Gower Allstars 6 London Tigers 2
London Tigers were taught a lesson in clinical finishing by Gower Allstars on Sunday.
After a shaky first 10 mins by Gowers, the UCS old boys soon got into their stride, with a break down the left by Kelly, who crossed from the by-line, and Durrant nipped in front of his marker at the near-post to glance a header past a stranded keeper.
1-0 Gowers, 15 mins gone.
Although under-the-weather all week, Kelly was hot on the Tigers defence and broke away twice more in the following 10 mins, only for a blasted shot and overhead kick to miss by inches.
It did not matter, as danger-man Medley latched onto a deflected Tigers pass, to leave him one on one with the keeper on his left foot. Only one result.
2-0 Gowers, 25 mins gone.
Mitchell and Selbie in the middle continued to dominate their opposite numbers, which enabled Gowers to play some composed attractive football. Testiment to the tenacity of Selbie, he chased a ball over the top, with the defender 3 yards ahead of him, and got his just rewards, when the pressure was clearly too much for the centre-back, Selbie won possession on the by-line, and crossed to an un-marked Kelly to tap home.
3-0 Gowers 30 gone, and practically match won.
Then came, the Allstars best TEAM goal of the season. Some slick passing moves down the right wing, involving Durrant, Gladstone, and Medley all keeping the ball, playing patient good football, resulted in a switch from one side of the box to the other. The ball came to Kelly, after 10 passes, who swung in a perfect cross to Durrant at the far-post who delivered a bullet header across the keeper into the far corner. A class team goal.
4-0, 35 gone.
The score should have 5-0 after Kelly won a penalty. Medley stood up and missed the target, much to the amazement of his team mates. So 4-0 half-time against a good side, and it was the most relaxed team-talk the Gaffer had given all season long, which ended up costing us.
The 2nd half started with a bang – with Gowers letting in two quick goals in less than 3 minutes. Lack of concentration and focus was the main cause – and it was a big wake-up call for the Gowers.
4-2 with the whole of the 2nd half to play.
Once Gowers settled down, and found their rhythm again, the nerves passed, and Gowers again began to dominate – the midfielders and defence thwarting any potential forthcoming threats, and Durrant & Medley combining well down the right in attacking play.
The game was signed and sealed when Kelly, walloped a loose ball, just outside the box, which curved away from the keeper and found the side netting – to give us 5-2 lead.
Multiple chances then came as the game progressed, with Medley, Gladstone and Kelly all guilty of missing chances.
Another penalty was awarded to Gower, which Durrant stepped up to take, to complete his hat-trick….However a full-on blasted shot, found the cross-bar and not the net – much to the annoyance of the pop-singer.
Eventually though Durrant got his just rewards, when a fine cross from debutant Steffano, at left back, hit Medley…… who’s shot was saved, and fell to Durrant with an empty net, to complete his well-deserved and first ever hat-trick for Gower
6-2 final score.
A superb performance from the Allstars, who showed real dominance and class to over-power their promotion rivals. This now opens up a big gap at the top and puts the Gowers in pole position for promotion.
MOTM – Ollie Durrant, for a fine all-round contribution and display and a special hat-trick – one of which will be contender for goal of the season.
Well played all – bring on Quarter-final of Divisional Cup this Sunday
