MGBSFL DIVISION ONE
SCRABBLE FC 2 FINCHLEY CITY 1

Ray Abrahams believes Scrabble FC were good value for their first win of the season, which came courtesy of strikes from new boy Josh Bharier and Danny Sherman.

Neutrals were treated to a tremendous game to watch at The Capital City Academy. Scrabble, still hit by injuries, dominated the first half with the emphasis on attack with a 3-5-2 formation as they were seeking their first points of the new season.

On 14 their attacking game paid off when Bharier picking up the ball on the edge of the Finchley penalty area, showed great strength in breaking through the Finchley defence to push the ball past the keeper to give Scrabble the lead.

The lead was doubled on 38 minutes, and with Finchley now trying to hold back a wave of Scrabble attacks. A neat ball in from Josh Green found Danny Sherman in the penalty area with the ball at his feet. Sherman made no mistake with a powerful shot to the keeper's left.

The second half saw a well-organised comeback by Finchley and their pressure paid off 15 minutes from time when Oliver Sade halved the deficit.

Daniel Akiva, on his Finchley debut, nearly scored a dream solo goal in the dying seconds of the game. He skipped past five players and almost squeezed the ball in the bottom corner. But Scrabble had done enough and held on for the win that kickstarts their league campaign.

Scrabble manager Ray Abrahams told JC Sport: "This was a game of two halves and I was very pleased with the way we dominated things till the break.

"But at this stage of the season it was important to get that first win under our belts and the three points in the bag.

"We've not had the best of times with injuries and we adapted our game well today to accommodate the players we had available, but I'm pleased with the overall performance, particularly in the first half.

"The wind made it more difficult after the break but we scored two good goals today and defended very well and I thought on the balance of play we deserved to win."

Finchley boss Joel Holder told JC Sport: "It was a game of two halves, with both teams giving it a real go. Unfortunately, we only turned up after half-time and did not do manage to equalise.

"The boys battled in the second half and I feel we created enough chances to equalise. There were a few key players missing for us today who will be available in the next few weeks.

"We know that if they replicate their second half performance this year, we will challenging for the title at the end of the season. I am expecting a big reaction against Bilbaum next week."