Late Zico Spot Kick Rescues A Point Vs League Leaders

Despite losing our last encounter with the FNFL champions elect back in October there was plenty to be optimistic about and it was a challenge we were looking forward too. We came into the game in high spirits following the 2-0 victory over the league leaders in The Tuebrook JFL just 24 hours earlier. A change of shape saw us line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation for the first time this season with Ben Devlin starting in an advanced left wing back role in place of Jude Carroll and a start in central midfield for George Walker who came in for captain Paddy Clegg. It also gave us an opportunity to start with all 3 centre backs with the aim of trying to nullify their attacking threat.

We got off to a dream start when after just 40 seconds Zico's outstanding cross was buried home by a Gift Sibanda header. It certainly took Mossley by surprise but gave our lads the perfect platform to build on. We looked dangerous in our build up play and Ben Devlin in particular was giving us a great outlet down the left in his new role and out of possession the work rate and intensity as a collective was very impressive. Their equaliser came in the 13th minute with a suspicion of offside but it was an indication of how quick they are in their transition from defence to attack.

Yet again what really impressed about our lads tonight was how hard they worked on the back of playing a tough game just 24 hours earlier along with their positivity and resilience shown particularly when we had to deal with more injuries and pushing the leagues strongest team all the way once they took the lead with just 14 minutes remaining with a far post header.

We battled hard all over the pitch and looked dangerous on the counter attack with both Alex McDonald and Gift Sibanda leading the line superbly. A controversial offside call denied Alex the opportunity to be through one on one with the keeper on what would have been a glorious chance, but we continued to keep knocking on the door. In the dying stages Gift was brought down by the keeper and the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Zico Williams who was the coolest man on the pitch to covert the resulting penalty kick low into the bottom corner sending the keeper the wrong way. It was a thoroughly deserved point earned by our lads but more importantly it was about maintaining the momentum and ensuring we could go into Sunday's game against Venny full of confidence.