AFC TPS 3 Parkhall 0

A second 11 a side league win for AFC TPS today, with this 3 nil home victory over Parkhall. You may have noticed that it wasn't actually at home, what with home at present being a big muddy field where there used to be a school! It does count as our home game though, which is why I ended up being what is officially known as "the referee". You may also not noticed that this is what I was doing standing about in the middle with a whistle.

On to the match ..... constant pressure from AFC TPS led eventually to the opening goal as captain Daniel broke down the right before crossing low for Johnston who showed his true striker's instinct by carefully placing the ball wide of the keeper, back in the direction from which it had come - the hardest kind of shot for any 'keeper to deal with. Quite a long sentence there.

The defence of Aaron, Oliver, Peter and Graeme worked very well together, limiting Parkhall to very few real chances throughout the first half. Ross, Daniel, Jake and Dylan combined well in midfield to provide Harry and Johnston with further chances. With a 1 nil half time lead, AFC TPS knew that they would come under more pressure with Parkhall playing down the slope in the second half.

This was true as a physical encounter continued well into the second half before Johnston added a second and then a third to complete his hat trick. Adam A was called into service in nets a little more and proved that he had regained his confidence with some excellent handling and kicking. Adam D came on in the second half and slotted into defence well, giving Graeme the opportunity to play in his preferred attacking midfield role.

Despite being a physical match, all the players sportingly shook hands at the end, and it was particularly good to see the two players who had been spoken to during the match shaking and walking off together.

So overall, a pleasing performance, and an excellent result giving us two wins from two as we seek to defend our league title.

There were three outstanding performances today, as usual from captain Daniel, as well as from Johnston and Aaron. A tough choice, but player of the match is going to Aaron, a player who often goes unnoticed, but who just does the simple things well. Today he added just a touch of aggression to his game, which wins him the award.

Here's the stats..... (stats from 5 a side to be added, when I find the sheet!)

Antrim Area Primary Schools' 11 a side league
P2 W2 D0 L0 F10 A1 Pts 6

Ballyclare & District Principals' Association 7 a side Football League
P1 W1 D0 L0 F4 A 0 Pts 3

Overall
P3 W3 D0 Lo F14 A1 Pts 9

Goalscorers
Johnston 5
Daniel 4
Harry 3
Graeme 1
Oliver 1

Player of the match
Jake 1
Graeme1
Aaron 1

Onwards and upwards!
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS