Local Weather Forecast
Match Report
Saturday 15th February
Old Parmiterians Reserves | 7 - 0 | Lea Valley |
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AFC Inter Div North (H) KO 1:00 PM
Referees: Manager: |
Team:
Goals: Man of the Match: |
We are getting closer
Old Parmiterians Reservre XI have made exceptional progress this season. A run of excellent results have left them in control of their league at the top of the table with games in hand and competitors trailing in their wake. Last weekend's visitors to Douglas Eyre Sports Centre were local derby rivals Lea Valley, currently third and with much to play for. Conditions were far from ideal, Storm Dennis was threatening to blow all before it and, as kick off time approached driving rain made things worse. The Reserves went into their pre-match routine whilst most of the opposition sought respite from the weather in the changing rooms of the Douglas Eyre facility. As the game kicked off on the all weather pitch, the difference in the two warm-up strategies was telling, it took only seven minutes for the home side to take control with two well worked moves leading to an early two goal advantage, with usual suspects Zach Kinnell-Harry and Charlie Heath on the score sheet. As the half wore on the conditions continued to deteriorate but the team stuck manfully to the task and a third goal ensued. Captain Chris Garnett-Scherer's deep cross volleyed in beautifully into the top corner by Kinnell-Harry. Half time would see a change in tactics, what advantage there was in the first 45 would turn to disadvantage as the two teams switched with Parms now playing toward the clubhouse end and against the wind. The second half started with the expected reversal of fortune. For fully 15 minutes the team came under increasing pressure on their goal but, thanks to reliable goalkeeping from Steve Kennedy-Clarke, some gritty defending from both the back four and the midfield unit and with an occasional last ditch tackle the home side held on to its three goal margin. Growing into the half, the hosts playing the ball out of defence on the deck started to pay dividends, with a slick move through the middle that led to a well taken fourth goal. Substitute Nat Newman laying on Heath for his second. An even better sequence of play involving several players led to a fifth and another Heath hat-trick for the season. Two further goals rounded off a magnificent 7-0 result, as Heath smashed home a shot from the edge of the box after good work from Jake King and Garnett-Scherer, then Zito Madu grabbed a late goal. All of this leaves Old Parmiterians II nine points clear of Old Salvatorians II in second place and, with a game in hand, in pole position to take the title. Whilst it is not yet a mathematical certainty it would take an almighty turnaround in fortunes which, on current form is looking extremely unlikely. Come on you Parms...