MGBSFL DIVISION TWO
HAMPSTEAD DUCKS 1 NORTH WEST LONDON BEARS 4
The Bears got off to a dream start and took the lead in the first minute through a rare goal from a Nathan Anders.
The visitors dominated possession for the remainder of the half and created several good opportunities which they spurned.
However, just before half time Sam Shackleton squared the ball to Martin who tucked away to make it 2-0.
The Bears looked comfortable, with goalkeeper James Harpin yet to make a save. However, the Ducks came on strong at the beginning of the second half but couldn’t break down a solid Bears defence.
Jono Gaon did get behind their defence but Daniel Kingsley made an outstanding goal-saving tackle to deny him.
The Bears were then reduced to 10 men when Jack Miller was sin-binned for dissent. However, they defended well and scored an "incredible" third goal in which they played several one-twos and Alex Rose slipped through to Martin to notch his second.
Shackleton then broke down the right and slipped in Martin who brought up his first hat-trick in a Bears shirt.
The Ducks continued to battle and they pulled one back with 10 minutes to go and looked to have the gained the ascendancy when they won a penalty straight after. However, Harpin denied top-scorer Gaon, making it six consecutive penalty saves for the Bears no.1. This capped off another fine display from the Bears who now move up to fourth in the division.
Delighted Bears' joint-player-manager James Harpin told JC Sport: “We went into this game with confidence after last week's victory. However, we knew we didn’t have Zacki Doumou and would have to work harder and we did that extremely well.
"We changed the formation to be as narrow as possible and it worked. Sammy Lezter worked extremely well in the 10 role, supporting Shacks and Sam Martin throughout the game."
Harpin went on to say: "Martin was angry at me for not nominating him for TOTW last week after three assists and a goal so I said to him to produce an even better performance this week. He delivered with three goals and an assist.
"Our attacking play was quality today and our lead hardly looked threatened. We’re now up to fourth in the league after other results went our way.
"Next week we have PSJ at home which is a big game for a lot of our boys but we go into it in fine form and probably favourites for the win. Hopefully we can go and make it seven unbeaten."
