The Eagles got off to a good start, with the Eagles pushing forward at every opportunity and closing down Corinthians all over the pitch. The condition of the pitch was much better and the confidence flowed back to the Eagles as they looked to pick out balls to feet. The defence and wide men were working hard to close the play down when it came and the midfield did lots of harrying trying to keep the pressure up.

The first attacks of note came from the Eagles with a good through ball played from Matt to Pete Walsh, who’s run forward saw the first corner earnt. Several Eagles corners were won and although delivery was good no goal came.

The first goal came from root one. Nathan kicked a huge ball up field and with the AFC defence caught flat footed, Pete Watson run through on goal after only one bounce Pete lifted the ball over the keeper to give the Eagles the lead.

A second goal soon followed, with more good play, this time down the Eagles right. A deep cross was fired over by Luke and Pete Walsh bought the ball under control outside the box. With a quick step he fired in a right footed curler that the keeper could do nothing about. 2-0 and cruising.

The first AFC goal came from a contenscious decision by the ref. Dave having run and put in a good tackle that clearly one the ball, was penalised on the edge of the box. The ensuing shot went straight through to Nath, who although he got both hands to it, could not prevent it from finding its way into the net.

It didn’t take long for the Eagles to get back on top. A Corner from the left wing was flicked on by Dave and Luke spun and volleyed the ball into the back of the net to restore the 2 goal advantage.

The first half came to an end with the Eagles on top and 3-1 up. Things were looking good.

The second half got underway and the Eagles picked up where they had left off with some good pressure. The 4^th goal came from a great strike by Gareth. A thundering shot from 30 yards sailed into the top left corner and the keeper had no chance. 4-1 and the game should have been as good as over.

Unfortunately, the Eagles decided to make it more interesting. Having stopped playing tidy football and with Dave getting sucked deeper and deeper as AFC pushed for a second goal, the Eagles were having less and less possession.

From a free kick on the Eagles left a ball was swung in and the AFC centre forward beat Tom to the ball to give them a glimmer of hope. Eagles substitutions were made, with Mark Thomas coming on to the right wing and he instantly set about making a point having missed the last few games.

Unfortunately for the Eagles a third goal and yet again a dodgy one was scored. A corner was taken by AFC and with the initial ball having been partially cleared, a shot was fired in which Nathan got a hand to and punched clear. To the bemusement of all, the ref judged the whole ball had cleared the line, despite the fact Nathan’s arm was at full stretch. For the ball to have actually cleared the line Nath would have had to be tangled up in the net!!

With the score at 4-3, tactical changed were made by the Eagles. With both Petes being withdrawn and Adam and Ryan entering the frey, the Eagles switched to 4-5-1. This change saw the Eagles back on top of the match and besides the odd freekick, AFC no longer threatened.

In the closing minutes the Eagles could have extended their lead, but a great run by Ryan which saw him clear with no defender within 20 yards of him, was not seen by Luke who instead choose to pass to Tom. This was pretty much the last play of the match.

The Eagles held on for a 4-3 victory, but at 4-1 the game should have been over. A lesson learnt by the Eagles management will ensure that the chance of letting this sort of lead slip again is less likely to happen!