A fantastic team performance from Zion FC gave them an early advantage in the new season over rivals Deer Park Rangers. An efficient hard working display saw the Lions triumph 4-2 as Steve Winter excelled in the Zion goal.
The game expectedly started in a cagey manner with both sides showing respect for each others attacking threat. Steve Winter made a couple of routine saves as the Rangers were reduced to half chances and long range efforts. Zion then hit Deer Park on the break. Tommy Powell saw an effort narrowly miss the target, before a fantastic spell gave Zion a comfortable half time advantage. David Jones' corner found Ben Short who unleashed an absolute screamer into the top corner from quite some distance. Then Powell profited from Jones' work as he tapped home after Jones had seen his shot parried. Jones then scored as Powell's vision allowed the midfielder to turn and strike into the top corner of the net. The 3-0 score had completely shocked the Deers who were left licking their wounds at half time.
Zion were fully aware that the second half would be all about grinding out the win, and Deer Park came out fighting as expected. Winter was on top form to keep them out with some mind-bending saves to keep them at bay. The goal seemed inevitable as pressure grew and a one on one situation led to one. Winter was helpless to stop the goal that threatened to swing the game. The pendulam was soon halted however, when a moment of magic from David Jones made it 4-1. Dan Shotton's throw in found Jones who dumfounded his marker with a smooth turn sending his man the wrong way and a ferocious left footed drive into the top corner of the net. It was a crucial goal, and a spectacular way to mark his 250th Zion goal. Great defending from Shotton and Short, with the help of the tracking Jones and Powell frustrated the Rangers who failed to control their aggression and some nasty tackles could have seen further punishment. The pressure was still on the Zion goal as Rangers chased the game. When a solo run ended with a neat finish the 4-2 scoreline heaped pressure on the reds. Resolute defending and fantastic goalkeeping allowed Zion to see out the game and claim a vital three points which will now test the character of Deer Park Rangers as they now hope to get claw back the deficit.
A delighted Tommy Powell spoke with pitch side reporters after the game, but was keen to keep his players feet firmly on the ground, "We were terrific tonight all over the park and the way we took the goals was ruthless. The character we showed to keep them out at the end gives me the confidence that we have the mental strength to achieve big things this season. We can't get carried away though and we need to go into every game with the same intensity and work rate that we showed today." Man of the match Steve Winter was equally as enthusiastic about Zion's display, "It was so important for us to get off to a winning start and force them to play catch up. It now heaps pressure on Deer Park and as long as we keep winning and focusing on our game we will give ourselves every chance of winning the league." Ben Short also spoke with the media and praised Steve Winter for his fine goalkeeping, "Steve was top drawer tonight. He made some quality saves to keep them out, and we finished well to grab the three points. We have sent an important message to our rivals that we mean business this season." Premier League newboys Big Mac and Fries will have taken note of the result last night and will be hoping that Zion take their foot off the gas for next weeks game against them. Tommy Powell will be hoping his side can avoid any such complacency.
