Scorer: Knight
Well after a pretty disastrous game in the cup last week it was back to business for the 5s in the league and now at the Xmas break we are unbeaten in ten league games. We have managed this by remaining grounded and not getting too cocky about our performances something that’ll we have to up in 2015 plus the importance of no one muttering the ‘P’ or ‘I’ words is key to us keeping our feet on the ground. This game was a prime example of how the whole teams professionalism has got us to this stage.
A glorious sunny day at Fairlop saw the team arrive and fully up for a battle with a decent Old Parks team who have only lost once so far in the season. Things couldn’t have got off to a better start with us taking the lead within the first 10 minutes. A great through ball from Wilson found the ever impressive Knight who finished brilliantly with the outside of his foot. 7 goals in 7 games now for Knight…top stuff! We were the better team in the first half and created several chances in front of goal and probably should have been more than 1-0 up at the break. Old Parks were frustrated and this brought on a lot of late challenges…Joe Robinson got a clattering early on and that player rightly got booked. It was unfortunate to lose Wilson to injury half way through the first half but the great thing about the AP squad is the depth we have. A bench consisting of Murphy, Byrne- Nelson and Fortucci is incredibly strong! Byrne-Nelson came on for the injured Wilson and his tireless running has been a revelation for the 5s. Murphy came on at half time and was extremely solid at left back.
In the second half we came under more pressure from Parks but as usual our defending from the front held firm…Dodimead put in an absolute stint up front chasing everything down.
Fortucci was unlucky not to finish a chance as he was constantly busy in midfield when he came on for Bowhill.
Old Parks pressed but didn’t create too many chances they had a half hearted penalty appeal but it would have been harsh if it was awarded. Special mention for Olly Twyford who may have played his last game for the 5s as he returns to Aus in the new year…he shall be missed as he is a top player and his performances have been nothing short of class of late!
The final whistle was blown by the ref who had put in more tackles on our players than the Old Parks defence had, things got quite scrappy towards the end due to the importance of this game.
We now haven’t conceded a goal in the league since 18th October which is quality but not great on Sievewrights wallet.
Here’s to hoping that after the Xmas break everyone comes back raring to go and not over weight and slow! Its been a great first half of the season heres to hoping 2015 is even better!
Squad: Sievewright, Doyle, Robinson, Wright, Rae, Twyford, Wilson, Watson, Bowhill, Knight, Dodimead Subs: Murphy, Byrne-Nelson, Fortucci
