Kelly nets 5 as AP’s finest cruise to massive win…
Goals: Kelly 5 (1 Pen), Morris, Karnell, Spencer
John Morris’ 1XI ran riot over a completely overwhelmed Southgate squad, scoring five first half goals and adding three more to their tally in the second.
AP controlled the game from the first touch with several good chances before Kelly scored from the Penalty spot.
Once this first goal went in, AP laid siege to the Southgate goal with the impressive Sam Morris consistently losing his marker and bagging a goal, and Kelly always available and alert to goal scoring opportunities.
Jones and Danny ‘O controlled the Midfield areas with great authority, and our flank play on both sides was equally effective, with Fullbacks Gunyan and debutant Thrale linking well with their midfielders.
Another debutant, Karnell, wreaked havoc in the Southgate half scoring one and creating several other chances through his direct running.
Goals were scored on a regular basis, with Kelly bagging a first half hat-trick, bringing his tally to 14 goals for the season (your target is now 25 for the season young Jedi).
AP’s dominance was so utter and complete that Southgate only really threatened from the odd free kick or corner which was comfortably dealt with by the AP ‘Mean Machine’ back four consisting of Thrale, Egan, Patterson and Gunyan.
In fact the hosts failed to register a shot and never held possession for more than 30 seconds.
At half time AP then flexed it muscle, showing its strength in depth with the introduction of Carlin, Spencer and Kenga who made an immediate impact – particularly Carlin who did his best Mr Bean impression in bypassing Simpson with a back pass for the Southgate forward to tap in. With Fulham also losing Saturday afternoon, we put Simpson on suicide watch.
In truth this was very poor Southgate side that were torn to shreds by a ruthless AP team who grow in confidence and ability every time they take to pitch.
The competition for a place in the 1XI squad is fierce – never mind the starting XI! But this strength in depth will be vital for the second half of a league campaign that has so far delivered 21 points, 30 goals for and only 6 against in 9 games. AP’s finest are also one of only two teams in SAL 1XI football to be unbeaten in the league (the other being Nottsborough – good company indeed!).
In summary a good first half of the season, but there is a long way to go and harder tests will await.
The Christmas Turkey will taste all the better now, stuffed like a Southgate Olympic team.
Mom: Notable mentions to debutants Thrale and Karnell but this week’s award is shared between the ‘new’ Sam Morris and Matt Kelly with a five-star performance and five goals.
