Y9 Football v Kelvin Hall 19/10/16
Kelvin Hall 1-8 Sirius West
A very strong squad made their way to Kelvin Hall after a dramatic win in their previous fixture.
The warm up lacked a spark of intensity we’ve come to expect from the West men, but we hoped it was through a relaxed confidence that the last few performance had created. Our hopes were, thankfully, justified as Omali Mukelenge slotted home early in proceedings to make it 1-0 to the West men.
In only his 2nd game back from a hand injury which kept him out of the previous few games Leon Stewart continued his trademark bullish style and bulldozed his way through a shakey Kelvin defence to make it 2-0, already looking comfortable.
Mr Gordon and Mr Renier were reminiscent of 2 Cheshire cats as Harry Blackham fired home in impressive fashion to make it 3-0. Surely home and hosed now, but the question remained…by how many?
Those questions, however, were quickly thrown out the window as the West men clearly switched off with all but 1 of the back 4 in no man’s land Kelvin were given a frankly undeserved lifeline. 3-1 a disappointed management team shared mutual tuts and sighs as a blemish on the scoreline took some of the shine off the performance to that point.
Elliot Pashley was the standout of the match, reminding myself of a young Cafu or Steven Carr covering every blade of grass, even popping up on the left wing to hunt a panicked Kelvin defender down. He was a man possessed. Perhaps the decision to bench him in the previous game had reaped some rewards when he found himself in space inside the box to stroke home a curling finish high to keepers right.
Ali Hussain has been composure personified in recent games and this continued today. At least until he unleashed a ferocious strike from 25 yards which the keeper could only tip out to the on rushing Charlie Shooter. 5-1.
A defensive mix up almost gave Kelvin a 2nd would it not have been for Olly Walker’s heroics hurling himself in front of a shot to prevent a sure goal.
Half Time Sirius West 5-1 Kelvin Hall
The 2nd half got off to a slow start with both teams looking content to let the minutes creep by. Blackham had different ideas with his thirst for goals was not yet quenched as he chased the keeper down who could only kick it against the onrushing Blackham 6-1.
Swivel hips Mukelenge was at it again when he feinted inside and struck a lovely finish back across goal to make it 7-1.
After pestering management to put him into midfield, with the game secure Mr Gordon finally buckled and made the change. Ali Alshariafe made his moment in the sun count as he hit a thunderous strike into the roof of the net 8-1. Job done, National Cup next up for the boys. The champagne continues to stay on ice.
Well done to all the boys!
