Magna 73 v Ellistown FC

Town rocked up to Meadows Sports Ground to play a Magna side who were flying after scoring 10 goals in their first 2 games (they also had conceded seven). In some ways this was a potential harder game then the previous Thursday against Allexton New Parks.

Potential turned into fact as Magna should have been 2 up in the first 5 minutes as we failed to settle. The reason why they weren't was due to Kasper Schmeichel type saves from Kamil Miller. Can't believe he is only 16, Dave Griffiths and Ollie Moore, where do you find these players.

After those scares we settled down with our Paul Scholes, Fran Blake beginning to boss midfield and central defenders, Captain, Leader and Legend Michael Hills and Cade Chadwick had the measure of the Magna attack.

Michael and Cade were well supported in defence by Torin Harkin and James Webster who started to play like wing-backs feeding our attacking players.

You could see why Magna has scored 10 goals in 2 games but we focused on the seven goals they had conceded and as the game progressed, Haydn Brown, Danny Turner, Ben Watson and George Houghton-Clarke were forcing Magna back and you sensed a goal was coming.

A goal did come on 27 mins then through perhaps a fortunate penalty (who would be a ref!!!) Haydn Brown who stood up after missing the previous Thursday calmly scored.

27 Mins MFC 0-1 EFC

You sensed that goal knocked the stuffing out of Magna as Town took control of the game and a 2nd soon followed through a Haydn Brown mazy run that bamboozled the Magna back line and left him with the simple task of beating the on-rushing keeper.

31 Mins MFC 0-2 EFC

Magna have a recent history of coming back from a 3-0 deficit, so Town had to be careful and careful we were as we saw out the rest of the 1st half without any trouble and should have added to the 2 goals.

HT MFC 0-2 EFC

The 2nd half was all about Town keeping it tight and a couple of half-time substitutes saw raw Booby Watson put on a Duncan Ferguson performance up-front and Harry Hayden providing protection at the back.

With Town in control, it was key we scored the 3rd goal and while Magna kept on pushing with Kamil in goal we knew only an almighty collapse would stop town walking away with the 3 pts (note, Ellistown are the masters of almighty collapse!!!).

With Haydn Brown presented with enough chances to score six, he finally made one count on 75 mins when some crisp passing saw Haydn run through on goal and he made no mistake with a classy finish.

75 mins MFC 0-3 EFC

Magna finally got the goal they deserved on 80 mins when Joe Brown volleyed home.

80 mins MFC 1-3 EFC

That goal lifted Magna but during the last 10 mins, it was town who created chances and we should have scored a couple more before the ref blew for the final whistle.

FT MFC 1-3 EFC

Summary

A great victory for the boys (average age 21) who overcame a strong Magna side and played some great passing football. We go again next week when we face another difficult challenge away to Northfield.