Elim Win Without Having A Shot On Target!

<p>A return to grass for the first time in three months gave Affinity the opportunity to get back into winning ways against an Elim side they had beaten well in the cup earlier in the season.

<p>A powerful Elim side started the game on the front foot putting pressure on the Affinity defence from both flanks and through the centre. Affinity caught their breath and put some shape into their defence with Josh and Sean getting hold of the ball and playing it out down the wings.

<p>Playing on a strange pitch with long grass it was difficult for either side to get any sustained possession but Ian and Gurps started to get a grasp of the midfield providing the platform to move forward. During this phase of play a pass from James to Andy close to the right goal line saw Andy deliver a peach of a cross to provide Fra with an opportunity to open the scoring but Fra&rsquo;s header fell just to the side of the post.

<p>Elim were still having some success especially down the flanks and just as it looked like the score would be level at half time some indecisive Affinity defending from an Elim throw in saw the ball squeezed across the goalmouth with Wally chesting it into the net not being sure where the post and safety were.

<p>The half time team talk encouraged Affinity to build on the strong platform they had built in the first half. The second half was a story of Affinity attacking and Elim defending. Elim hadn&rsquo;t given Aron the need to use his gloves to this point and that wouldn&rsquo;t change for the rest of the game. For all of Affinity&rsquo;s possession in the second half the chances created were only half chances because of Elim players desire to get between the ball and the goal.

<p>Will replaced Wally and straightaway held the ball up well giving Andy and Fra chance to feed off him. Ian who had won virtually all headers in the middle was battling hard to provide a clearcut opportunity to get the goal that Affinity&rsquo;s efforts deserved. Elim&rsquo;s reaction at the final whistle confirmed their relief that they had pinched 3 points without having a meaningful effort in the whole game.

<p>Man of the match goes to Ian for an all round battling display that didn&rsquo;t deserve being on the losing side