GOALS ADDING UP FOR ADLETICO

It was a much anticipated match from the 2 teams at the top of the table. This early in the season there were ongoing injuries on both sides. Machines were brimming with confidence after their recent thrashing of local rivals all-stars, many feeling that the BT side would provide an excellent match to the undefeated Adletico's.

Adletico FX came into the match 4 players down and not in full strength. The match started very competitively and both sides shot out of the blocks with all guns blazing. The deadlock was broken after 4 minutes with a strike from Dominic Mesiti. Mesiti new signing for Adletico FX and has become one of the favourites for the Golden Boot at the end of the season - he plays exclusively for Adletico and is also up for the Ultimate Team Player award.

Oniel Samuels who is the regular goalkeeper for Adletico showed his versatility in playing in the outfield in defence. An Inspired tactical move by the Captain, Ken Martin. The Machines were also not at full strength but still started lively, pressurizing Adletico – The Machines midfield is their strength, especially the powerhouse that is van West and the extremely agile and versatile Mandla, and this kept the game tight as Adletico had to move the ball quickly to keep this team on the back foot.

Machines top striker van West played fluently with full-back Perkins, their telepathic passing plain to see for the lively crowd gathered in the Machines stadium, however this did not change the fact that most of the first 20 minutes was played in the Machines half.

Adletico had a lot of chances and opened up a commanding lead half way through the half at 3-0. This gave confidence to Adletico team as they visibly strengthened as unit and consolidated their defensive structure, allowing the 2 forwards Ian Hargreaves and Dominic Mesiti to create chances. Leon Joseph, Adletico’s fullback, as normal was quick and strong at the back. This player will grow in skill and experience over the season after having strangely moved from Rugby to Football in an early season change.

The match result was consolidated by the end of the first half as Adletico moved into a 4-0 lead. The second half started differently as the Machines came out with a new determination and put pressure on the Adeltico’s defence. The game moved into the middle of the park and became a battle of wits and speed. Ben McSweeney took a stint in goal and proved to be a fantastic asset to the team, de Saeger moving into a denfensive midfield role and excelling in muscling Adletico off the ball.

Leon Joseph and Oniel Samuels had to control the game in the Adletico’s half and started to push forward and leave little room for new Machines signing Bjork to maneuver. This push increased Adletico’s goal tally and allowed Ken Martin to start to move forward into the Machines final third – this culminated in the first goal of the season for the Adletico’s captain with a wonderful scissor kick volley from the edge of the area.

Final score 7-0 to Adletico. I feel there is lot more to come from both teams.

The game had a few interest decisions by the ref over a couple of suspect back passes by both teams. Controversy continues within this league, and the league officials may have to sit down and ensure the rules are being adhered to by all clubs. This will ensure no end of season arguments in and out of the dressing rooms.

Lamine, Captain of Lamines Machines provided this statement:
"I am left confused about these transfer rules, they need to be clarified - I have called for a meeting with all the captains and we will not leave the room until a decision is made"

Lamine said of the game:
"We have changed our squad a lot, I think it has affected team moral. In hindsight, I think Alain and Alec should have played side-by-side in midfield as the powerhouse players in our squad. I think we should have man-marked in defence far more as it worked so well for TeleTekkers against Boca this week. Most importantly I think we should have paid the ref more than Adletico did".

The season has now fully started with all teams playing their first 2 matches. It is still a close table but Adletico now hold a slight advantage on top of the league. The next matches will be crucial as all squads should be at full strength.

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Referee adjudicated man of the match: Ian Hargreaves

ADLETICO GOALS:
Ian HARGREAVES (4)
Dom MESITI (2)
Ken MARTIN (1)