Zion FC only just managed to beat Premier League whipping boys Scarletfusion. It took a late David Jones winner to defeat their lowly opponents and keep alive any hope of a late title push.
According to pundits before the game, the result was a foregone conclusion, with the only undetermined facet being how many goals Zion would win by? This "easy game" mentality was blown out of the water as Sacrletfusion came out fighting and scored two early goals to shock the away support. The Lions had to respond, and did when Brett Joyce ran down the left and saw his shot parried by the keeper, allowing David Jones to nod the ball home from three yards out. Fans expected that moment to swing the momentum in Zion's favour, but again Scarletfusion upset the odds. A decent solo run ended with a good strike to open up a two goal lead once more. It could have been worse if Steve Winter hadn't produced some good saves. The Lions hadn't really woken up, but found a goal when Jones found Tommy Powell, and the all time top scorer finished neatly to reduce the arrears. Zion were working hard, fully aware that the Scarletfusion team was a different proposition compared with the team they mauled 9-1 last time out. The fusion then rubbed salt into the wounds by scoring a fourth making the half time score 4-2.
The Lions came out fighting and got themselves right back in the game. Powell scored after good work from Jones, then Joyce went on a mazy run powering his shot past the keeper to draw the teams level. Jones then scored the goal of the game receiving the ball from Joyce then majestically flicking the ball over the head of his marker before unleashing a ferocious volley into the bottom corner of the net, from quite a distance. It was a stunning goal which excited the fans and gave Zion the lead for the first time in the game. That lead proved to be short-lived as Zion perhaps felt Scarletfusion would crumble, instead a good team move allowed a simple tap in to get them back on level terms and then a long range effort gave them the lead again. It was a blow to Zion who needed to show their mental strength, and did. Powell and Joyce linked up well, with the former able to finish accurately to get the teams level. Then after missing a similar chance, Jones was able to tap home the winner after great work from Dan Shotton down the left. 7-6 was certainly a neutral pleasing match, with Zion snatching the three points from Scarletfusions grasp.
Tommy Powell conceded that his side had completely underestimated their opponents when he spoke with BBC Sport after the game, "I think the lads had got it into their heads that we were going to hammer them and that was wrong. They had some new players in their side who were decent and they made us work really hard for the win. What was good was the way we responded to going behind on several occasions during the match." Man of the match David Jones felt that his side did well to win, but admitted that the title race is out of their hands, "To win was quality, especially after the shock they gave us. We are mentally a tough group and that showed today in the way we battled to grind out the three points. The title isn't in our hands as we are playing catch up, but we have to keep plugging away and hope that if Deer Park do slip up we can take full advantage." Real Portslade await Zion next week presenting another challenge for the Lions as they push for more points.
