After the events of last week, we came into this game knowing that a win was essential if we were going to stay on top of the league.  We arrived with an almost full strength line up and one substitute which has been a bit of a rarity in recent weeks. Although the league table showed that HSBC 5s were struggling a bit this year, you always know that it will not be easy at their ground.

The first half was very close, although we did have a lot more of the play. We were creating quite a few half chances but HSBC were working very hard to keep it to no more than that. Whilst we were defending very solidly they were also hitting us on quick counter attacks on a few occasions, one of them bringing a superb save out of Matt Gibb.

The maintained pressure produced a few corners and finally we got a result with Andy Ferznolo rising above everyone else to brilliantly head home Ryan Polley's corner.  1-0  it stayed until half time

We started the 2^nd half knowing that we couldn’t risk trying to hang on to 1-0, and kept pushing for more goals. HSBC back four played very high up the pitch, and time after time we put balls through them for Andy Bitmead to run in on goal. Unfortunately each time their centre back appealed for off side the referee gave him the benefit of the doubt. This happened on numerous occasions and was beginning to become frustrating as a few looked very tight. Surely the striker should be given the benefit of the doubt in these instances?

In any case, we continued to pile on the pressure, and played some brilliant football. When you have the luxury of HSBC pitches, playing passing football is a lot easier, and we did it for the majority of the 2^nd half. After a frustrating first 20mins we eventually got a 2^nd from Ryan Polley after some brilliant work by Steve Hayes.

This put us in a bit of a comfort zone, and with the pressure off our football got even better. We were now opening HSBC up over and over again, and the goals soon followed with Andy Bitmead finally breaking the offside trap and finishing well, Jon Taylor heading in another corner, and Marlon Mittie floating one over the keeper from far out right. Some might say it was supposed to be a cross, but I don’t think Marlon cares.

All we need now is another performance the same next Saturday and the league is ours. Let’s not let ourselves down.

Ben Doherty