us 3-2. Some people say I'm demanding and a perfectionist, maybe I am, but only because I care about this club, and I want to be part of more success." Tony Dain had a slightly different view than his boss, "I felt we played some good football at times. It's true that we dropped off a little bit towards the end of the game but after a break naturally the the fitness levels dropped a little. Even though the perfromance could've been a little better, we got the three points and we've opened up a lead at the top of the league, so we can't be too unhappy." Man of the match Steve Winter is confident his side can retain the title, "Those three points are great, we've kept the winning run going and I think if we keep this momentum going we can win it again this season." Zion face Rubber Chickens next week, hoping to add further daylight between them and their rivals.
