Affinity FC 1 vs 2 Meredith Road

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Gutted

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Lightning may not strike in the same place twice but it can strike twice in the same fixture.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">In a first half of few chances Affinity called most of the shots.&nbsp; Strong in the challenge and disciplined in shape the decision to match Meredith&rsquo;s 4-3-3 proved successful.&nbsp; It was Affinity that were finding and using the space best with Lee making some fine runs down the left hand side.&nbsp; The best opening of the half came from a left wing corner swung in by Jamie but the old man&rsquo;s header could only find the bar.&nbsp;

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The second half started where the first ended with Affinity on top.&nbsp; The referee, who was to become a significant factor in the game, awarded Affinity a penalty when Uncle Seamus was penalised for draping his arms over Fra&rsquo;s shoulders.&nbsp; Mike C composed himself while the Meredith players surrounded the ref with their objections.&nbsp; Mike struck the ball confidently to the goalie&rsquo;s right and Affinity had the lead their efforts deserved.&nbsp;

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The game evened out for the next twenty minutes with both sides creating opportunities.&nbsp; The midfield three continued to battle hard ensuring no easy way through for their Meredith counterparts.&nbsp; Meredith drew level following a tangle on the edge of the penalty area with the ball squeezing between Mark and the right hand post.&nbsp; Disappointed but not deterred Affinity continued to play good football and chances came and went with Fra and Mike C going close and Gary&rsquo;s goal bound effort denied by a white rather than red shirt.&nbsp;

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Disaster struck when the referee awarded Meredith a penalty for what looked like a good challenge by Gary.&nbsp; Mark had no chance with a well struck shot to his left.&nbsp; Affinity continued to press forward with the woodwork denying Mike A.&nbsp; Meredith&rsquo;s relief at the final whistle was tangible.&nbsp; To a man they knew Affinity hadn&rsquo;t got what they deserved.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Selecting a man of the match is hard when everyone played well.&nbsp; A special mention to Jamie who nullified Puffet and to Lee who was excellent in defence and attack.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">There are a few things that the Ian and Steve W want you to know:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Your attitude towards defeat, your effort, your sense of fair play, your team spirit, your respect for the referee mark you out from every other team in the league.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s a privilege to play for Affinity.&nbsp;