Sublime Strikers Smash Six

The Celts had had a tough start to the season losing to Cherry Hinton Lions 5-2 and then facing a strong looking and in form Fulbourn Institute against who they scored 3 but conceded 8. So it looked like we might have to work hard to keep a clean sheet. The Strikers team was under strict instructions from the manager "not to do an Arsenal", but it was highly improbable that even a bunch of 9 year olds could play that ineptly - besides we had the lucky chair on our side.

We won the toss and chose to kick off. We were soon pressing forward and a good long range pass from Matty P put through Oliver who got away an early shot but well saved by the goalie. The rebound ended up just over the bar. Then it was the Celts turn to push forward but their first attack was competently snuffled by Ed clearing up at the back. His surging counter attack led to a great opportunity but Ed's shot unluckily hit the post. The Strikers now had their tails up and Matty S was unlucky with a good shot.

Then Joe had a drive which was almost spilled over the line by the keeper. This was followed by a great lob by Matty P which almost resulted in a goal. The pressure contiue to mount and a great team move ended by a final shot from Matty S deserved better reward. But when was the goal coming - would we be hit by a sucker punch? After some good interplay between the two Matts from a throw in, the ball the ball was slid through to Oliver, but again his shot was saved. Then the break through. Under the cosh a Celts' defender handballed in the box - PENALTY ! Oliver stepped up to take it and, cool as a cucumber, he smashed the ball in the back of the net. 1-0 to NST right at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter started off with some very tense and even play with both sides doing well. Some dogged tackling by George kept the rear guard safe and Alex, showing a cool head under pressure kept probing forwards from midfield. The Celts worked their way back into the game and only good defending by Joe and a battling midfield performance by Alex kept them at bay. But we show some skills as well and some good work by George and Alex on the touchline leads to a pass to Ollie who sets up Sean to shoot and score. 2-0 Phew!

This goal only seems to spur on the Celts to greater endeavour and they mount a strong challenge. A strike on goal brings out a great save from Matty P who turns the ball round the post for a corner. The resultant kick is collected competently by Matty P who throws the ball out well to set up an attack from which Sean almost scores. The ref blows and it's time for a switch around.

The third quarter starts with Ed launching off some good team play which ends in a chip shot from Matty P being well saved. When the Celts counter attack George  sweeps up anything which comes through and Matty S, now playing further back, puts in a determined battling performance. Then there is a great team move. Matty S drives down the right and wins a corner. The kick is picked up by George who passes to Oliver, Oliver's sliderule pass allows Matty S, who started the move, an easy tap in. 3-0 to the Strikers. Then another outstanding piece of team play. Matty S wins the ball well and passes to Ed. Ed finds Oliver in space and Oliver moves the ball on quickly to Matty P who, with an almost casual nonchalance, slots the ball past the goalie to make it 4-0 to the Strikers. NST are now well on top and with Joe dominating in midfield win a free kick some way out in the Celts' half. Ollie takes it and his tremendous shot is only just saved by the keeper. The following up strikers exert good pressure and in the ensuing scramble Alex forces the ball into the net. 5-0.

As the game goes into the final phase NST keep up the momentum and Ed's tireless work produces dividends in forcing a corner. From the cross there is a great take by Matty P from the cross and he rolls the ball to Alex who blasts the ball home for 6-0. Right at the end there is another great move by Alex and Sean which leads to an opportunity for Ollie, but his fierce shot is just saved by the goalie. So the Strikers run out worthy winners maintaining their 100% record with a great team performance. Commiserations to the Celts who battled well throughout.

But most of all thanks to the organisers of the superb canteen. Keep up the good work !

Squad: George, Joe, Sean, Matty P, Matty S, Oliver, Ollie, Alex, Ed

Scorers: Oliver (1), Matty P (1), Sean (1), Matty S (1), Alex (2).