JC MSFL DIVISION THREE
NORSTAR C 3 TEMPLE FORTUNE B 2
A wonderful hat-trick from WILL UFLAND inspired Norstar C to their sixth win of the season as they edged past Fortune B in a five-goal thriller.
Norstar C's management duo were delighted as Norstar's hard work and effort in over the past few weeks finally resulted in all three points. A stellar defensive display topped off with a stunning hat-trick from Ufland. Ufland has six goals in seven games for the starts this season, both being hat-tricks, and Norstar certainly could have done with him to have played a few more this season with a goals to game ratio like that.
With a smaller squad than usual, and manager Zack Gothelf being left with no choice but to put himself in between the sticks for the first time - additionally with only one substitute and the influential Gordon only able to play one half, Norstar knew that their fitness would be tested to the limit.
The deadlock was broken in this very even contest when a defensive mix-up allowed Fortune to bare down on goal and lob the ball past the keeper and into the net.
Norstar then picked themselves up straight away and a marauding run from Gordon straight from kick-off set up Ufland from the edge of the box who's stunning shot left the keeper helpless.
Norstar continued to apply pressure to their opponents, and were rewarded with a second before the break. The ball made its way to Ufland who again beat the keeper from the edge of the box with a wonderful strike.
In beautiful summery conditions, Norstar took their lead into the break. Levitt came on for the impressive Gordon but more than just filled in for Gordon, and proved another threat for Norstar as they sat deeper and deeper as the game progressed. Jonny Samuel had another impressive game, captaining the side for the first time, alongside what is fast becoming a solid and reliable Norstar back line.
Norstar's resilience was finally broken down when a good Fortune move saw the ball slotted into the net from the edge of the box.
Norstar didn't let their heads drop and knew that their performance warranted a victory. They continued to attack trying to use the pace of Nick Haringman up front to their advantage. Their pressure was rewarded when Ufland again received the ball on the edge of the box and let fly and beat the keeper to complete his hat-trick.
A nervy last 10 minutes ensued but Norstar held out to ensure they'd end their home matches with a victory and reach a pre-season target of 20 points.
