Scorers: Adjekwi x 3, Marsh, Kerr-Bell
AP made the short trip to Woodside Park to face a physically imposing Old Finchleians.
The game was hit by a downpour but AP were not to be deterred in their quest for back to back wins for the first time in a long time.
Finchleians started the game on the front foot, spraying the ball all over their small pitch with confidence and authority as they looked to take the game to AP early. Once again the AP defence remained resolute with a mixture of excellent game reading and smart challenges not allowing Finchleians an easy route to goal.
AP grew into the game after 20 minutes and began to put pressure on their defence causing mistakes that were leading to attacking opportunities.
Credit to Joe and Danny who did the dirty work on either wing tracking back to help out defensively and always being available up front.
The half ended 0-0 where both sides could have taken the lead and so it was all to play after the break.
Staying out in the rain and being presented with half time oranges clearly worked a treat as the second half began with AP taking complete control of the game.
A fantastic late run from Keiran saw him one on one with their keeper who was able to parry the ball but unfortunately for him into my path. A simple tap in and AP are 1-0 up.
Shortly after as space opened up in the midfield Tom took a touch and slipped me in behind their defence. Cries of offside fell on deaf ears as I rounded the keeper and slotted home for 2-0.
The next goal was crucial and fortunately for us it went AP’s way. Another sublime through ball from Tom put me in on goal. The ball skidded off the surface creating a 50/50 with the keeper which he got to first but the ball fell kindly to Johnny Marsh who put it away to make it 3-0. Great following up and a second example in one game of the benefits of gambling on any potential spills.
AP were not done and Joe won a stonewall penalty which yours truly emphatically despatched sending the keeper the wrong way. Special mention to Keiran who was keen on taking the spot kick but allowed me to get my hat trick even though his girlfriend was on the sideline watching. I’ll definitely put in a good word the next time he is in the doghouse.
Finchleians managed to pull a goal back against the run of play which was disappointing as we continue our search for our first clean sheet of the season.
Tom got himself on the scoresheet with an effort from 35-40 yards out as he managed to punish their keeper with a poor clearance effort and left his goal unguarded.
A brilliant win and performance in less than ideal weather conditions and to be honest a bit more match sharpness from me and we could’ve scored a few more.
The season may shape up to be a special one if we continue in this vein. A rest week and we go again.
C’mon AP!
