Zion FC sensationally claimed their first title of 2011 with an efficient 5-3 victory over Scarletfusion. Two goals from David Jones, and a goal each for Tommy Powell, Brett Joyce, and Tony Dain was enough for Zion to capitilise on a Deer Park Rangers and Real Portslade draw.
The scenario for league glory was simple, if there was not a winner between Deer Park Rangers and Real Portslade, Zion could grab the title by defeating Scarrletfusion. The Lions started with purpose, and were unlucky not to add a finishing touch to their beautiful football. The creativity and incisive passing was excellent and it seemed inevitable that the reds would take the lead. Eventually the fans could cheer, as Tommy Powell and David Jones played a neat one-two which allowed the latter to tuck the ball into the net. Jones doubled his and Zion's tally in spectacular fashion before the break. Brett Joyce clipped a delightful pass towards the unmarked Jones, who showed great technique and accuracy to volley the ball into the bottom corner. A half of good football by the Lions could have resulted in a more comprehensive lead if not for some good last ditch tackles and brave goalkeeping by Scarletfusion.
The second half continued in the same vain as Zion looked to fire home their winning position. Tommy Powell grabbed a goal with a decent finish after good work by Brett Joyce. Tony Dain then made it 4-0 after a great move that involved the whole Zion team. The defensive display until that point had been of high quality with Dain and Shotton swallowing up the rare Scarletfusion attack. Steve Winter had been called into action fleetingly, but showed great concentration and agility to make decent saves despite long periods of inactivity. He was to be called upon more often in the closing stages of the match, as Zion took their foot of the gas due to the scoreline. Scarletfusion grabbed a goal with less than ten minutes to go after a quick break. Joyce then showed individual speed to breach the Fusion goal again. Dan Shotton headed clear and Brett Joyce accelerated up the pitch to hammer home Zion's fifth. Two late goals from Scarletfusion did little to halt the carnvial atmosphere among Zion fans who were listening to their radio's as their side were set for the title. As the full time whistle blew at both venue's Zion had done it. They had ensured the continuation of the achievement of each calendar year of their existence yielding silverware.
The reporters were out in force as they struggled through the supporter invaded pitch to find Zion players. Man of the match Brett Joyce was first to be interviewed and he was pleased with the victory, "It was a great night tonight, we played good football against a hungry side and scored the quality goals that we are capable of." Manager Tommy Powell eventually managed to climb down from the shoulders of supporters and he was delighted with the achievements of his side, "We played great football tonight, like we have done all season. It is great to have won the league again especially considering the standard of teams has really risen in the last few seasons." Powell was then informed of the statistic of winning a title in each calendar year since the clubs formation, a stat that surprised the Manager, "Wow, I didn't know that, but what an accolade. It just shows the quality of the club, both on the pitch and behind the scenes, providing generations of trophy winning sides." Tony Dain was last to speak with the media, and having downed a bottle of champagne before speaking, his thoughts were rather mumbled, but he did state that consistency was the key to Zion's success, "We have struggled in recent seasons as the team has been changing a lot with little chance for us to maintain the rhythm of our more successful seasons. I think that this season we had more consistent team sheets and that produced consistent performances which has ultimately resulted in the silverware. Two games to enjoy ourselves before we try to defend it." Zion next face second placed Real Portslade who are eight points behind them. Portslade's Pride will be at stake as they look to spoil Zion's title winning party.
