Sunday Football in Review

Hammers v Lurkers (3-1) 

The Hammers came out with intent, producing a reeling first quarter display. But Lurkers captain and keeper Mattie S. kept his side in it by allowing just the one goal.  

The Hammers went close several more times in the half and eventually found the back of the net once more on a deft volley from captain David L.

The Lurkers had less of the ball in the first half but some fine one-two passes from Boaz and Kevin saw them penetrate into the opposition half and register some decent shots on goal. 

The Lurkers stepped up their game and fought back hard in the second half. And the Hammer's captain aided opposition efforts with an uncharacteristically careless pass near his own goal. The intercepted ball was picked up and cleverly placed by the Hammers keeper by Lurkers striker, Claudio.  

The Lurkers' strong defending led to crucial turnover ball and to what proved to be a superb counter-attack. But the Hammers keeper came up with fine saves.  

The Hammers then sealed their victory with a third goal against the grain of play, making it David L.'s second of the night. 

Match MVP - David L. (Hammers) 

Scousers v Chico's Bail Bonds (3-2) 

We predicted this would be a tight affair and it was indeed. Both teams love their possession, sometimes to a fault by making one too many passes around the goal. But on the night, the Scousers looked to penetrate more quickly than they're accustomed to doing. Precision and punch paid off with their first ever win against the Blues.

Scousers defender and captain, Neil C., scored a brace, with striker Tom D. getting the third.

Match MVP - Neil C. (Scousers)

Berry Park v Highlanders (2-1) 

Highlanders had a great tide to ride after a convincing display against the Scousers on Feb. 20 but seemed to choose to sit under a palm tree and drink a rum daiquiri last night, which did start off balmy enough.

But the chill came on with a hurricane of a display by Berry Park, particularly by co-captain Mike G. Most notably, he created turn over ball on numerous occasions and then either passed it off deftly or carried it himself for the full length of the pitch. He registered several shots on net and if it weren't for the quick reflexes and sound positioning of the Highlander's net-minder, the Berry Park captain would have come away with more than his two goals. 

But it wasn't just a one man show. Sterling defensive performances by Jarred G. and Steve W. kept the Highlanders from ever looking like they'd come away with a win or even tie. Berry Park's midfielders looked to pass before they considered running with the ball. And their passes were crisp and on target.

Berry Park let the ball do the work in close quarters, on the floor, and the pay off accordingly came. In contrast, the Highlanders looked to lower percentage long passes, mostly in the air. This may work with the space you get in 11v11 but rarely translates to anything but the odd lucky strike in the short-sided game.  

A late consolation goal from Pat B. off some fine movement from Alex M. and Fernando C. was the best goal of all the night's games. It showed what the Highlanders are capable of. But on the night, they never looked convincing but for this single, delayed effort.

It was Berry Park who forced the issue, though. They were on form from the opening whistle. It was clear that this team was well marshaled by co-captain Melissa F. They had a game plan, and they stuck to it. 

Berry Park remain the only undefeated team in the West Division. But it's still a long route to a Grand Slam, with Scousers, Chico's and the Lurkers still ahead in the shadows.

Match MVP - Mike G. (Berry Park) 

FC Finest v AC Kermans  (3-1) 

WSP's South African imports (ACK) started on the back-foot again, without a full 7 players ready by kick-off. 

They managed, however, to keep the score at 0-0 until a full squad arrived.

FC Finest newcomers (Jenny H. and Marshall X.) scored two late goals to secure the win in an otherwise evenly played affair.

Match MVP - Jenny H. (FC Finest)

Daggers v Wild Turkeys (8-0)  

Daggers brought their A-game to Sternberg Park on Sunday night. Deft, timely passing and seamless support on the ball caused a right plucking of the Wild Turkeys. 

But WT was also significantly hampered by atrocious luck when their keeper went down with what appeared to be a serious knee injury in the first three minutes.

Daggers Brett G. showed off his trade mark back-to-goal turn, slotting in a WSP record 5 goals in a single game. 

Match MVP: Brett G. (Daggers)  

Loonaticks v Soho Slackers (2-0) 

This was a tight affair, whose score could have been quite different if the Slackers weren't unlucky to hit three posts and sky what should have been a certain ball over an open net.

The difference that led to victory was the Blues captain Kevin A.'s control of the midfield. Tenacious tackling and heads up passing saw his team eke out the balance of the chances. 

Match MVP - Kevin A. (Loonaticks) 

SUNDAY NIGHT'S MVP

Sunday's most influential player goes to Mike G., captain of Berry Park.

(Those who get match MVP obtain one point towards the season MVP title. Those who get the night's MVP get an additional point.)