El Doge’s 0 Willows Valiant 8

The improbable story here was that Valiant had to play well; el Doge’s was no pushover as the score suggests. They would have beat most teams playing as they did, it was just that Valiant went up two or was it three gears.  They played the game at their own pace throughout, knowing that if they kept a clean sheet a goal would win the game.  Close to half time scores was level until Mathew Payne scored a goal that only he seems capable of.  If there had been another coat of paint on the post it would not have gone in!  Dan Powers can take credit for a great squad of players, but more important he has his players playing to a ‘script.’  Superb game, great advert for league.

Trawl 7 YMCA Futsal 4

First win of new league for Trawl, although they have picked up points from drawn matches.  Trawl was always just too good for YMCA who attack off the cuff rather than tactically plans an attack. YMCA when they lose the ball fail to respond with immediate four man defence, as a consequence they pay the penalty at both ends - missed chances and goals conceded off the counter. If or when YMCA get the defence right they will have a base to pick up points. Trawl had two new quality acquisitions that allowed the established players respite, a luxury they have not had for weeks.  Trawl will give everyone a tough test even if their league position indicates otherwise.

Shamrock 3 Franklin College 4

Great to see Shamrock back with team, nothing changes as they lose another close fought game.  No disrespect to Shamrock when I say this game was a contrast of styles, Shamrock having the stronger older players, College the impetus of youth.  Without college tutor and FA National League player Pete Sylvester, College looked vulnerable, where would leadership come from.  Lee Potter on bench was ‘pulling the strings’ his young squad listened, responded and went 2-0.  Second half Shamrock lifted their game to equalise; the game was now youth vs. experience.  Both teams had chances, but with the clock running down Franklin conjured a gaol, followed by a fourth as the whistle blew for full time.

Surprise package Franklin moved into second place, the strongest youth side the league has seen in ten years?

Clee Wanders’ 3 GRS 2

Without a keeper Phil Wakefield was forced into goal, not a bad decision as he had a ‘blinder.’  Clee was brilliant, experience trumping youth.  Jenk’s playing as front pivot for Clee was inspirational.  Jenk’s can lace an old leather football; his opponents would not know what one looked like.  He and his team did not just match GRS physically but they had the savvy to out think them.  Yes GRS should have done better with the greater number of chances created, but how Clee closed the game out 3-2 when for the last ten minutes traffic was coming one way was a great example of how to defend a lead.  GRS was excellent, Clee excellent and a bit added.