Another large crowd gathered at Carlton Park for a crucial top of the table clash against Kesgrave Kestrals.
The game started at a quick pace and Kesgrave had an early chance which was saved by Louis Johnson. It was 15 minutes in before we created our first real chance with Joe Moore (sponsored by Xtra Time Sports Developments) shooting wide.
We were starting to get on top and a flowing move ended with a shot by Kyle Messenger (sponsored by Ensors Accountants LLP) that was saved by the keeper.
The breakthrough came after 20 minutes when some good closing down forced a mistake by the Kesgrave defence, and a one-two between Kyle Messenger and Joe Moore allowed Kyle to slot the ball past the keeper for 1-0.
Kesgrave continued to be dangerous and a free kick to the front post was stabbed just wide.
On the half hour mark a fantastic passing move ended with Jermaine Haynes finding Joe Murphy who found the corner of the net to make it 2-0.
Three minutes later we gave Kesgrave a way back into the game through a penalty. However it was fantastically saved onto the post by Louis Johnson and the penalty taker somehow managed to put the rebound over the bar.
Just before half time another good move found Isaac Page (sponsored by C Page Motors) on the left who beat his man and cut the ball back to Joe Murphy, who curled his shot into the far corner for 3-0.
We started the second half on the front foot and within two minutes we scored our fourth goal through Kyle Messenger following a lovely through ball by Jermaine Haynes.
Three minutes later the same two players combined with a great cross on the left by Jermaine Haynes volleyed into the net by Kyle Messenger for his hat trick.
Kesgrave continued to threaten and a cross from their right hit the top of our cross bar.
At around the hour mark we scored our sixth goal, and Kyle Messenger grabbed his fourth, by reacting quickly when the keeper fumbled a long range effort by Joe Moore.
The remaining half hour played out with few clear chances. Kesgrave to their credit kept going until the end but we defended well to keep the clean sheet.
The match ended with a great 6-0 win against a decent Kesgrave side. We were strong and resolute when needed, and played some free flowing football resulting in some clinical finishing.
The result cements our second place and moves us one step closer to promotion with only three games left. However we have a tough match next Saturday as we welcome league leaders Thurston to Carlton Park.
The Reserves visited Bramford Utd Reserves for a friendly. Delays on the Orwell Bridge meant a few of our players missed ko, and thanks to Bramford for the loan of two players to get the match started. Eventually everyone got there and we ran out 2-0 winners with goals from Lewis Gladwell (sponsored by Shaun's Auto Repairs) and Daniel Margarit.
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