What a way to open a new season. This game was exciting right from the start with Shinfield piling on early pressure and never giving Teddlothian a look-in throughout the match. Early goals from Ellis, Casey (penalty) and Dan set the scene with more opportunities coming thick and fast. Ellis hits the crossbar. Fast breaks and lovely through balls from Shinfield causing problems for the opposition. Teddlothian rarely put Louis under pressure except when a long lofted free kick dropped nastily into the corner out of Louis reach to give Teddlothian hope. At the other end a completely different story with the Teddlothian goalkeeper playing a fabulous game to keep the onslaught to a minimum with some superb saves. Half time 3-1 to Shinfield
The second half started in the same manner with slick passing in all areas of the pitch for Shinfield, our defence snuffing out any hint of danger early on and our midfield pushing the ball wide onto the wings to Casey and Aiden to cause Teddlothian a lot of problems. A trademark lofted cross from Casey landed nicely on the far post for Aidan to guide in. 4-1. Then Casey launches a long range shot from the edge of the box to beat the keeper nicely. 5-1. A low corner into a crowded Teddlothian box was deflected out to James who launched a thunderbolt into the roof of the net. 6-1. The opportunities were relentless. Ellis had a shot deflected over the bar. Johnny hit the crossbar. Charlie denied by the keeper from close range. And Aidan showing some nifty footwork on the left flank to frustrate the opposition
Then against the run of play, a Teddlothian shot hits both posts to fall nicely for them to slot home a second. 6-2. Back at the other end, Ellis skies a shot, Casey slips one past the goalie for his hat-trick. 7-2. Then Ellis grabs the ball on edge of box and slams it home from long range to finish the game 8-2.
A very respectable score for Shinfield which could so easily have soared into double figures if it hadn’t been for some fine keeping by the Teddlothian goalkeeper.
Shinfields passing was the highlight of the day with some very intelligent thinking in evidence from ALL players.
Plenty of excitement here – lets hope it continues.
Scorers: Casey (3), Ellis (2), Dan, James, Aidan
Man of Match: James and Ajay
Regards
Chris Starke