A mature display from Zion FC added weight to the pundits prediction that this could be Zion's season. A 6-2 victory was perhaps flattering after a good battle with The G.A, but their hard work arguably deserved a late indulgence in goals.
The G.A were hungry ahead of the local derby that has previously seen fans from both sides reduced to tears. Zion's fans were first to feel glum, when the black and reds intercepted play and made the most of their man over as they finished neatly to open the scoring. The sides have different objectives this season, with Zion hoping for silverware and G.A striving for survival. The Lions needed to get back into the game, and despite a slow start they managed to achieve that. Powell and Jones are arguably the most threatening attacking duo in the league and when they combine defences wilt. This was the case again for The G.A. A neat one-two between the pair allowed Powell to lift the ball into the net passed the onrushing keeper. The favour was returned shortly after as another one-two this time allowed Jones to tuck the ball into the bottom corner to give Zion the lead. The quickfire double seemed to stun The G.A who were on the back-foot. Zion hit the woodwork twice before the break. At the other end, Winter, Shotton, and Dain were showing some resolute defensive play, not allowing The G.A easy opportunities. The half time 2-1 scoreline made for an interesting second half.
Zion's players would have been thoroughly briefed during the interval to ensure that they remain solid and frustrate The G.A by keeping them out during the opening stages of the second half. That game plan was blown out of the water within seconds of the restart. The G.A broke forward and netted to make it 2-2. In past seasons Zion may have crumbled at this point, but they seem to have more steel this campaign. The Lions roared into action and when Shotton fed Powell, the skillful attacker created space for himself and struck home with his left foot to restore the Zion lead. The G.A tactically look to keep the ball high up the pitch putting pressure on their opponents as they hope gaps appear. These gaps seldom appeared in this encounter as the discipline and work-rate of Zion frustrated the black and reds. Strong positioning and tackling were key as Zion broke up G.A moves and allowed them to counter attack with great success. Tony Dain seemingly wrapped up the win when he was set clear on goal with an empty net. The experienced defender tried his hardest to miss the opportunity with a mis-hit tap in, but the ball still managed to find the net, much to his and Zion's relief. The G.A became desparate and more holes appeared in their defence. Jones found Shotton who found the net to make certain of the result. Shotton then doubled his tally with the last kick of the game, again profiting from a Jones pass, to slide the ball into the unguarded net from quite some distance. 6-2, flattering but emphatic.
Zion remain three points clear at the top of the league at the halfway stage of the season, and their Manager was keen to pick out Tony Dain for praise after the game, "Tony has been in sensational form in the last few games and it is with little surprise that we are losing him to international commitments for the next couple of matches. He has been a solid performer, dependable and hard working over the last few games and hopefully he can come back with a similar run of form upon his return." Powell was then asked about rumours of a move for free agent Joey Barton, "I have spoken to Joey and explained the situation. he wants to come here but he did say that at this stage of his career he needs first team football. I was honest to the lad and told him we can't offer him that because we have such a strong team, but I am sure he will find a good club and we wish him luck. Today we showed just why it would be difficult for Joey to break into the first team, we have great quality and that combined with the work rate we showed today gave us the win we needed against tricky opponents." Dan Shotton spoke with the media after the game and hailed his sides character, "It was a tight match until the last five minutes and we had to work really hard. We played with discipline and great tactical awareness tonight and deserved the three points. We have shown our character in the past few games, but this run of form will count for nothing unless we focus on each game as it comes and show more desire than our opponents." Shotton's views will be welcomed by Manager Tommy Powell as Zion next face the supposed whipping boys of the league Ridiculous Beginnings next week. The Zion Manager will be calling on his players to forget about the league table and not under-estimate their opposition.
