Eltham Park 1 vs 6 G&S Rovers FC

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The third match of the season saw G&amp;S meet Eltham Park away in SE9 in their own divisional cup. <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The Blues got off to a very slow start &amp; were punished within 5 minutes when, unmarked, then pushed over in the box they conceded a needless penalty.&nbsp; Ben had no chance &ndash; game on &amp; time to wake up! <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">G&amp;S soon bounced back however as they were jolted in to life.&nbsp; Deji rose to just head wide from a quick throw on 7 minutes.&nbsp; Soon after the game exploded &amp; Luca set a captain&rsquo;s example by not retaliating to clear provocation, only to see himself penalised...strange! <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Then the breakthrough on 15 mins as Rich neatly set up TJ who calmly chipped the keeper from close range for 1-1.&nbsp; The same combination almost clicked again on 23 when an excellent cross from Rich just missed TJ&rsquo;s soaring attempt to reach the ball.&nbsp; Jo then saw a long range smash deflect &amp; the ball was theatrically juggled by the keeper. <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The Blues were on top now &amp; starting to play football which was ripping Eltham apart.&nbsp; Pressure on the left saw a throw launched by Robbie.&nbsp; Deji used all his height to stretch, flick &amp; was rewarded as his effort flew in to the top corner for 2-1.&nbsp; Soon after Chris should have sewed the game up as Lewis masterfully jinked through a couple of late lunges, dropped his shoulder &amp; generously slipped Chris in.&nbsp; Alas the finish did not match the run. <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">With the half coming to a close, the game was almost won.&nbsp; On 45 Rich smashed a drive from 20 yards goalbound, only to see a clear hand stopping it from reaching it&rsquo;s target.&nbsp; Lewis was selected &amp; calmly tucked the resultant Penalty kick away.&nbsp; 3-1 became 4-1 within 60 seconds as TJ slipped Deji in for an easy right foot tap in.&nbsp; <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Eltham were beaten &amp; became riled but skill came out on top as wild tackles were ridden well to save possible injury as the half ended. <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Totally in control again Rovers stepped up a gear with a new found vigour/confidence.&nbsp; A superb move down the left saw Rich &amp; Rob set up TJ but his effort was blocked for a corner.&nbsp; From the set piece there was mayhem as G&amp;S saw shot after shot blocked as Eltham weathered the siege. <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Lewis was determined not to let the pressure not bring results &amp; on 57 burst from his own half, ran 40 yards dodging all tackles before brilliantly setting Deji for a cool finish.&nbsp; Having rounded the keeper, he made it 5-1 left footed for a TRUE hat trick!!! <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Soon after the substitutes were made and deserved rests for Deji, Rich &amp; Lew.&nbsp; But the pressure was still being applied by the Rovers machine.&nbsp; Jo was denied twice on 59 &amp; 85 firstly as his headed effort from a corner &amp; then a direct free kick were both cleared off the line. <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Only minutes left &amp; Luca was determined &lsquo;a la JT&rsquo; to get his revenge for the first half misdemeanours.&nbsp; His superb run &amp; shot going agonisingly wide. <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Ben had not been that busy but had performed well, including a few brave lunges at Eltham feet.&nbsp; Almost on time he performed what looked like a &lsquo;miraculous Banksy style match winner&rsquo;!&nbsp; The ball was smashed goal bound from within the 6 yard box.&nbsp; As the Eltham player wheeled away to celebrate a late consolation, Ben flung himself &amp; an even longer right hand towards the ball to repel it &amp; keep the score at 5-1.&nbsp; There was more late action in the Blues&rsquo; area which saw the inebriated keeper come up for a corner.&nbsp; He was to pay dearly however as the ever aware TJ put on the burners as it was cleared.&nbsp; He headed towards the unguarded area, beating flailing legs of embarrassed defenders before nudging the ball across for Ant to slide in a brave finish.&nbsp; 6-1 and well deserved!!