JC MSFL DIVISION TWO
NORSTAR B 6 FC TEAM B 1
A JOSH GREEN inspired display helped Norstar B end a bad run of results with a thrilling victory over FC Team B in Wembley.
Manager Jonny Bunt praised his troops on a job well done to end a five-match losing streak.
"At last a chance to smile and a due reward for our endeavour and commitment this season," a delighted Bunt told JC Sport.
"Firstly, full credit to our opponents who were a very good side and on a different day or a different surface the result might have been different.
"Secondly, a massve congratulations to everyone in the team ... it has been a while coming but finally we have some points on the board and we look forward to building on that."
The story of the game, was an even first half were Norstar created the clear chances with Green spurning a couple of sitters and he was certainly not the only one to miss a presentable chance. But Jonny Kay won a penalty, coolly converted by Eli Houri and Norstar went into the break a goal to the good.
Team started the second half better, closing the Norstar defence well and it was from their pressing that the won the ball deep in our half and sent Adam Goldsmith through one-on-one to make it 1-1 (Goldie's goal meaning that all seven goals came from members of the Norstar family).
Both sides traded chances as the tie entered the final quarter of the game but a stunning strike from right-back Rafi Addlestone put Norstar ahead, stunned Team and turned the game. He surged forward on a trademark burst down the right; the ball broke loose and bounced around before it fell for Addlestone to volley it like a bullet from the right hand edge of the area into the top left hand corner! The boost of the screamer (on erev Halloween) and a little home advantage in how to play the 3G pitch at The Ark (Norstar also read Noah this week) then told as well as superior fitness and hunger for the win and Green scored three good goals and Houri made it a brace against a tiring Team defence.
Bunt added: "The moment of genius from Rafi was the difference and the break we have needed all season but every one of the 12 men in Orange today deserve to be proud of a strong performance against a Team who I'm sure will do well this season.
"I've never enjoyed a win so much as I have after losing 5 on the bounce ..."