After last weeks disapointment, the Engine looked determined from the start.
Keeping the ball on the floor, good pass and move football, the engine settled in quickly against what what were obviuosly a well organised and skillful outfit.
The early part of the game was well balanced, then the midfield trio of Steve Shirley, James Moffatt and Jamie Reynold bagan to pull the string and dominate the middle of the park.
Steve Shirley put the Engine 1 - 0 up with a well controlled finish (we'll call it a volley of sorts).
The engine kept the pressure on and continued to control a difficut midfield, a good ball then put Steve in again, and the keeper was left flapping as Steve dropped his shoulder and rounded him as like he wasn't there, 2-0 Engine.
This second goal seemed to kick start Uni Part who seemed determined not to let the game run away from them. Using the pace they had upfront they moved the ball about well trying despeartely to get their wide men into the game, however they we well marshalled by the determined Stu & Si Vallis. Ross C was organising a tight defensive unit and Uni Part were limited in their opportuniites.
Finally Uni Part got in behind, and determined defending from Stu was deemed to be a penalty.. Great penalty taken and scored.
Engine composed themselves and again took the game to the opposition and this resulted in a free kick on the left edge of the Uni Part penalty area, a great ball in was clamly headed in to the net my James M, 3-1 Engine..
Pre planned changes were made at half time which saw Lee B, Dave H, Ross S, Nick C and Kyle come on for Al, Stu, Ash, Si V & James.
The second half started well again with tthe game being contested in the middle of the Park, Jamie R was looking good on the ball and Jimmy P was running the channels all day.
Engine were pressing well in the final third and this paid off with mistakes being made by Uni Part when clearing the ball, strainght to Jimmy P who's quick thinking almost saw him lob the keeper from nearly 35 yard but the ball had to much bounce and just bounced over the bar.
The work done by the Engine midfield was starting to tell on the legs of Steve & Ren, Uni Part began playing some good football but the defensive unit was keept strong and organised by Ross,Kyle, Dave & Lee were working hard, and were breaking up the attacks before they became dangerous..
More changes made to allow some tired legs a rest .
Uni Part began to press and great reactions from Dave P in goal kept the Engine in front. Some good work from Uni Part with some great passing resulted in a clinical finish.
Some rested legs were brought back on to see out the last 10 mins, and this was done with more chances falling to the Engine in the final part of the game as the oppoentents went out to get a draw.
The Final whislte blew Engine win 3-2 and deservidly so...
