Tom Powell scored a hat-trick as Zion FC started the new season in impressive fashion with a 7-2 victory over Rubber Chickens.
The home fans at Stanley Deason were in good voice ahead of the season opener. Optimism abounded as the return of Zion's stars from injuries and enforced absences strengthened the teamsheet. It took little time for the Lions to cause the Chickens problems. Some neat passing scattered the Chickens defence and created chances that their keeper did well to keep out. He was made to pick the ball out of the net despite his good form, when Brett Joyce combined well with Tommy Powell, who finished neatly into the bottom corner. The two combined again to good effect, when Powell found Joyce's well timed run, and the South African fired past the keeper to double the lead. Rubber Chickens were largely second best, but did hit back when a long range effort beat Steve Winter low to his left. Winter produced a decent save in a one on one situation to retain Zion's lead at the break.
The second half continued to witness Zion very much in the ascendency. Matt Emerson restored comfort to the scoreline, latching onto a David Jones pass, and lashing the ball past the keeper. Powell then tucked in his second, after some good link up play. Jones and Emerson played a neat one-two, allowing the latter to slide a fifth Zion goal. Winter and in particular Dan Shotton were proving very difficult to beat, as commanding tackles and interceptions frustrated the Chickens counter attacks. They did grab another consolation however, when a game of pinball occured in the Zion box and the ball was bundled over the line. This did little to calm the storm that was coming their way, and Emerson was first to inflict more misery on the Chickens. A great team move involving Shotton, and Jones allowed Emerson to tap the ball home from inside the area. Powell was left to wrap up the victory with a great finish after some typically expansive football from the Lions. The neat finish secured Powell's 18th hat-trick of the calender year and made the final score 7-2.
Man of the match Dan Shotton hailed his sides attacking impotess when he spoke with his favourite tabloid, the Daily Sport, "We dominated today, and played some good football. The chances we created were brilliant, and it's odd to be praising a keeper who conceded seven goals, but he was amazing today, and the scoreline could have been far worse for them." Manager Tommy Powell believes his side has a great chance of silverware this season, with his full squad back, "It was great to have everyone fit, and as long as it stays that way I believe we have a great chance of achieving something special this season. What was great about tonights match was the balance we had back in the team. Dan was great at the back, and allowed the attacking players to go forward with confidence." Zion face a battle next week with current Premiership champions Deer Park Rangers. With the Worlds media building up such a titanic clash, Zion will be hoping to deliver and enhance their title chances.
