Athletico Mosaic 3 vs 4 Affinity

<p>3 weeks after the semi final disappointment Affinity would get chance to put things right with Mosaic. With a number of players unavailable it would be another game with players out of position with Steve M continuing in goal with a 3-5-2 formation in front of him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The first exchanges suggested it was going to be a more open game than the semi final had been.&nbsp; Jobo settled into his more forward position well putting over a couple of fine crosses.&nbsp; Steve M was called into action early doors covering the edges of his area well to prevent Mosaic taking the lead.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Affinity took the lead with a great cross shot from Jobo followed by the celebration of the season with a run the full length of the pitch to celebrate with Steve M.&nbsp; As in the semi final Affinity couldn&rsquo;t hold their lead for long with a clinical lob finish bringing Mosaic level with their striker latching onto a header from a goal kick.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The game was still an open affair and Affinity thought they had won a penalty when Nick was clearly pulled back in the area but the ref saw things differently.&nbsp; Nick would put Affinity back in front&nbsp;though with a great shot as he saw the goalie off his line and out of position as he drilled it in the right hand corner of the goal.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Affinity started the second half as the first had ended with them on the front foot and two further goals would put Affinity in command.&nbsp; The third goal was a great team move with Jordan playing a fine pass into the left corner which Jobo chased and tucked inside to Nick whose cross was swept into the net by Josh P giving the keeper no chance.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The fourth goal which should have ended the game as a contest was Nick&rsquo;s second hammered home from a flicked header from Steve W from a Jamie throw in.&nbsp; The last 20 minutes of the game left Affinity hanging on a bit with Mosaic scoring two further goals, both scrappy, the second a questionable offside that Steve W missed having swapped his place on the pitch with a flag on the side line!&nbsp; Thankfully it wouldn&rsquo;t be a decision that would decide the match.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The last 5 minutes saw a series of Mosaic set pieces with the ball played into a crowded Affinity penalty box but Affinity defended well with&nbsp;Dale and Jamie heading away well and Steve M confidently coming for and gathering crosses.&nbsp; Steve had earlier made a fine save diving full length to his right.&nbsp;

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">A 4-3 result was a deserved victory for Affinity who had been the best side for large parts of the game.&nbsp; Man of the match went to Nick for his 2 fine goals and commanding midfield performance.&nbsp; Special mention also for Steve M, Dale and Jobo who all continue to impress as the season comes towards its end.&nbsp; One game to go so let&rsquo;s finish the season on a high with a good win against LOWFORS

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