Sands United v The District

After the disappointment of last week the lads were out to take their chances in another cup game. This time a place in the NFA Vase Trophy second round was at stake. We started off strongly putting in hard and fair challenges across the park, The district players could barely move before a Sands player was on their case. It was Sands who created the first real goal-scoring opportunity as Gavin played the ball across the area for Allen to slide on to but he connected too well and the ball went over the bar.  We continued to dominate proceedings for much of the half with many promising moves coming down the right-hand side with Best a constant pain for the District players. A few half chances fell for T.Littlemore as we moved up through the gears as the half went on. Around the 30 minute mark a dangerous move saw Gavin smash a volley into the area which was converted by Hiliker 1-0. It wasn't much longer before we doubled our lead, Best played an inch-perfect pass from the right-hand side evading the district defence. Allen took control turned and ran into space in behind and unleashed a left-foot shot into the left-hand side of the goal. The team maintained control for much of the half and every time The District tried to attack there was just no getting past the defence this week. 2-0 as we went into the break. The second half saw a couple of subs as we sought to take advantage with fresher legs and the lads continued to play with the same tempo as the first half. If a ball was in the air it was a Sands player winning the header, if a pass was attempted it was cut out by a Sands player, when we attacked we did with purpose and vigor. Much of the half was protecting our lead and playing football intelligently. The last 10 minutes saw McColgan switched to the left wing and from there the live wire caused havoc with the District defence and it was from a foul on him that brought us our third of the game. Allen lined up the ball and curled it into the bottom left corner. It was one of them goals that you just knew was going to happen. 3 minutes later and another free-kick was won and Allen again took the kick, a huge deflection left the District keeper in no man's land and Sands United 4-0 up. That was to be the final score, what a way to win our first game in competitive football. This will be the template for performances for the rest of the season as we hope to record many more wins.