Matchday // Match 12 v Harvester Allstars - Season 1 // Cillit Bang FC

Match Report

Cillit Bang FC edged out at the death in thriller

A highly competitive game with plenty of goals, particularly for the low-scoring team in green, as the match in a neutral's eyes proved a great spectacle, with the final result proving unclear for the entire 40 minutes. Lambon, Matty and Long all unable to participate in tonight's game, good news however with the goal machine Bang back in the starting line-up, his first game in 6 matches, the previous against tonight's opponents.

Goal Bang opens the scoring after a forward pass by Stroud enables him to sidestep the defender and power his shot in with his left foot.

Slightly shaky defending followed as Bang backheels the ball to the forward in open space but unable to punish the mistake after the ball rolls through to Stroud, shots at Stroud followed as skillful tricks were deployed beating Cillit Bang FC players, eventually managing to equalise.

At the other end, forward Mike, was keeping the ball under control with pressure from the defender, one chance were he was slipped through by Lucho, Mike's shot had beaten the keeper but unfortunately hitting the post. Wrench's pass finding Mike on the edge of the area, his shot miscued after cleverly making the space for himself. His misery continued after his goal was disallowed after encroaching in the penalty area.

Goal In quick clinical fashion Cillit Bang FC take the lead on 8 minutes after Stroud quickly rolls the ball out to Lucho, he threads the ball through to Wrench, his shot smashed in right footed above the keeper to make it 2-1. That brings Wrench's goal tally up to 11 for the season and the new current top scorer, Stroud 14 will have something to say about that.

Goal Ball down the right from Mike, Bang picks up the ball holds off the defender and fires from the right past the keeper at a tight angle to take the lead at 3-2.

Although Cillit Bang FC were leading 3 times in the first half, goals conceded from the wings proved costly particularly on the 3rd as the attacker skips past the left back in the channel and fires across the goal from a ridiculous angle and scores in off the post, Stroud a fraction short with the save.

Signs started to show as Harvester Allstars committed some fouls for raising the arms, Lucho's shot blocked from the resulting layoff from the free kick.

At Half-Time with honours even against the team in 1st place, it showed Cillit Bang FC were not the pushovers from the majority of games played this season. The previous game ended 1-12 at the same stage.

Half-Time Score: Cillit Bang 3-3 Harvester Allstars

Goal A run down the right by Bang keeping 2 defenders at bay, unable to get his shot away but creating enough pressure for a loose tackle to roll across the danger area, Wrench waiting on the edge of the area shoots, the ball rolling under the keeper, fumbling at the save. 6 goals in 3 games for Wrench with triple braces and possible hat-trick chances. 4-3

Keeping out the table toppers was getting underneath the opponent's skin as increasing fouls and talks with the ref, was portraying a sense of frustration that was what Cillit Bang FC were aiming for.

However, a touch of class from the opposition took them into the lead after a fine through ball and quick side footed finish, followed by a diagonal ball through to the attacker, his shot chipped towards the left of the goal and in off the post. Hold your horses, the lead short lived as a brilliant defensive display through the match by Lucho cutting out the opponent on numerous occasions and setting up attacks, Lucho dispossesses the striker and passes to Stroud.

Goal Stroud shoots instinctively through Wrench's legs, his shot taking 2 deflections on the route to goal off the defender and Wrench's thigh. The keeper wrong footed can't stop it go past him. 5-5 Stroud keeping up his rate of a goal a game.

Goal After a shaky 2 goals were conceded, Bang brings the match back on track as he scores his and Cillit Bang FC's first hat-trick. Stroud passing to Bang, moving and expecting a return pass, Bang cheekily cuts in from the right and thunders a left foot shot away. 7-6 game on!

Now on his 3rd consecutive hat-trick chance - Wrench's best opportunity came with a great through ball from Bang, a side foot shot taken early, comfortably saved to the keeper's left. 3-4 further hopeful shots were saved after passes from Stroud, Lucho and Bang. Further shots by Lucho breaking up play and through on goal, Stroud shooting from distance and Bang brilliantly shooting from the halfway line, the ball almost catching the keeper out.

Ultimately Cillit Bang FC unable to double their lead at 4 attempts in the match, costing them at least a point. Heads held high, more performances like this will surely bring the results they strive for. Full confidence taken into next weeks match against the team above them, as well as the following season.

Second Half Score: Cillit Bang FC 3-6 Harvester Allstars

Final Result: Cillit Bang FC 6 - 9 Harvester Allstars