AFC GROUNDHOPPERS

League

 

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AFC Groundhoppers went into the second league game of the season full of confidence after defeating league favourites Ex-Blues 2-1, on the opening day.

 

Craven Park were the visitors to home ground Sydenham Sports who had also picked up a victory in their first league game against F.C. Elmstead.

 

Hoppers started brightly, controlling the game and dictating the pace which was refreshing after not seeing much of the ball against Ex-Blues.

 

Chances were being spurned a little too often for much of the first half but Denzil Rolle finally found the net when he got the end of a Sam Dangerfield cross to head home. Craven had barely been in the game but almost equalised just before the break when a dangerous cross caused the back-line problems but none of the front men got on the end of it. 1-0 HT

 

Much of the discussion at half-time alluded to the fact that we needed to finish Craven off as the single goal lead kept the opposition in the game.

 

The team talk helped as within a few minutes of the re-start substitute Marcus Black was released by Taiwo (Tanny) Adebowale who tucked ball away nicely in the far-right corner.

 

With confidence now running through the team Craven where starting to chase shadows. Black was once again on the scoresheet as he was put through by Dangerfield - albeit off a defender - to slide in his second and Hoppers third.

 

With 10 minutes to go Joe Willis made it 4-0 after charging down the Craven goalkeeper into a mistake before tapping home. Man of the Match and club captain Rob Biggs topped off a fine performance with the fifth and final goal. Willis turned provider to set up Biggs whose low shot from the edge of the box deceived the keeper at his near post and found the bottom left hand corner.

 

After the game a pleased Darren Phillips said:

 

“Unbelievable attitude and unity shown by everyone, epitomised by captain Rob Biggs.

 

“Everyone is working hard and getting their just rewards. 

 

“You get out what you put in!”

 

Another big 3-points for the mighty Hoppers who have made a positive start to the season. Next up is a stern test against another of the league favourites Metrogas FC on Sunday

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AFC Groundhoppers

Adam Ballard, Bradley Ladeinde, Rob Biggs, Ollie Spedding, Kadeem Wallace, Denzil Rolle, Taiwo (Tanny) Adebowale, Johnston Brown, Sam Dangerfield, Tom Bolger, Joe Willis, Kavan Burton, Marcus Black