NJFC 2 - 3 Unita

Great performance from NJFC

A curtailed warm up due to unforeseen circumstances didn't lead to the best preparation for the game today, however this had no impact on the performance of the lads against supposed superior opposition. It looked ominous after 5 minutes or so when the opposition scored from a corner to go 1-0 up. The lads dug in though, and gradually clawed their way back into the game. In one of a number of attacks down the left, Lyall got away from the defender and was unceremoniously brought down, and a penalty was correctly awarded. Lyall converted to make it 1-1.

It wasn't long before Tapa easily beat the full back with a superb piece of skill and squeezed the ball in at the near post to put NJFC 2-1 up, and deservedly so. The lads were beginning to believe in themselves, and half time arrived. NJFC 2 Unita 1.

The second half was again another evenly matched affair, and the lads were keeping their shape superbly until with 20 to go, Unita grabbed an equaliser when, due to the dominant NJFC midfield of Harry, Owen, Niall, Ellis and Tapa taking control, they started to resort to the long ball from back to front, and this saw the forward flick a header over Matty into the net. 2-2. In the last minute, the winger, who'd been kept quiet all game, earned a dubious penalty, which was duly converted to give Unita victory. 3-2. The back four of Isaac, Tom, Dom and Max were outstanding as were all the team.

Great performance from 1-11. This will give the lads confidence and belief going forward, and prove we can match mid table teams. The real test will come against the top 4 starting this Sunday v Drighlington who beat us 8-0 in a recent friendly.

Congratulations to Unita on their victory.