Underground FC have secured promotion to the Major League thanks to an emphatic 5-1 win over bitter rivals Hillsborough ReUnited. With a three way tussle at the top of the table there was everything to play for as both teams looked to take the early advantage going into the match.
First blood was drawn by Underground FC as Andrew Hewat hit a screamer from outside the box to beat the diving keeper. The build up play was vitally important to the goal as Anthony Cluley ran the ball up left flank stretching the opposition defense. Underground kept their composure as Anthony calmly passed the ball to Liam who laid off for Hewat who hit the ball first time into the inside of the left post.
Hillsborough looked to respond quickly and it wasn't long before they had a few chances of their own. A few nice saves by Andy Speir and some desperate defense saw the early assault on the Underground goal repelled. In the air Hillsborough seemed to have the edge as at least one header hit the crossbar, these were worrying signs for Underground.
Fears of a ReUnited comeback were quickly dispelled however as Tim de Beer scored a superb header from a Sam Foster corner kick. From this moment it was clear that Underground had a handle on the match and they looked to further press their dominance in what was an outstanding first half display. This was capped off by an unfortunate error from the Hillsborough keeper as he was drawn wide to clear the ball, unfortunately his clearance was poor and went straight to the feet of Long Tran who simply passed the ball into the open goal from 30 meters out.
In the second half Underground looked to play more defensively to consolidate a 3 nil lead. It wasn't long however before Hillsborough managed to get a goal back. A scramble in the box resulted in the goal that had the potential to inspire a Hillsborough revival. This however proved to be false hope. The Underground midfield started to get the upper hand as their slick passing ability and awareness saw them dominate possession.
Halfway through the second half stand in captain Andrew Dunn was dragged down outside the box. Long Tran took the free kick and his powerful shot rose and dipped beautifully into the bottom left corner. With the match 4-1 the contest was all but over with the bonus point secured. Towards the end of the game adding further insult to injury, the Hillsborough goalie had another 'moment', this time it was from his opposite number Andy Speir who's enormous free kick from well inside his own half bounced over the goalie into the path of Sam Foster who tapped in the final goal of the match.
Other results in the Super League handed Underground promotion as Alegria upset Elim Saints in a hard fought 1-0 victory giving them a chance to stay up if other results go their way as they go into the bye next week. Karen United beat Oracular Orcas 3-1 to set up an intriguing final round to determine who gets relegated at the half season.
Teams_________Points
Underground 26
Elim Saints 17
Karen United 16
Hillsborough 15
Alegria United 14
Life United 12
Oracular Orcas 9
*Win = 6pts
*BP = 1pt (4 goals)
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