1st X1 Match Report

Inglewood (3) v FDMC Central Finance (3)

FDMC rise like a phoenix from the flames!!

FDMC Central Finance turned adversity up side down with a thrilling second half performance that saw the team score three brilliant goals, rescue a valuable point and remain unbeaten this season.

In this eagerly awaited top of the table clash, FDMC Central Finance started much the brighter of the two sides and strikers Tomas MOSQUERA and Andrew CROWE looked dangerous right from the off, as both went close to scoring with three good early opportunities.

But the early momentum slipped allowing Inglewood to enjoy far too much space and time on the ball, which allowed the home team back in to the game. Inglewood found themselves two goals up, as Craig ADAMSON and midfielder Casey BECKETT capitalised on some casual defending. ADAMSON added a third goal just before half time to really pile on the pressure and for the first time this season, FDMC Central Finance found themselves staring down the barrell of a heavy defeat.

A frank half time discussion led to a simple decision for the team; roll over and die or roll your sleeves up and play for pride. It was a blunt message that needed a positive response and to the players credit there was an instant change in attitude and performance. A ferocious re start saw an energetic FDMC Central Finance attack from the first whistle to the last. An early opportunity just went wide of the goal as Tomas MOSQUERA latched on to a ball in the penalty area but MOSQUERA made ammends moments later with a simple header at the back post, finishing of a sweeping move down the left and a suprebly delivered cross by Shane GARNER.

A sense of hope and urgency lifted the team immediately as they bounced back in to life and spurred on by Domenico SQUATRITI and Morgan HALL in the middle of midfield, FDMC Central Finance pressed and hurried the home team at every opportunity. Winning more of the ball and most importantly closing down the space that the home team had enjoyed in the first half, Corey SUTTON added a second goal with a spectacular long range effort that left the goal keeper stranded - game on.

Restoring pride was quickly replaced by a real opportunity to get something out of the game. Midfield dominance saw the team pass the ball well and through Rory GARNER on the right and Shane GARNER on the left the away team started to stretch the play at every opportunity. Incisive through balls from the creativity of Morgan HALL and Domenico SQUATRITI caused endless problems for the Inglewood defence and it was FDMC Central Finance who grabbed an inevitable equaliser with another fine goal by Tomas MOSQUERA.

Fitness and the collective will to win took over mid way through the second half as the away team looked to "grab victory from the jaws of defeat". Both sides battled hard in the last 10 minutes to snatch that elusive fourth goal and the best chance to seal a win fell to the magnificent MOSQUERA once agin, but he was unable to keep his composure on a one on one with the goalkeeper.

It was the classic game of two halves; from the depths of despair to the heights of ecstasy, this team showed tremendous character and magnificent courage to respond in the way that they did. Not only did they restore a sense of pride but they secured a valuable point and maintained their unbeaten run this season in a game that they ironically should have won.

The team looks forward to the last two remaining fixtures of Round One and a return to winning football in coming weeks.