Cresswell Wanderers Colts   5:1   Stonnall Phoenix

Jordan

After an evenly contested first half, Cresswell finished the stronger to claim victory.

Stonnall started brightly, working the ball round well between the three man defence of Ben, Dillan and Sedgy and the midfield. Tom and Joe were tasked with getting up and down the flanks to provide width in attack and to recover to bolster the defence. This system worked well initially and both wing backs brought energy and speed. Joe was rewarded with a corner from an attempted cross and the forwards of Jack and Demario combined for the latter to shoot on goal.

Cresswell started to enjoy more control towards the break and forced a couple of saves from Alfie in goal and then took the lead with a bundled effort from a corner in the 26th minute. Jack later wriggled free in attack and shot over the bar for Phoenix but the score remained 1:0 at half time.

It had been a competitive first half with the teams trading attacks, the home side just edging it on incisiveness and the second half started in a similar vein as Jack tried a left footed shot just off target. Although Cresswell immediately got a second goal in the 44th minute for a 2:0 lead, Phoenix endeavoured to get back into the game with fresh legs in the form of substitutes, Harry and Jordan in midfield.  Jordan, using his height, was winning defensive headers and striding further upfield supporting the forwards when possible, which would eventually be rewarded.

Tom tried a header at goal straight from an Ennis clearance and had another shot at goal coming infield from the right but then the home side took control as the visitors tired. Three goals in thirteen minutes from the 62nd minute decided the game for Cresswell but Stonnall got a deserved consolation with two minutes remaining.  Jack and Demario combined and Jordan, on another forward foray, poked the ball over the line for his first goal for the club to make the final score 5:1.

Stonnall were well in this match for the first hour against a top three team but ultimately Cresswell were stronger at the end and converted their chances.

Report by Pete H.

Man of the Match

Whilst it was difficult to maintain the high level of energy throughout the game, the lads displayed a willingness to keep going to the end so can all take heart in a good performance. One of the players who exemplifies the maximum effort required and who puts in consistent performances week after week, Tom was strong in his forward runs and obdurate when required in defence and fully deserves Bruce’s MOTM this week. Well done Tom.