Sat 26th Mar 2022
Spartan South Midlands Premier Division
London Colney 0-6 TAFC First team
TAFC goals: Godlove Oppong (3, 1 pen), Jack Stevens (2), Leo Farruch
GODIE LEADS THE WAY AS WE GIVE LONDON COLEY SIX OF THE BEST
The expression taken like a duck to water springs to mind when considering the amazing transformation Godlove Oppong has gone through in the past week following his switch from the wing to the centre. Out wide he had scored 2 goals in 14 games but being moved to centre forward clearly suited him because he has scored 5 goals in 4 days. He bagged a brace on Tuesday night against Aylesbury Vale Dynamos and then went one better with a hat-trick at London Colney.
Okay our hosts (like Aylesbury Vale on Tuesday) were not in the best of form having undergone a dismal run of 11 straight defeats but as the old saying goes you can only beat what is facing you and two aways wins with 10 goals scored and none conceded is something to be proud of. Certainly Colney started brightly enough but by half time they were three goals down and they struggled in the second half where it was one way traffic towards their goal. Their one bright moment came in the 38th minute when their left winger had a run on goal but his shot flew over the bar. That would have levelled the scores at 1-1 but sods law a minute later Godlove score our 2nd and it was down hill all the way after that. Colney went close for a consolation goal near the end but Jake Alley, who was a spectator for most of the second half, got down well to tip the shot round the post.
Godlove first goal came in the 39th minute, he then added to his tally on the hour and then grabbed his hat-trick from the spot 9 minutes from time. But this was not a one man show as the whole team were superb. Special praise should also go to Jack Stevens who gave us an early lead in the 12th minute by cleverly directing home a corner then did the same 8 minutes into the second half with a powerful header. As well as getting on the score sheet twice Jack also formed a rock solid partnership with Harry Seabrook in the centre of defence and they were ably assisted by full backs Harrison Cornick and Adam Sawyer and then Matt Ellis when he later came off the bench.
The other goal came from Leo Farruch who sealed a very good half with our 3rd goal 3 minutes before the break. Leo was also involved one of other goals when the keeper spilled his shot which Godlove snapped up and Leo also hit the post.
Other notable contributions included 4 assists from Eli Hearn 2 of which came from his superbly struck corners and he also won the penalty that Godlove converted for his hat-trick. Eli was pushed further forward from his usual full back role to out wide in midfield and he is another one who took to it like a duck to water.
This was a terrific performance on an unreliable surface which made it difficult for both teams. After the 4-0 win over Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Chairman Bob Winter said these were exciting times and he was spot on. The transformation since the young players came in is beyond belief because they have added pace and energy, and above all great technical skills. It is also noticeable that they barely miss a game which shows they also have a lot of commitment.
The win pushed us up to 15th in the table one place above Broadfields who lost 3-0 at Hadley and only a few points behind a clutch of clubs above us. With 6 league games left we have an opportunity to finish the season in mid table which would be a tremendous achievement bearing in mind where we were back in January.
In our next game we face a stiff test at home to 8th placed Ardley United on Saturday. We did manage to knock them out of the FA Vase on penalties but they got their revenge a few weeks later with a convincing 3-0 win. We are a much changed side since then so hopefully we will give them a much better game. Also we must not forget that we are still in the Premier Division Cup so there is still plenty to look forward to.
Teams:
TA:Jack Alley, Harry Cornick, Adam Sawyer (Matt Ellis 75), Harry Seabrook (Capt), Jack Stevens, Lennie Armstrong (Luke Peerless 62), Charlie Miller, Leo Farruch, Ronan Hutchins (George Carbery 69), Godlove Oppong, Eli Hearn. Sub not used: Frankie Hercules, Adiel Mannion.
Scorers:
TA:Godlove Oppong (39, 60, Pen 81), Jack Stevens (12, 53), Leo Farruch (42)