Zion FC surrendered a 1-0 half time lead as they got involved in a "tit for tat" game of the playground favourite "fouling football". Fans were left angry at Zion's inability to keep their composure and with that their lead. ZFC eventually lost out 3-1 as Deer Park extended their lead at the top of the table by another three points.
The game started so brightly for Zion who completely dominated the opening five minutes of the game with some fantastic football that seemed to calve open Deer Park's defence at will. The goal that gave them the lead was sublime. A great team move involving the whole team culminated with a neat one two between Jones and Powell, allowing the former to slot the ball home. The game then turned in one contencious moment. A horror tackle by an over-hyped Rangers player could be heard over the already high decibal arena, such was the crunch. No effort to play the ball and every effort to break his opponents leg should have seen the man walking. Jones the victim was lucky to have his leg in one piece and he among the spectators was bemused as to how the referee allowed the player to remain on the pitch. Not even a blue! That decision set the precident and the tackles started flying in from both sides. Not unexpected from Deer Park who are reknown for their brutal tactics, but for Zion to get involved is far more rare and surprising, and it back-fired as they played into Deer Park's hands. Rangers dominated from that moment on and if not for some outstanding saves from Steve Winter and some good defending from Tony Dain, Zion would not have had the half time lead.
The second half continued to see Deer Park Rangers in the ascendency as they allowed Zion no time on the ball. Their closing down was rarely fair as they frequently hacked away at the heels of Zion's attacking players without consequence. Frustration got the better of the reds, who were increasingly becoming involved in similar challenges and altercations. Ben Short was lucky not to receive further punishment for a series of fouls, however, the referee had made a rod for his own back by permitting the Rangers similar leniancy. It was unlike Zion to play in this way and it really doesn't suit them. Without being able to have a footballing contest, Zion were unable to create chances and with that Deer Park bullied their way back into the game. A solo run from the least skillful player on the pitch saw Rangers equalise. How he got through only the static defenders can answer. The momentum gathered for the yellows who scented victory. It took some time for them to take the lead. A fortuitous rebound from a clearance allowed a simple tap in for the Rangers man who should not have been on the pitch. 2-1 and Zion needed to push for the win. As men went forward gaps appeared, and after a collection of superb Steve Winter saves, Deer Park wrapped up the game with the final kick and made it 3-1. Boo's from the away fans who clearly felt the referee had been under-par, but perhaps also the fans had come out to watch a football game and not a war re-enactment that it seemed to have become.
The media circus was in a frenzy after the game with Zion opinions divided and many talking points after the game. Manager Tom Powell is certain to be in hot water with the FA after his post match outburst, "It was like playing against six men, when we should have been playing against four. How that challenge was not a red, only the ref can answer, I for one heard the crunch and thought he'd broken DJ's leg. It was a shocker and he intended to cause damage with his studs showing so high off the ground. The refs had a mare coz he didn't stop Deer Park hacking our players and because of that he is the reason the match became a free for all. The FA need to show common sense when appointing refs for such a big clash. The first five minutes we were all over them, they didn't like it, started kicking us and were allowed to, it's a joke." Tony Dain believed Zion should take more responsibilty for the events, "That was not how Zion plays. We don't get involved in fouling football, we play our game by moving the ball around and out-passing our opponents. We never got any rhythm tonight because we were pre-occupied with fouling players, and as a result our forwards couldn't get on the ball in fear of a leg breaking tackle from Deer Park. We need to stay calm in the big matches or we won't win them." Steve Winter echoed Tony Dain's sentements, "We should play football without the fouling. We are better than getting involved in that. I am not proud to be a Zion player tonight, notr because we lost, but because of the way we lost. If we get involved in many more hacking matches again I will be considering my future at the club." Zion fans for that reason alone will be hoping that Steve Winter will be made proud again next week, when they face Scarletfusion.
