Dogshead
FC versus Atlantic
Star was the next game in the schedule
and was arguably the best game of the entire tournament.
A win for Dogshead would mean that it would be
very difficult to see past them and Atlantic Star
progressing to the Cup. Group B rivals SK Zelenec
and Rigford Seahawks therefore had a keen interest
in seeing Atlantic Star defeat Dogshead and keep
them in with the chasing pack. Rigford Seahawks
in particular were giving vociferous vocal support
to Atlantic Star.
It
was not going well for Atlantic Star's new fans
though as they found themselves 2-1 down at the
break despite John Sweeton's 4 th goal of the
tournament. Daniel House and John Ashwell with
the goals for Dogshead FC. When Daniel House put
Dogshead 3-1 up early in the second half Zelenec
and the Seahawks must have seen their hopes of
making the Cup sinking. The game was then turned
on it's head though as Atlantic Star rallied.
First of all it was captain Clarke Woollam who
pulled a goal back to make it 3-2 and give the
watching faithful a glimmer of hope. As Woollam
returned to the half-way line for the restart
he was met with “side-fives” from Atlantic Star
subs and Rigford Seahawks players alike. The game
was being played out in an amazing atmosphere
and the crowds went wild when Rob Hale banged
in the equaliser for 3-3. The “side-fives” from
Woollam were replaced with “hi-fives” for Hale
as he celebrated the goal.
Things
were to get even better for Atlantic Star and
the teams that needed a defeat for Dogshead FC
(we are sure it was nothing personal). With time
running out the ball fell to the tournament's
cult hero – Mark “Tubes” Brereton who slotted
home for a 4-3 lead and victory. Tubes celebrated
on the pitch in his own inimitable way whilst
the supporters hugging the touchline were in raptures.
An epic encounter and a privilege to witness.
Atlantic Star were now guaranteed a Cup spot with
12 points. Dogshead FC would still have work to
do in their final game.
Follow
that if you will! Well SK
Zelenec and Rigford
Seahawks came head-to-head in the next
game with each team needing a win to capitalize
on the Dogshead FC defeat. A draw would not really
suit either team but we found ourselves locked
0-0 at half-time. We were reaching the nitty-gritty
of the tournament and the business end of the
group. It was gamble time now and pushing for
a winner had to be tempered with not conceding
at the back and throwing away the chance of winning
this tournament. Who would score the vital opening
goal? Put your hand up Chris Jestico of Rigford
Seahawks. His goal put the Seahawks ahead and
if they could hold on would join Dogshead FC on
7 points. In fact, they went even better than
hold on and doubled their lead with Rich Clements
second goal of the tournament. The game finished
2-0 and SK Zelenec while not out saw their odds
of victory lengthen considerably.
Before
we move onto the final round we just need to wrap
up with DHL Prague Blue's
three walkover points versus Leos
Latinos. Done.
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