Alliance League - Match 18

Top of table before match;
1 - (C) Real Mabridge 35pts
2 - Khazboss 30pts
3 - Zypro 28pts
4 - Phat Dogs 27pts
5 - The Bald & The Hairy 27pts
6 - St Helens Massive 27pts

Khazboss FC 10 – 3 FC Stonecross
Scorers:
Scott Murphy 1
Ste Murphy 5
Evans 3
Heron 1

PROMOTION TO CONFERENCE
Just the game that Khazboss could have wanted. FC Stonecross were bottom of the table and already relegated. As for Khazboss, Real Mabridge got the win last week to end hopes of the title. With other results going the way they did, it meant in theory that any two from five could be promoted, although St Helens Massive had +9 goal difference compared to the twenties for all the other teams. Khazboss had the points advantage and the best goal difference in the league with +27 so promotion was possible, even with defeat. Just before kick off however, rumours were circulating that Phat Dogs’ opponents had not turned up granting them a 10-0 win and putting them above Khazboss. This now meant a point was needed.
With a pitch free indoors, the referee decided to play the game indoors. Neither team were used to playing in the heat so this promised to be a slow game, but after a shaky start for Khazboss, they finally took control and began scoring. Stonecross began far too quickly and soon began to make simple mistakes and give the ball away too easily. Khazboss were ruthless with their fast paced pass and move style, although they tried to slow it down given the heat. Even at 5-0 up with control of the game and a possible clean sheet, they played like they were 1-0 down. However, the toll of the heat coupled with having no substitutes and the style of football being played began to cause a few mistakes from Khazboss. By the end of the game the previously solid defence had been breached three times with perhaps all three avoidable. The major difference in this game however, was that Khazboss remained calm and let none of the usual arguing between players bubble over. This allowed the scoring to continue and the game to end a respectable 10-3.

Verdict: A solid performance all round. Every player worked hard for the win and played for the team. Khazboss always looked comfortable, even if their style looks frantic. A well deserved promotion

Ratings:
Charnock: 7 – Started shakily but showed safe hands throughout.
Ste Murphy: 9 – Excellent defending but showed real ability in going forward and scoring five goals.
Heron: 8 – Again, excellent defending. Good distribution and movement as well.
Evans: 8 – Always dangerous and creative when on the ball. Pitched in with good defending when Ste Murphy was forward
Scott Murphy: 8 – Was the engine of the team. Ran everywhere doing more than his share of defending, providing and shooting.

Final Stats
Pos W D L GD Pts
2nd 10 3 5 +34 33