30 October 2004 - League
Darkside 9 v MMB Res 0
Team: Alan, Andy B, Ben E, Ben M, Dan, Dave, Emmon, James, Jim, Mark, Omer, Phill, Steve, Stuart
Goals: Alan 3, Ben M 2, Dan 3, James / Assists: Alan 2, Andy B, Ben E, Ben M, Dan 2, James, Mark / MOTM: Dan / MM: Steve

For once the sun shone as Darkside lined up for their second game of the season against the MMB reserves in confident mood knowing a win would take their points tally into double figures. The last encounter between these two sides was a much closer affair with only one goal between them.

Darkside lined up with a more popular 4-4-2 formation and despite a delayed kick off, started the game well. The back four never looked troubled, the midfield quartet solid and the front two were causing all sorts of problems for MMB reserves.

The breakthrough came from Dan who coolly finished off after good work from Mark through the middle. From then on Darkside were totally in control and the lead never looked in danger. After a strong penalty appeal, when it seemed Dan had been tripped just as he was about to pull the trigger, Darkside doubled their lead with a long range effort from little Ben that nestled in the top left corner. He was on the score sheet again not long after. Alan did well down the left to dig out a cross and little Ben finished from close range.

Dan then took control of the game and scored twice with clinical finishes after through balls from both Bens to complete his second hatrick in as many weeks to put Darkside 5-0 up at the break.

There was only one change in the interval. Jim replaced Emmon at the back who had taken a knock. Darkside started slow in the second half. Despite calls from the gaffer at half time that he wanted 10 goals, MMB had a lot of the early possession. It took a while for Darkside to get into their stride and after Dan had come close with a header after a nice move down the left James made it six. Not long after replacing Mark up front he cut inside from the left and looped a shot over the keeper to score his first of the season. The boss made his final substitution of the match bringing off little Ben for Dave.

The remainder of the game belonged to Alan. He matched DanÕs heroics of the first half to score a hatrick. His first came after he latched on to a through ball from Andy and powered his shot past the keeper from the left side of the box. The second was as equally impressive. Dan coolly cushioned a header into his path and from the edge of the box he powered his shot into the top left hand corner. His hatrick was complete when James sent him clear down the left and he coolly rolled his shot under the advancing keeper.

A 9-0 victory, back to back wins in which Darkside have scored 16 goals, confidence is high in the Darkside camp. ItÕs the cup next week and a much harder test than the previous two weeks. This game will establish whether Darkside are capable of promotion this year.

Match report by: Ben M