SSEES 2s march on

SSEES AFC 2s 2-0 IMPERIAL 4s 0

SSEES AFC 2s continued their impressive form after overcoming the stubborn resistance of Imperial 4s to secure a hard-fought 2-0 victory and move into the promotion places of ULU Division 4, only one off top of the table.

Despite their recent winning run, SSEES approached the game with apprehension having been shorn of several leading players from the last game due to injuries and work commitments; notably Karun “Bob” Ahluwalia and the last game’s matchwinner Val Pourrinet. The absentees led to 1st team captain Sammy Kempner making an appearance in midfield in a 4-3-3 formation.

Although clearly the better side, SSEES found itself bogged down in the first period by the increasingly wet conditions, which played havoc with the pitch and the accuracy of SSEES’s passing game. The sureness of touch was, for a while at least, missing, although it must be said that SSEES’s dominant backline never looked like being breached.

Eventually the break through came and this time the weather had played into their hands. Centre back Arturo Ortega's pot clearance cum shot from 70 yards took a wicked bounce off the treacherous surface and whistled over the keeper’s head into the net. Fortunate perhaps, but the old adage is you make your own luck and SSEES’s endeavour and spirit had earned them the lead.

The second period saw Imperial improve a little but never really threaten the SSEES rearguard, who marshalled matters superbly. The introduction of Kapish Patel saw SSEES’s passing game finally find its range and as the home side took control, a succession of missed chances appeared. However, a combination of poor finishing and inspired goalkeeping thwarted the rampant home side.

The second goal eventually came from a precise Danny Walker corner, which fell right onto the head of Kempner, on his first appearance for the 2s this season. The finish may not have been the tidiest but SSEES now had a two goal lead and the victory was secured.

SSEES 2s now move up to the 2nd in the table, just one point off the top having played a game more. Promotion is now firmly in the air and the players are clearly determined to make it happen.