L4 Strike It Lucky To Claim First Win In FNFL

After a 3 week run of frustration we claimed our first win of the season in The LFC Foundation Friday Night Football League defeating Woolton Strikers despite a number of key players missing. The opportunity was handed to a number of squad players who’s game time has been limited since the new season got underway. Jamie Jeffers was handed a start in midfield and Ruben Muscatelli led the line up top in the absence of Zico. With injuries to both Sam O’Neill & Dan Edge the question was who would fill the void at centre back. That role was given to George Walker who was able to build on his impressive performance last Sunday deputising at right back in the 6-5 win over Atletico. A rare mistake by Joe Wilson gifted Woolton a shock lead in the 11th minute. The lead was only held however for 2 minutes when Alex McDonalds low driven cross was diverted past the keeper by skipper Paddy Clegg who opened his account for the season. McDonald won a penalty after he was hacked down in the 27th minute and up stepped George Walker who made no mistake to put us 2-1 up. Poor defending around the back cost us allowing Strikers to equalise just after the half hour mark. The long range effort caught Joe Wilson out and left us with work to do before the break. Thankfully the response was very positive, Joel Crookes playing in a more advanced position crossed for Alex to tap in our 3rd and McDonald then turned provider for Ruben to put us 4-2 up.

Anthony Cooke was introduced at half time and he brought an instant calmness to our play. Ben Devlin also grew into the game playing some fantastic balls. Paddy’s second a superb volley on the edge of the box put us 5-2 up and Joel Crookes set Alex McDonald up again to put the game out of sight with 10 minutes to go. There was still time for us to cap things off with a 7th goal which came courtesy of a Ruben Muscatelli cross which caught their keeper by surprise. The performance wasn’t vintage but it was 3 points in the bag which wasn’t to be sniffed at as we have a week off and the chance to build on back to back victories.