Zion FC seemed far more recognisable against Real Portslade, beating them 7-3. The free flowing football fans have come to love had been absent from recent poor or laboured performances. On this occasion however, Zion played some scintilating football to outclass their opponents.
The Lions started brightly with some fantastic passing football. Portslade were left chasing shadows as Zion carved out opportunities. After forcing several saves from the Real keeper, Tommy Powell opened the scoring. His well timed run was found by David Jones and an exquisate finish across goal sent the away fans into delirium. It was not long before Zion and Powell had doubled their tally. Jones played a straight ball through to Powell who nonchlantly flicked the ball goalwards. The sublime effort rebounded off the post and fortunately back into Powell's path and he was able to tap home. Zion then perhaps became complacent. All the good football was being played by the reds but they were exposed on the counter attack far too easily. Real gave themselves hope when they scored a rather controversial goal. The ball seemed to have gone out for a throw down the left only for the referee to wave play on, Portslade took full advantage and watched on as a long range strike beat Joe Plass in the Zion goal. The video replays suggest Portslade were fortunate to have been awarded their lifeline. They then equalised with another swift counter attack. The impressive Joe Plass saved the first attempt brilliantly, however, the follow up was tapped in to level the scores. Zion continued to create chances and play dynamic football. They regained the lead after a flowing team move. Nathan Wriglesworth played the ball across into the path of Jones who had the simple task of tapping the ball into the empty net. It was a fantastic passing move the eliminated all the players in white with the quality of movement and the precision of passing. Zion were then pegged back once more by a good run and shot down the right wing. The referee had a moment of confusion as he adjudged that they ball hadn't gone in, however, Zion are firm believers in fair play and quickly corrected the officials. The 3-3 half time score hadn't fully reflected Zion's great play but it had encouraged them that they can still play the attractive football that had been missing in recent matches.
The second half was a tale of dominance. Zion completely outshone their opponents and showed a ruthless streak in front of goal. Having earned a corner Jones spotted the fantastic run of Wriglesworth who efficiently fired the ball into the net. A comfortable cushion was then gained when Jones spotted the run of Nick Mellor. The finish was too good for the keeper as Zion took a healthy 5-3 lead. Real Portslade looked to get themselves back in the game, but were reduced to long range efforts by Zion's good defensive work. When shots threatened the goal, Plass was more than equal to them. He tipped several shots round the post and comfortably gathered stray passes. His distribution was also a great asset to the team as Zion broke forward at every opportunity. Wriglesworth then pounced on a Jones through ball and after beating his marker he calmly slotted the ball in the goal to increase Zion's lead. The scoring was finished when Powell played the ball into a dangerous area, only for a Portslade player to divert the ball past his own keeper with his outstretched foot. 7-3 gave Zion a resounding victory, but it was the style, the return of the swagger, that impressed the fans and pundits.
Tommy Powell was delighted with his sides performance when he spoke with BBC Sports reporters after the game, "We played some good football tonight. The fluidity in our passing and moving was irresistable at times and we fully deserved our win. The challenge we set ourselves now is to gain some consistency with this style of play." Zion will certainly hope to replicate this display when they face Dazeone next week.
