FC Hard Knocks continued their relentless march towards retaining the Lendore Village Football League crown when they edged West Wood Strikers 1-0 at the Chrissie Terrace Recreation Ground in Enterprise on Wednesday.
Missing a couple of their regular starters, the defending champion had a tough time breaking down their opponent’s defence as West Wood was dogged at the back while being quite creative up front. However, captain Isaiah Smith would eventually make the breakthrough in the 30th minute when he arrived in the 18-metre box to meet a cross with a firm header that literally flew past goalkeeper Anton Gill to settle at the back of the net.
Having conceded, West Wood became even more earnest in going forward with last season’s Golden Boot, Kareem Beckles desperately trying to pull his team back on level terms, but Hard Knocks held firm and went in at the half holding on to their narrow advantage.
Immediately after the break, Ryan Fedricks sought to put the result beyond doubt when he hit a thunderous volley from just on the edge of the 18-metre box but watched on in disappointment as it flew just over the crossbar.
And five minutes later (51st), Akil Nichols came close to producing an equaliser for West Wood with a fiercely-hit left-footed shot that crashed onto the crossbar and rebounded into play with goalkeeper Kerwin Beckles beaten.
Both team kept going in search of goals but at the blow of referee Arthur Paul’s whistle, signalling the end of the game, it was the champs who collected full points to take their tally to 15 from five matches and maintain their unbeaten status.
In other matches played during the week, Young Money FC defeated Petersfield Samba Boys by a 4-1 margin while Edinburgh 500 delivered on the promise they’ve been showing with a 2-1 win over Joga Boyz. And in the lone match on Sunday, West Wood secured a 4-2 victory over Firehouse.
Lendore League Results:
FC Hard Knocks 1 vs West Wood Strikers 0
Young Money FC 4 vs Petersfield Samba Boys 1
Joga Boyz 1 vs Edinburgh 500 2
West Wood Strikers 4 vs Firehouse 2