Tommy Powell inspired Zion FC to a 5-1 comeback victory. His hatrick and an impressive brace from Nathan Wriglesworth stunned the Traders who had held a 1-0 lead at half time.
Zion's new look side started positively and strung several passing moves together. Nathan Wriglesworth looked in particularly sharp mood, outpacing his opponents and having shots at goal frequently. The Rogue Traders keeper seemed to be on equally good form as he saved many of Zion's early attempts. Then came the smash and grab attempt. A neat turn by the Traders striker allowed him to shoot at goal. The result was rather fortunate as the ball bounced through the legs of Paul Muzzall. Zion continued to enjoy the lions share of possession and at times played with great finesse. The rare attack from the Rogue Traders on the break invariably ended with a fine save from the impressive Muzzall. Despite Zion's dominance the Rogue's defence managed to hold out until half time.
It wasn't long before Zion levelled the match. Tommy Powell saw his long range effort parried by the goalkeeper and Wriglesworth was on hand to calmly slot home the rebound. The Traders seemed to realise that the inevitable would happen and crumbled somewhat. David Jones found Wriglesworth who delightfully turned his man and fired a left footed shot into the back of the net. The Lions fans could breathe far easier and enjoyed Zion's creative play. Powell played the ball to Jones who wrong-footed his man and drew the keeper out before nonchanantly touching the ball back across to Powell to tap home into the empty net. At 3-1 Rogue Traders had to push forward in search of a foothold back into the game. This created more space in behind. Tony Dain was able to deploy the counter attack, and broke forward on several occasions. It was his run and pass that allowed Powell to slot home into another empty net to double his tally. Defensively Zion were showing positive signs for the future, as they kept out many of the Traders advances. When called upon Muzzall was dependable with some fantastic, and often acrobatic, saves. The gloss was added to the result when Wriglesworth set Powell through on goal. The 28 year old striker sublimely clipped the ball over the advancing keeper and into the net to complete his hatrick. It was a touch of class and was greeted enthusiastically by the Zion fans. Powell reeled off in celebration and one lucky young ball boy became the envy of his match day colleagues, as he found himself being embraced by one of his idols. It was a touching example of the "family club" tag that Zion have been given.
Manager Tommy Powell was delighted with the sides new system, "It seemed a little strange at times but it was definately effective. Some of the passing football was quality. Even though we were trailing at half time, we had been playing some quality stuff, and in the second half the pressure told and we came into our own. Its a good sign of what we hope is to come." Zion will look to go one better than their runners up finish this season when they start the new campaign next week.
