Fairlands knew that this game was going to be there hardest test in the form of Multiple Scoregasm who laid 3rd in the table. Fairlands made an uncharacteristic slow start as they were pressed quickly be the opposition. The first chance of the game came to the visitors when there striker was allowed a free shot on the Fairlands goal, luckily Sean Glennon was on hand to produce a fine save with his outstretched foot.
This should have been the wakeup call the players needed but after a sloppy kick from Sean Glennon, the defence gave the opposition far too much time on the ball. They worked the ball into a dangerous position and the unleashed a venomous strike into the top left hand corner. Keeper Sean Glennon was disappointed not to save the effort after getting fingertips to the ball.
Fairlands had to dig deep and find away to come from behind. It didn’t take the lads long to get back into the match and created a chance from Callum Rowe’s quick free kick, that left Rhys Legate in acres of space only for the striker to find the side netting. After another good piece of play Dale Chester was able to get round the back of their defence and it was emergency loan signing Brendan Newton on hand to slot the ball home.
The half was full of late challenges from the opposition who tried to rattle the Fairlands philosophy of pass and move football. The ref managed to make some of the worst decision known to man and Callum Rowe let him know about it, so it was to our surprise he didn’t pull out his referring badges.
The half time break was needed for the boys and gave us time to calm down Dale 'HardNut' Chester, although the Sambuca he had was probably more of a problem at the time for the lad. The boys started to play football and it was seconds into the half when Rhys Legate managed to steer the ball in the bottom corner after quick decisive build up play.
The third goal effectively killed off the tie and when Callum Rowe received the ball on the edge of the box, he fired in a shot that somehow managed to nut meg the goalkeeper when it looked easier to save. The opposition were a far contrast to the team that showed up in the first half, just showing that the pre-season work the boys have put in is definitely paying off.
Rhys Legate added the fourth and his fifth of his campaign after a goalmouth scramble that took the lad a few attempts before finding the net. The lads pressed for more and Mark Gentleman produced an inch perfect ball to Lee Kingham who must of scored however the post denied him breaking his dreaded duck and remains the only outfield player not too score. Paddy Power has improved their odds on him hitting the net, with the only hitch it being the Fairlands goal. Keeper Sean Glennon remains confident he will be able to keep Kingham out. All jokes aside we do hope Lee can find his shooting boots and hopefully will fire Fairlands to Glory.
The final goal came after a great ball from Rhys Legate which enabled Drunk Dale to take the ball in his stride slot into an empty net. The lads comfortably run out winners in the end and showed great composure on the ball in the latter stages with Callum Rowe showboating.
After Phil Powell’s absence he may struggle to get his place back in the team after a great performance by Brendan Newton, who will be fully expecting a call from Dale Chester for any spaces available in the team.
Key Player
Hard one to call this week however Callum just edged out Brendan and Rhys to the award. His passing was second to none with some delightful balls to his team mates and chipping in with a goal to complete the performance.
