Match Report: Shoreditch FP AWAY

Shoreditch Fire Penguins 1-2 Stratford Athletic

Sunday, 9 December 2012 - KO 10:30 - Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets

Squad: Deacon; Gallie (Jones), Wachowski, Wall, P. Stanley; Kelly (Pruce), Reynolds, Venus, F. Stanley; Greening (C), Bocking

Stratford Athletic picked up their first away win of the season against fierce local rivals Shoreditch Fire Penguins. The Reds came from a goal down to win 2-1 at Victoria Park on Sunday morning, thanks to strikes from Elliot Greening and Alex Bocking.

A slow start to the match left the away side chasing the game, with Shoreditch controlling possession in every department. Their goal came relatively early in the first half. A direct ball across the Stratford back four allowed the Penguins' No.9 to burst past Tom Wachowski. The Polish defender, wearing his trademark sweatband, couldn't reach the ball with a last-ditch challenge and his opponent raced through to knock the ball past Chris Deacon into the bottom corner.

Deacon was in action minutes later as a similar through ball set up a one-on-one with the same striker. This time the goalkeeper was quickly out to block the No.9's shot and stop any further damage.

In-form Welshman Elliot Greening was the first Stratford player to get a real chance. A mistake at the back for Shoreditch sent the No.14 clear with only the opposition keeper to beat. But the confident forward went with his right foot on an occasion that warranted his left and it fell straight into the goalkeeper's arms. Greening was evidently annoyed with himself. It was a rare miss from someone who consistently plays to a high standard.

At half time Stratford manager Mike Earll gave a detailed team talk that lifted his squad before the second half. The Reds found time to analyse their shortcomings and, for once, didn't overly criticise each other.

Despite the positive break, Stratford started slowly. Again. Deacon had to react quickly to turn a fierce shot past the post with his left hand and to keep his side in the game.

Then Mr Reliable struck again.

With the midfield pairing of Tim Reynolds and Connor Venus gelling in the centre of the park, Olly Kelly and Fred Stanley supporting the attack and Greening and Bocking making intelligent runs at the front, it was easier for the lads to create chances. For his eighth goal of the season, Greening picked the ball up on the wing, worked his way through a crowd of defenders and scored from a narrow angle. 1-1.

The second was even sweeter. Deacon caught a high cross from the right and immediately rolled the ball to Matt Wall. Wall found Pete Stanley on the left flank, Stanley found Will Pruce, Pruce sliced it inside for Greening, Greening knocked the ball into Bocking's path and he did the rest. A neat finish out of the keeper's reach completed the comeback. 2-1.

With a lead to protect Stratford dropped deeper and deeper, inviting unnecessary pressure onto themselves. Deacon had to save a few one-on-ones, the Fire Penguins missed a couple of sitters and were denied a penalty in the final few seconds.

A grey shirt ran into the box, barged into Pete Stanley and fell to the floor like a rag doll. After giving the forward a good ear-bashing, Stanley calmly punted the ball clear and the referee waved away any protests.

Shoreditch missed their best chance after Deacon tipped a corner up in the air under pressure. Instead of getting to the ball cleanly he was barged into, flicking it behind him and the Fire Penguins will be kicking themselves for missing what was an easy headed chance.

The team worked hard and held on for a deserved win. With the Jack Morgan Cup to come next weekend, they end the year on a league win.

After the game Assistant Manager Will Winthrop said: "It was a game of two halves. There were two poor sides out there who know they can do better. The gaffer's brilliance obviously guided us to the victory."

"Veno played well, as did Matt. Pete Stanley offered his usual brilliance and Bocko deserved his goal."

"Boyo was good in the second half, when he wasn't embarrassing us with his overhead kick attempts."