A top of the table clash today as Roma came up against Mags Fire who were currently 1 point clear at the top of the table. The 2 teams battled out a 2-2 draw earlier in the season, albeit a game of which Roma could have, and should have won.
Roma were carrying a couple of players with illness but neither wanted to miss todays game, so game management was the flavour of the day for coaches Pato and David.
A scrappy start to game saw possession change hands regularly and you could see the nerves had kicked in from the start. Some sloppy play ensued and Roma needed to calm things down, settle on the ball and play their normal game.
The first chance of the game fell to Gibbo who shot over from outside the box.
An early corner for Mags was played short. Roma seemed to have switched off with nobody going to the man in possesion. An easy press towards goal and the ball was put in the bottom corner. Mags. 0-1.
Roma tried to not lose their heads and the next few standout attacks went their way.
A great ball by Scotty found Gibbo lurking on that usual right wing, he managed to set himself well with a good strike but a smart save from the Mags keeper prevented the equaliser.
Roma continued to press and the ball fell nicely at the edge of the box, struck well from distance by Connor but again saved by keeper.
It was then Mags' turn to attack and confusion in the box allowed for a mix up and the ball again found the back of the net. A very scrappy 0-2 to Mags.
Roma heads were now starting to go and anger amongst the ranks was clear to see. Time spent moaning and blaming each other almost allowed Mags in again but Noah managed to deal with the press.
Under good pressure from Caff, Mags played the ball back to their keeper and, Caff is quick to pressure which forced an error an he makes no mistake. 1-2 and a good way to finish the half.
HT.
A couple of half time changes were made and a poorly Call started electric in the midfield. Some fine feet allowed him to dance passed 3 Mags players but lack of options and the ball was turned over.
The Mags attacker found the ball land perfectly at his feet from 6 yards out and with another goal imminent. A Great save down low and brave by Stevie from close range.
A Good free kick opportunity to the left of the Mags box allowed Callum a chance. He'd scored one from a similar position midweek but this time, with the smaller pitch, he put the ball over the bar.
Some good battling in the middle of the park by both teams. The ball kindly fell to the Mags Centre Half who took his chance straight away from distance and into the top corner. Nobody was stopping that. 1-3.
Another strike from half way soon after for Mags which was saved well by Stevie who was alert to the danger.
Confusion at the back by Roma and it was suddenly 1-4 Mags. An easy ball into the bottom corner after a lack of bodies in the box and a mix up from those who were.
Roma heads had now totally gone. With a minute left to go the forwards and midfielders were walking all over the pitch arguing amongst themselves. This allowed Mags nick another with the last kick of the game. 1-5.
A lacklustre display by Roma today and, according to the Mags coach, the best they had played all season.
Mags go 4 points clear and the league is in their hands, although there is still 1 more league match up to go between the 2.
Motm Alfie
Full time - Mags 5 - 1 Roma
