MGBSFL DIVISION TWO
L'EQUIPE 3 SCRABBLE FC 6
Ray Abrahams saluted his Scrabble FC team after they became the first MGBSFL team to secure promotion this season following a 6-3 victory over L'Equipe.
A terrific four-goal salvo from midfield general ELLIOTT ESPINOZA laid the foundations for a win which leaves Scrabble needing a maximum of seven points from their last four games to be crowned champions.
Abrahams told JC Sport: "We wanted a positive reaction today and the boys gave it; we were down to just 11 players on the day as we were hit by more injuries late in the week, but I'm so proud of this performance which was important to us after the Lions game.
"Everyone gave 100 per cent and more today to get us back on track and we couldn't ask for more."
Scrabble manager Abrahams was looking for a reaction after last week's disappointing defeat at Lions and his team certainly reacted with a top-class performance.
The game started with Scrabble attacking L'Equipe from the off and the pressure paid off on 25 minutes when ESPINOZA latched onto a through ball in the box and lifted the ball over the keeper to put Scrabble 1-0 up.
ESPINOZA, now on fire and dictating everything in the game, finished a great four-man move to put Scrabble 2-0 ahead.
L'Equipe pulled one back on the stroke of half-time; the Scrabble defence couldn't deal with a long throw and a back header from the L'Equipe striker made it 2-1 at the break.
Within five minutes of the restart a pin-point cross by Josh Flax left ESPINOZA with a simple tap-in to make it 3-1.
Scrabble were now hungry for more and their persistent attacks paid off. ANTHONY GOODMAKER, the Scrabble centre back, found himself on the right-hand side of the L'Equipe penalty box on 65 and his driven cross sailed into the top corner of the net to make it 4-1.
Scrabble were now throwing everyone forward hunting for goals and leaving gaps at the back resulting in a long ball and a one on one between Ben Law and the L'Equipe striker who made no mistake making it 4-2.
ESPINOZA made it 5-2 and completed his hat-trick on 82 minutes when he tucked away a 40-yard drive by Zak McLeod which rattled the crossbar and the ball fell at his feet.
L'Equipe made it 5-3 five minutes from time when a long cross from the touchline was converted past Ben Law in the Scrabble goal.
Then came what must be a contender for GOAL OF THE SEASON! As Scrabble kicked off after the L'Equipe goal, ZAK McLEOD sent in a screamer from the centre circle, a powerful dipping ball that sailed in over the goalkeeper's head and in off the post to make it 6-3 to the Scrabble boys.
L'Equipe's goals came via Mark Smith (2) and Rob Simmons.
Abrahams commented: "With Raiders losing today, I'm delighted that we are now promoted in a what has been a great season for the club and our next target is obviously the title.
"We need seven more points from four games now and for this club to have achieved so much in its first season back is fantastic.
"All credit to all the lads who had a tough game today against a big physical side but they all showed great attitude and there were some big performances out there, and whilst I don't like singling out individuals Elliot Espinoza really turned it on today for us when it mattered and bagged four goals as well."
