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 The eagerly anticipated encounter between Meanwood and Kelly's Heroes had provoked a small gathering of fans. A win for Meanwood would almost certainly propel them to third were as a loss could see them slip to sixth, everything was to play for. Kelly's Heroes were unlucky to get narrowly relegated from division 4 last season and were hoping to go straight back up. However, unfortunately like Meanwood they had been given some cruel luck and had narrowly lost in matches against such teams such as Omar Superstars where they had dominated. This pairing brought two teams together who are both more than capable of beating anyone on their day.
Ayden Fertug returned to the Meanwood squad after a long injury, his shot stopping skills would be badly needed if Meanwood were going to mount a challenge to Carlos' Kelly's Heroes. Playing outfield were Daniel Woodward, Richard Bissitt, Anthony Mckieth and Gafa who has been going through a goal drought lately. Unfortunately, Dean Bell had to pull out due to personal reasons and no replacement could be found, which left Meanwood without a goal-scoring striker and a substitute.  Facing a stern test, Meanwood got off to a positive start and had a few good chances early on. It was a tight game as both defences were well organised and both teams struggled to break each other down. Kelly's Heroes almost drew first blood when Carlos sent a sharp shot towards Fertug but it was nicely saved by a keeper who had only played half a match all season. Gafa did well to beat two defenders from the right wing but he skied his shot over the net, more evidence of a man who has lost his goal-scoring touch. Gafa then had a second chance of getting it right when he did exactly the same again. However, he was brought down before he could shoot. Meanwood were looking more menacing and Richard Bissitt then had a shot than narrowly missed. Kelly's Heroes were also looking dangerous in the attack but the magnificent Fertug was keeping them at bay. Gafa then managed to worm his way past two defenders but his shot was agonisingly inches wide. Then came the breakthrough as Anthony Mckieth broke forward and slotted the ball in the bottom left hand corner of the net, seeing his shot go in off the post. This provoked Kelly's Heroes to look for an equaliser and they sent some belters towards Ayden Fertug but he bravely saved to keep Meanwood in the lead. Meanwood then extended their lead when Richard Bissitt sent a shot goal bound that beat the keeper. Meanwood were looking the slightly better team but were been forced to work hard by a more experienced Kelly's Heroes. As the referee blew his half time whistle, Meanwood were winning 2-0.
 Kelly's Heroes came out strongly for the second half and scored soon after kick-off when they sent an extremely strong shot past Ayden Fertug that rattled in off the crossbar. Kelly's Heroes were back into it and this prompted Meanwood to go looking for more goals. Meanwood then had a few efforts on target but they failed to find an all-important third goal to give them control and they were cruelly punished when Kelly's Heroes equalised through Carlos after some very slack defending. Meanwood then fought back and Gafa had a few efforts on target, but these were comfortably saved. However, Meanwood did score through Woody when he sent a powerful shot that evaded the keeper. Woody has now scored in his last seven games, Gafa should take note. Meanwood were now in the lead but this lasted five seconds when Kelly's Heroes sent a rocket from kick off to leave Ayden Fertug stranded and level the match. This proved to be a devastating blow for Meanwood as heads dropped and this allowed Kelly's Heroes to take the lead through Carlos. It was a cruel score line for Meanwood who were now beginning to suffer fatigue after lacking a substitute. Gafa then wasted a free kick that was comfortably saved. However, Anthony Mckieth saved Meanwood once again when he scored with seconds to spare. As the ball went to Mckieth it looked like he'd missed his opportunity after taking a bad first touch, but Mckieth cleverly back healed the ball into the net to score and equalise for Meanwood. The final whistle went and the final score was 4-4 in an evenly contested match.
Meanwood's Man Of The Match- Anthony Mckieth Mckieth was outstanding once again for Meanwood in which has to be his best spell of form for the club. He kept a cool head and argonised an impressive Meanwood defence and ventured forward to score when Meanwood were lacking up front. For the second time in a row, he saved Meanwood at the death to score with seconds remaining to earn Meanwood a point. He is proving to be a big player as of late. A special mention should also go to Ayden Fertug who was extremely good in net and showed why Meanwood has missed him so much. Conclusion Meanwood seemed to be in control at half time but as fatigue kicked in they were held to a draw by a strong Kelly's Heroes sides. Both sides participated in an entertaining match. Meanwood are still in fifth and are still a point behind third. However, second place is now virtually impossible after today's result and Meanwood can now only set their sights on third. Next up is a tricky match against the new league leaders, Roque Jnrs. Meanwood must go for the win against these as a defeat would send them into the lower reaches of the table. A position they do not deserve to be in. A stern test awaits. |