Sat 12th Mar 2022
Spartan South Midlands Premier Division
Sponsored by NP Electrics
TAFC First team 0-2 New Salamis
OUR GREAT RUN OF RESULTS COMES TO AN END
All good things must eventually come to an end and so our terrific unbeaten run of 6 games ended with a defeat to title chasing New Salamis. This was an important win for our visitors and this was clearly demonstrated by their wild celebrations at the end because it took them back to the top of the table following Risboro Rangers surprising 0-0 home draw against bottom of the table Crawley Green. Only one point separates the two teams but Risboro have 2 games in hand so the last few games will be interesting to see who holds their nerve, although we could have a say in the title race because we entertain Risboro at the Stadium in April.
As for the game my notes contain few details of goal mouth incidents but a number of entries for bookings of which there were 6 or 7, rather a lot for a game that was more tetchy than dirty.
This must have been a cultural shock for our young team against a tough, experienced outfit who knew how to manage the game and who excelled in the black arts of gamesmanship. The main difference between the teams however was basically one player, the remarkable Derek Asamoah.
The Ghana International is 40 years of age but still has the pace and scoring instincts of a much younger player. His first goal right on the stroke of half time gave his side an invaluable lead and psychological advantage and then when we were pressing for an equaliser in the second half he scored the killer 2nd goal 6 minutes from normal time to put the game beyond our reach.
This was a challenging game against tough opposition but despite the difficult conditions, with a strong wind and awkward playing surface, we played some nice football particularly in the second half but we tended to run aground against the visitors uncompromising defence.
Not much else to say about the game except the fact that our opponents celebrated loudly at the end and that we were disappointed at the result demonstrated how far we have come since the start of the year. Normally a side lying 15th in the table would probably be satisfied with a 2-0 defeat against a team at the top
We must quickly shake this defeat out of our system because we have two matches coming up this coming week. On Tuesday we entertain our friends from Leverstock Green in the Premier Division Cup then on Saturday we visit Harpenden Town for a Premier Division League game. So plenty to look forward to.
Teams:
TA:Jack Alley, Harrison Cornick, Adam Sawyer (Jack Stevens 85), Harry Seabrook, George Carbery (Capt), Lennie Armstrong, Frankie Hercules (Ronan Hutchins 76), Leo Farruch, Charlie Miller, Godlove Oppong, Ollie Butler. Subs not used: Tommy Twelves, Matt Ellis, Will Bisney.
NS:Austin Byfield, Anthony Furlonge, Jandir Jose, Freddy Tandon, Luke Foster, Ryan Hervel , Harrison Georgiou, Denis Mehmet, Charlie Georiou, Derek Asamoah, Elijah Ogunseye. Subs Used: Andreas Chanbi, Matt Newman, Antonio Michael Subs not used: Johan Becka, Arti Krasniqi
Scorers:
TA:-
NS:Derek Asamaoh 2 (45,84)
Crowd:129