Despite difficult windy conditions, Allstars take control early in the game, keeping the ball with unusually slow tempo.
All four Midfielders combine well, and defence clears up any dangers thrown at them.
Strikers look more and more threatening as the game develops
Deadlock broken after 15 min, with thunderbolt strike from Medley on the edge of the area, in off the post.
Lead extended when Durrant put through Medley, with a perfect pass, who then put through Blandy, who’s shot hit the keeper, and rebounded to Kelly, who lifted the ball neatly over a stranded Outback keeper. 2-0.
More attacks from Gower, notably from Botterill & Durrant who had excellent first halves, should have extended the lead but their couple of half chances were missed.
Really solid performances from both centre backs, Byfield on his debut and Glyn back from injury, kept Paley largely unused in the first half.
2-0 halftime.
Gower complacency was punished when free-kick on edge of the area, was not guarded properly with the wall, and a bullet free-kick could not be held by Paley and the ball crept over him…
2-1. Outback back in it.
With 35 mins left with strong wind against, defence had to hold strong.
They were helped by good defensive work from the 4 midfielders chasing back as well as counter-attacking.
Always felt as though Gowers had more in the tank and it was just a question of time before they extended their lead – and it came from Warren, who after breaking from the centre circle, thumped a quality shot low and hard into the corner of the net.
3-1 – should have been game over, were it not for a moment of David James madness from the Bison, who stormed out of his 6 yard box to claim a loose ball that was heading for the corner flag, only to stylishly tackle the striker instead of retrieving the ball. Penalty.…Goal…. 3-2.
5 mins to go.
Sweaty last 5, with Roger Milburn and Tom Byfield pulling out tackle after header after tackle, to quash the onslaught.
Milburn pulled down his man on the edge of the D, with 10 seconds remaining, and with all 11 players back and in the wall, Outback curled a good free-kick in to the top corner – only for Paley to match it, with a first class save – which saw Gowers to victory.
Good hard game – with Gowers in control but too many free-kicks and fouls let Outback into it.
Big 3 points nevertheless. 3 games, 9 pts, championship winning start. Keep it up.
MOTM = Few contenders – Botterill was class, Durrant had one of his best performances in a Gower top, but MOTM was Tom Byfield – on his debut for the Allstars – not one mistake, bossed the defence with power, and great communication. Flawless performance. Few more of those please.
Well done all. Big match Sunday vs Virgin – who are looking quality this year – 10.15 KO Whittington PK. Be ready.
