11 February 2006 - League
Darkside 2 v Dynamo Kingston 1
Team: Adrian, Andy, Ant, Chris, Craig, Dan B, Dan S, Ian, Mark P, Steve, Tim
Goals: Craig (Pen), Ant / Assists: Craig, Adrian / MOTM: Ant / MM: ?

After last weeks stroll in the park victory against Westside, Darkside returned to Victoria rec for another must win if we had any aspirations for promotion, the opponents this week were Dynamo Kingston who we knew would be stiffer opposition than their counterparts last week.

The Gaffa announced the starting line up with a few surprises (nothing new there then). Kidwell starting in what is becoming his regular role of left back a rare start for Patton on the right side of midfield with Wright occupying the other wing and Minty in the unorthodox role of striker with big Dan, everyone else was as usual.

With the unexpected departure of Fletcher (we’ll leave it at that!!!) Darkside were down to a bare 11.

With the ref being a no show it was left up to Tanna to officiate the game (without a whistle for the first 20 mins) the opening part of the game was pretty even with no real chances falling to either side, with the first good chance falling to Wright who managed to beat the offside trap and latch on to a through ball, but the keeper managed to pull off a good save with an out stretched leg and it went out for a corner (probably should have buried it). Another good effort fell to the feet of stand in striker Minty who produced a great save out of the Dynamo keeper, the pressure was starting to build.

Then came the breakthrough, Tim squared the ball to Craig who hit a vicious shot straight at the arm of a dynamo defender PENALTY! Captain marvel himself took the spot kick giving the keeper no chance, tucking in the bottom right hand corner. 1-0 Darkside.

Halftime came and probably just about shading, Darkside deserved their one goal lead but it could still go either way.

The second half kicked off and it was as you were for the Darkside team. Dynamo came out fighting and were on top for the first part of the second half with a few good chances going begging - Adrian hit the foot of the post with a great diving header - shame was it was at the wrong end of the pitch. Dynamo pressure then paid off and they got the equaliser they probably deserved; 1-1. Then a stroke of tactical genius from Minty, with him dropping into centre midfield with Gale going out onto the left and Wright playing up top with Dan.

With the game looking like it was going to end up a draw, Darkside got a throw in, Big Dan launched one of his massive throws which had been causing the Dynamo defence trouble all afternoon into the box, Adrian headed the ball back across the goal for Wright to head in an easy chance to win it for Darkside 2-1.

The full time whistle blew not long after and it was another three points for Darkside as their push for promotion gathers momentum.

Match report by: Ant