MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
OAKWOOD A 1 FAITHFOLD A 2
Zuriel Solomon believes a new formation has helped Faithfold take their game to a new level after they registered an impressive 2-1 victory over Anekstein Cup semi-finalists Oakwood.
A brilliant brace from Johnny Haik inspired Faithfold to their sixth league win in a game in which both teams low on quality, due to the conditions, but high on entertainment.
Faithfold were gifted the advantage with what Oakwood joint-manager Ric Blank described as "the softest of goal," when Guy Helman passed straight to the industrious Haik who was never going to miss.
The second half was a different story as Oakwood managed to "exert control". The wind was horrendous, affecting both teams equally, and meant it was never going to be a free-flowing game. But Brad Wine showed great composure to equalise, and there only looked one winner.
But then a moment of hesitancy at the back between Eddie Manson and Adam Levine let Haik in again - "he won't have had two easier goals all season," lamented Blank.
Wine smashed the underside of the bar, Jonny Quinny had an effort well saved as we pressed for an equaliser, but Faithfold held firm to take the points.
Faithfold boss Zuriel Solomon told JC Sport: "Today was probably are best performance of the season where we battled, were organised, defended really well and had an end product.
"We dominated the game today against a good Oakwood team they had a good 10 minutes or so, but I felt we were deserved winners.
"We have tinkered the formation slightly over the last few weeks and we have picked up 13/15 points so out form and confidence is good.
"We scored two goals by being persistent and we have a great forward in Johnny Haik who is really showing his quality and he grabbed another two goals today. I'm proud of the boys and happy with the three points."
Oakwood joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport: "We're very disappointed to lose a game we really ought to have won.
"We have already beaten Faithfold twice this season and knew what to expect so our first half performance was inexplicable really. We were second to every ball and our usual pressing game totally deserted us.
"It wasn't happening. We'll have to buck our ideas up for Redbridge on Sunday."
