Icarus Masters/Vets Squad
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Sat 02 Sep 2017
AGC Vets
1
3
Icarus FC
Icarus Masters/Vets Squad
D Earnshaw (0'), T Bradley (0'), S Hollick (0')
Icarus Vets Squad v AGC Vets

Icarus Vets Squad v AGC Vets

Icarus FC2 Sep 2017 - 12:30
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Match report

With the first game a score draw the tournament rules decreed that the team equalising in the first game would stay on for the second game meaning Icarus would now face the AGC.  (If anyone is interested, a nil-nil draw in the first game would have meant a coin toss to decide the subsequent order of play.)
 
This game quickly showed two more equally matched sides in age and in skill and the tempo was more ‘Masters’ than in the first.  With more space available on the pitch there was some quality passages of play for both sides and in the first half some great opportunities fell to the opposition but they were spurned.  Only one occasion when the AGC centre forward was able to turn the Icarus defender at the edge of the box and strike the ball low and hard into the far corner of the Icarus goal was the deadlock broken.  One-nil to the AGC.  Again, going behind spurred on the Icarus team who piled on pressure.  And the equaliser came from a thunderbolt shot the like of which this reporter has rarely seen in amateur football.  From a cleared corner the ball bounced out to Icarus debutant Danny Earnshaw some 30 to 35 yards out.  His half volley literally flew into the top right-hand corner of the goal; and the goalie that got his fingertips to the shot reportedly broke his finger trying to stop the shot.
 
Half-time AGC 1 - Icarus 1
 
The second half started with more exchanged opportunities and Icarus were grateful to Vinnie Jackson who was clearly back to his best and made some super saves and blocks to keep the scores level.  But Icarus also had their chances.  Eventually Rob Swinney, playing further upfield with a nosebleed, intercepted an under hit goalkick heading it back towards Steve and Teo Bradley near the edge of the box.  Between them they overran the defender and ‘keeper with Teo able to slot the ball home for a 2-1 lead.  Not long after that an Icarus challenge deflected the ball behind a slow to react half-expecting-an-offside AGC defence and the quick reactions of Barry Laws allowed him to sprint past stationary players from a clear onside position, gather the ball and attack the box from the right.  He couldn't quite score the goal direct but the ball broke again to ‘goal-poacher’ Steve who gratefully bounced the ball past the keeper.  3-1. Despite huge pressure from the AGC and more heroics from Vinnie the final score remained the same.
 
Full-time AGC 1 - Icarus 3
 
Man of match for this game: Barry Laws
 
Third game: AGC Vs Army Crusaders
 
The AGC had left themselves so exhausted by their attempts to get back into the game against Icarus that they completely ran out of steam against the younger Crusaders.  Despite leading one-nil initially the AGC were eventually defeated 6-2 giving the tournament victory, on goal difference, to the Army Crusaders.
 
Full-time AGC 2 - Army Crusaders 6
 
Tournament winners: Army Crusaders
 
Final tournament comments:
 
Icarus coming back from 1-0 in both games showed great spirit and determination resulting in an unbeaten performance.  The new players performed admirably and with distinction; with the super strike goal from Danny Earnshaw highly memorable.

Match details

Match date

Sat 02 Sep 2017

Kickoff

11:30

Meet time

10:30
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

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