1st X1 Match Report

NPR (0) vs FDMC CENTRAL FINANCE (1)

MOSQUERA RETURNS TO HAUNT HIS OLD CLUB!!

A single goal by striker Tomas MOSQUERA midway through the first half was the only thing that seperated these two teams after a fiercely contested game that earned the away team another valuable three points.

On a perfect day for football, the scene was set for a fiery encounter as NPR aimed to continue their good form and the home team put up a terrific fight in their quest for a win. The game fizzed from the off as both teams started well and goal keepers at either end were required to make early saves.

On a terrible pitch for playing passing football, FDMC Central Finance started to get some real joy by playing the ball in behind their opponents defence and both Andrew CROWE and Tomas MOSQUERA made a number of threatening runs in the attacking third. The pressure told as MOSQUERA latched on to another through ball and rounded the goalkeeper with ease to open the scoring. It was MOSQUERA who should have easily extended the lead within minutes of the restart making space in the six yard box to receive a great pass after some superb play by Andrew CROWE on the left and then failing to side foot the ball home in front of a wide open goal. Another good effort from left midfielder Shane GARNER crashed off the cross bar as FDMC Central Finance enjoyed some sustained pressure just before half time.

The pace of the game did not let up in the second half as both teams battled hard in a game of midfield attrition - neither team creating many clear cut opportunities to score. The longer the game remained at 1-0 the more the home team seemed to sense a real opportunity to snatch a draw and they threw extra players up front in the last 15 minutes in a vain attempt to capitalise on a period of territorial pressure. But a tremendous defensive performance by the whole team ensured that FDMC Central Finance were able to weather the storm and comfortably survive the late onslaught.

Not quite "winning ugly" like the previous week against Woodleigh but a much more controlled and convincing 1-0 win and all important clean sheet that leaves them in a very commanding position at the top of the league. As the season moves in to the last few games of Round One, they look forward to some even more challenging games to come, starting with our next game at home against fourth placed Hawera, followed by a difficult away trip to second place Inglewood.