22 January 2005 - League
Darkside 3 v Heathfield III 1
Team: Alan, Adrian, Chet, Craig, French Dan, Dan S, Dave, Errol, Mark, Phill, Stuart, Wesley
Goals: Mark 2, Errol 1 / Assists: To follow... / MOTM: Craig / MM: Errol (Chatting up dogs at the corner flag)

On a near perfect footballing afternoon, Darkside FC emerged from their dressing room to face Heathfield III, in their famous away kit, the blue and black stripes of Inter Milan.

The first half was played at a quick pace, and possession was dominated by Darkside, with the midfield winning a lot of 50/50 ball, and the backline playing well as a unit.

The breakthrough came when the ball fell to Dan S 15 yards out from goal, which he struck sweetly goalward. In a matrix like moment, of body twisting and diving, Mark attempted to get himself out of the way of shot, but even his lightening quick reactions could not move him far enough, and the ball proceeded to deflect of his backside into the net... 1-0.

After, this Darkside looked comfortable on the ball, playing some good passing football. The wingers Alan and Dave had a joy down both flanks, with most of the attacking threat channelling through Mark and Dan S. The second goal came as a result of excellent quick passing and movement, and Mark was played through on goal, and he neatly slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 2-0.

The third goal came as the first half approached its end, with the Heathfield defence becoming slightly more resilient, and try to prevent Darkside breaking into the box. After a scramble about 25 yards from the Heathfield goal, the ball fell to Errol, and with few passing options on, he took it upon himself to have a shot a goal. The ball was sweetly struck and with a little bit of dip and turn, struck the inside of the top of the right post, and went in... 3-0. Definitely a candidate for Darkside goal of the season.

At the halftime break, the team were in confident mood, but as the second half commenced, it became obvious that Heithfield were not going to just roll over and let us run riot. The game was far more competitive with chances now starting to be created at both ends. Heathfield final got one back as a result of an unfortunate goalkeeping error.

The game continued, and both teams visibly looking tired. Although under pressure at times, Darkside looked comfortable, and saw out the rest of the game to end their recent losing streak.

A good team performance especially in the first half, with the defence working as a unit, and winning tackles and headers when needed, the midfield working hard all game, and competing for everything, and the endless running of the forwards.

Match report by: Neil