Away league match played on 02 July 2014.
Kicked off at 8:00 PM

 

In what was to be a closely contested battle Fairlands turned back the clocks to earn themselves 3 points and a strong starting platform for the rest of the season. The pre match preparations duly paid off as they battled through the warm temperatures against a side they would hope to consider one of the strongest contenders.

 

The early exchanges were made in an open spout of play as Pamela Anderlecht looked to press the rusty defensive line with a direct approach, forcing several shots that passed wide of the mark. It didn't take long for the royal blues to find their feet however and they soon began to play the passing football we all know they like to play. With Anderlecht still pressing it was they who took the first goal of the game when they were allowed a little too much time on the ball and they unleashed a drive which left keeper Sean Glennon with little chance of saving after it hit the inside of the post and the back of the net. Undeterred the blues kicked off looking to restore the balance. Chances came and went as Mark Gentleman attempted numerous shots only to be denied by the opposition goalkeeper who at times looked like he wouldn't allow it to be Fairlands day. One chance especially where Gentleman won the ball in midfield and brought in Rhys Legate to play, who himself held the ball up and dispatched it wide where Dale Chester was waiting, he delivered beautifully across the face of goal only for Gentleman to scuff wide with the goal gaping. With Phil Powell switching to beast mode and Jordan Gascoyne putting in a shift Anderlecht's chances became limited.

 

The second half began well for Fairlands as they steamed in straight from the off and there was no denying the chance would come. Sooner rather than later it did and this time it was substitute Connor Rowe who delivered to Chester, calmly like a man possessed it was cooly deployed side footed into the bottom right hand corner, 1-1 and game on. Humidity and fitness levels beginning to show but it was Fairlands and particuarly Lee Kingham who continued to battle harder than their counterparts, more exchanges but no clear chances for either side until the second goal which came from a Kingham roll in to Gentleman who then found Chester, he continued to do a trademark drive towards the defence but released the ball out wide to Legate, the ball was squared across goal and found Gentleman who's touch fell perfectly for Powell, he tapped in and it was game, set and match. The teams hard work paying off. Late on in the game Fairlands survived a few scares as known frenemy Paul Smith drilled in from a corner only to be blocked off once again by Powell.

 

The game drew to a close and it was a deserved 3 points for the blues who now look to their next opponents One Kick Wonders. No player put a foot wrong but the general consensus was that there were some mistakes that need to be ironed out but all in all it looks like they never lost their touch. Great win for the boys who will undoubtably be delighted with themselves. Is it to early to call them title favourites? Maybe so but I expect them to fully be in and around the mix.

 

ð???Star Man.

This week goes to Phil Powell who not only defended with bravery and honour worthy of champions, he also got himself on the scoresheet. More of those performances and the rest of the team will be safer in the knowledge they have a strong back line.

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