How wrong they were. From the opening minutes the Eagles hassled and harried and quickly dominated possession and showed the attacking intent that this season will be filled with. Good possession of the ball from the defence, with balls into the midfielders’ feet, put us on a good standing to launch attack after attack.

Good early runs down the wings saw both Gareth and Tom pressuring the Melfort back line and only some desperate last ditch defending prevented the opening goal from coming. A good attack through the middle saw Matt pass a ball through to Pete W, who with good control found himself clear through on a goal, but a miss hit shot was easily saved by the keeper. Moment’s later good work from Tom and Jarrod on the right flank saw another ball laid into Pete but a miss timed shot rolled harmlessly to the keeper.

Balls through the middle to Mark T saw some desperate tackling from the Melfort defenders. The Eagles, although yet to score, were creating excellent opportunities. The first goal would come from an excellent strike from Gareth, making his Eagles league debut. Some good battling from Gareth and Tom saw the ball won 20 yards from goal and Toms knock down saw Gareth his lovely shot that the flailing keeper could get nowhere near and the Eagles took a deserved lead.

Rather against the run of play, it was only a few minutes later that the Eagles found themselves at 1-1. Having seemed to be in control of the situation, an uncharacteristic mistake by Jarrod saw him dwell on the ball too long, with perhaps too many options and the Melfort striker scored with their first shot on goal!

At this point the Eagles seemed to lose their way and the passing and moving that had seen them on top, started to breakdown. However it was only a temporary lapse as the Eagles finished the half on top. Having won yet another long punt from the Melfort Keeper, the ball found it’s way to Pete W, who had dropped short about 25 yards out. With Matt S running inside Pete, his pass was hit with a good strike at goal first time, but it sailed harmlessly past the far post.

The next attack saw Gareth down the left flank. His ball into Marks T’s feet was inch perfect and Mark laid the ball square for Matt to get another strike. This time a well hit left foot curler sailed inches past the left hand post.

Moments later Luke would pick up the ball just inside the Melfort half. Ghosting past two midfielders he charged into the penalty are under pressure from two defenders and the venomously hit shot sailed agonisingly over the cross bar.

The Melfort goal seemed to be leading a charmed life and the half would finish 1-1.

Aware that last weeks match was also level at half time despite the Eagles dominance, focus was on getting straight up to speed the moment the second half kicked of and scoring the goals that would win us the match.

Melfort tried to start quickly, but were soon smothered by the Eagles players who were working hard all over the pitch. More attacks were quickly launched down both flanks, with Gareth and Tom picking up where the first half had left off.

The second Eagles goal was quick to come. A good ball through to Mark saw him with just the keeper to beat and the ball was smashed in for the Eagles to take a two one lead.

Just as the Eagles were preparing to push on and add the goals that their dominance deserved, they were caught by a great stike from the big Melfort number 9. Allowed time to come inside on the edge of the box he hit a curling shot into the top corner that I doubt he’d do again if he tried 100 times!

This time, the goal annoyed the Eagles and they set about pushing forward for the lead. It didn’t take long before we were given the chance. A great run by Pete Watson into the box saw him clipped from behind and the ref had no hesitation in giving the freekick. As he approached the area of the foul, he realised it was in the box and gave the penalty. Pete stepped up to take the shot and hit a lively shot into the bottom left corner, but the ref adjudged that Gareth had encroached and ordered a retake. This time Pete’s finish was just past the right hand post, but fortunately for the Eagles the ref had not blown the whistle and the ball was respotted for the third time. This third kick was hit firm and straight down the middle and the keeper was able to get his knees to the ball and it was cleared!

 The third goal, when it came, was from a bit of brilliance from Luke. A good attack down the middle of the park saw Luke skip into the penalty box with the ball at his feet, round the keeper and knock the ball into the net.

From here on in there was no real threat from Melfort. Any breaks forward were repelled by an excellent defence, who apart from one mistake in the first half, looked very strong.

The fourth Eagles goal came after a 1-2 between Mark T and Matt, with the return ball perfectly waited for Mark to run on to and bury for his second goal on his league debut.

The Eagles could have added more with Matt having two further opportunities but failing to hit the target. Pete Walsh came on for Pete Watson and hit the crossbar and Jarrod having made an excellent run to the edge of the box opted to pass rather than shoot, when the shot was on.