Free Spin At Admiral Ends In Defeat Despite Dominating

Magical Vegas FC push the reigning champions Admiral FC to the brink in a defeat that will not discourage them going forward into the semi-final of the Invitation cup.

In a dead rubber between the groups top two sides in group A, both teams put on an entertaining game which could have gone either way. Magical Vegas started brightly and had Admiral launching long-balls from defence which the returning Robert Webber was winning in the air in almost every situation. The ploy to play 3 at the back worked against a side that play direct football and gave Vegas far more attacking threat.

The front 3 of Patrick Moore Jones, Paul ' Trigz' Reid and Ricardo Beckford were interchanging positionally and the quick feet and technical skills of Jacob Bond linked up with them on numerous occasions. At times, Vegas were camped in the Admiral half and only a combination of poor finishing, firstly with Moore Jones when one-on-one with the goalies and good saves kept them from taking the lead.

A sucker punch from Admiral followed when a long ball wasn't cut out and an attacker was able to fire in from a cut back to make it 0-1. Vegas immediately responded, a delivery from deep was right on top of the goalie and Webber rose highest and nodded in in front of the goalie to make it 1-1.

Vegas continued to pile pressure with a series of corners causing havoc and admiral clearing their lines at every opportunity. Somehow the ball stayed out and right on the stroke of half time an Admiral striker found a half turn in the box and his shot crept under the body of goalie Matthew Summers.

Despite being behind Vegas were positive at the break and although their play slowed in the 2nd half they always looked dangerous. Some amazing football was being played at times with Bond linking up with his attackers regularly.

The moment that changed the game came on 70minutes. Trigz played a ball in the channel which was cut out by a defender, Moore Jones read it and robbed him in the box, bearing down on goal he could either square it for Beckford or shoot, he choose the latter and snatched poorly at it with his effort skidding wide of the near post. Hands on head moment....

Admiral found a third goal shortly afterwards and Vegas lost their shape as they attacked without a sound defensive mind. Admiral scored their fourth in what could have only been their 4th or 5th shot on target in the game. On another day it would have been very different.

Vegas now face the winners of group B, Islington 49rs in what will be a real ding-dong battle. Both eager to make the final of the first cup final of the season. Their profligacy in front of goal must end at some point and maybe lady luck will shine on them this time around. What they must be sure of is that their hard work and dedication must not be less than 100%, or they will struggle against one of the sides they will surely be challenging for the league this time next year.