Scorers: Parker(2), N’Gola, Spencer, Asberg
With the kick off 5 minutes away and no opposition in sight, it looked like the Finchleans were going to be a no show. But they eventually rocked up seconds before kick-off, causing it to be delayed 15 mins. With them coming in cold AP started with intent and looked lively. When Oscar was brought down on the age of the area, Banny stepped up to take the free kick. He looked confident despite it being well beyond his usual range! He hit the shot sweetly and curled the ball into the top right corner, a great way to open the scoring, 1-0.
Despite the wind being against us AP continued to press and play some good football, with Jack and Sam doing a good job of breaking things up in the middle and building the play. The second goal came when Jack took a shot which the keeper could only parry and John followed up into the empty net. We went into half time 2-0 up having restricted Finchleans to few chances, aside from one which needed a combination of Matt’s hand and my head to clear off the line.
10 minutes in to the second half we went 3 up. Oscar got the rewards for some strong play down the left. A good ball from Ditmar found him on the edge of the box, he cut inside and hit the ball into the far corner, to make it 3-0.
The game started degenerating into a swearing match as Finchleans frustrations boiled over. They were leaving 4 players up now and as we dropped deeper we came under more pressure. Matt made a good save with his feet as their striker found an opportunity at close range. But eventually they did pull one back and for a while we were on the back foot and had to dig in deep.
We needed something from somewhere and it was the super sub Dan who provided it. He showed pace and quick reactions to race clean through on the keeper, and despite the defender trying to clean him out he side stepped this, and kept his cool to slot home. The goal came at a good time and restored some breathing space at 4-1. Banny nearly made it 5 but his header hit the post.
However we couldn’t rest on our laurels because with the light rapidly fading some slopping defending gave them another glimmer of hope. A Finchleans free kick resulted in them grabbing another back, with their defender stealing round the back and getting a free header into the net.
But AP showed their resilience with a 5th and final goal to finish the game off. A swift AP counter attack after the ball broke down resulted in John breaking the offside trap and going clear and stroking it beyond the flailing keeper, to make it 5-2.
All in all it was a great performance, and a good way to bounce back after last weeks cup exit. The shape looked good and everyone worked hard. Tris was unlucky not to break his goal scoring drought but I’m sure it is coming! Oscar produced a composed display on his debut and didn’t shy away from making tackles when it was needed. Ditmar also had a good performance both going forward and coming back. John again produced the goods when it was needed. My only disappointment is that we still do not have a clean sheet yet this season, something we will continue to work on.
MoM: Parsons
