Zion FC struck an early blow to Deer Park Rangers' title challenge with a 3-2 victory. A brace from David Jones and a fine solo goal by Jack secured the three points that are priceless in the Lions efforts to grab a ttile that has evaded them for several seasons.
The first half was understandably cagey as both sides knew that they were the two main challengers for the top prize. The opening stages seemed like a game of chess between two masters who hold perhaps too much respect for each other. The game needed a goal and Deer Park were first to strike. They capitilised on a loose pass and broke forward to take the lead with a neat finish. This was a wake up call for the tentative Zion players who then hit back. Jack dribbled purposefully at the Rangers defence and shifted the ball to David Jones. The midfielder set himself and then passed the ball into the corner of the net to draw Zion level. The Lions were defending well and monopolising possession. They created a multitude of chances without showing the composure to grab the lead. That was until Tony Dain released Jack, who ran forward and powered his shot past the keeper. 2-1 and the Zion fans were on cloud nine. Steve Winter then gave the Zion fans more to cheer about as he unbelievably saved from point blank range. It was with fantastic reactions and agility that Match of the day's Alan Hansen hailed the "save of his career". It maintained Zion's 2-1 advantage going in at half time.
Zion's troops came out determined not to let their advantage slip like they did last time the two sides met. Within minutes of the restart however, it looked like a similar self-distruction was on the cards. Deep in their own half the Lions failed to clear and conceded a needless free-kick. A gap in the wall was exploited and the ball found the net as Deer Park made it 2-2. he next five minutes were crucial for the Lions as they needed to restore order. They did so with solid defending and they mustered chances for themselves as they continually looked more threatening than their opponents. Having hit the woodwork no fewer than four times, Zion were then handed the advantage of an extra man for five minutes. A synical tug back on Jack's shirt when he was through on goal led to a blue card. Deer Park lined up defensively as they looked to remain level until the sanction passed. Zion breached their resolve when Tony Dain broke down the left and found David Jones who calmly slotted the ball home. Zion had further chances to extend their lead as Deer Park desperately searched for an equaliser that didn't come, and Zion fans could celebrate at the final whistle.
Zion Manager Tommy Powell was pleased with the result after the game, but urged his side not get carried away, "It was a great win for us, and puts us in a strong position in the league. We created far more than they did and could have scored more if not for their keeper and the woodwork. Apart from two lapses in concentration we looked solid at the back and I believe we got the three points we thoroughly deserved. The next target for us is to make sure that this counts for something. If we don't go on a run of wins now, this result will mean nothing. It is time for us to show our mental strength and make sure we are still in pole position when we face Deer Park again, and that we don't under-estimate the opponents ahead of us." BBC Sport caught up with Tony Dain after the match and he was delighted with the win, "We played well as a team tonight and grabbed a vital three points in the race for the title. They couldn't handle Jack's pace and power tonight and with a bit more composure we might have got more glory. We will take the win though. Steve's save was out of this world and I said to Shaun earlier that Swints save was the turning point of the game." Deer Park players and management refused to comment to the media after the game, however, reports in the tabloids suggest they have written to the FA regarding the decisions that have been made against their team in recent weeks. The pundits and media however, have laughed at such claims of targeting. Zion will be pleased that off-field matters are distracting their rivals and will prepare themselves for a clash against Scarletfusion next week.
