CHOP SHOP GETS CHOPPED DOWN
Today saw a top-of-the-table clash between the Bellboys and Chop Shop.
Both teams would have been high on confidence going into week two with both picking up big wins in the opening fixture of the season.
The game started with both teams battling to take control of the midfield with no attempts at either goal but with five minutes in, a weak back pass from Martin Kunya Buckley, playing in the heart of defence for the Chop Shop saw Tyler Brady run on to the mistake and finished into an open goal. The Bellboys at this point were all over the Chop Shop, and with ten minutes gone were rewarded a free-kick twenty yards from goal.
Joey Thomas, who had made the switch from Rovers to Bellboys stepped up to take the kick.
Joey's effort was arrowed for the top left-hand corner if not from a brilliant diving save from Deon Yon, who tipped it onto the post.
As the Chop Shop stood and look, it was Alex Osborne first to the loose ball to tap in from close range, putting his side two-nil up.
Chop Shop's main striker Shane Stroud was playing in a more deep role from last week and was the start of every Chop Shop attack. As Chop Shop sent men forward, Bellboys were always a threat on the counter. A long ball forward saw Tyler Brady out-muscled Dane Wade to get one on one with the goalie and slotted it home for his second and Bellboys’ third of the match.
At this stage in the game be it twenty-four minutes played in the first half you would think the game was over. Credit to the Chop Shop they didn't give up and started to play their best football of the game. This pressure paid off with Selwyn Stroud winning a penalty with fifteen minutes left in the first forty-five.
Chop Shop captain Shane Stroud stepped up and brilliantly converted the spot kick to the bottom right corner with the goalie choosing the right way. With the goal, Chop Shop took control of the game but were wasteful in front of goal. Shane Stroud had the best chance to get his second when he was one on one with Andrew Yon in goal, Stroud tried a delightful chip, but Yon timed his jump to perfection and made the save. Then with five minutes left, another penalty was given, this time against Chop Shop for handball. Brady was at the spot looking to claim the penalty to seal his hat-trick but it was Joey Thomas with ball in hand. Joey stepped up but fired his shot well over the bar to keep the score at 3 v 1 at half time to the Bellboys.
The fans at Francis Plain could take a breath after such an enjoyable first half.
The Second half got on the way with Bellboys now with the wind at their backs kicking towards the Red Hill end.
And just like the first half, grab a goal in the first five minutes. A harmless free-kick from forty-five yards out from the left boot of Sid Benjamin found its way over the goalie and in the back of the net. Chop Shop tried to fight back but found Bellboys defensive in great form, especially Weston Clingham, who was making some important tackles, which in the end, he was rewarded the man of the match. To put the icing on the cake for the Bellboys with the goal of the game, young Taylan Phillips who was having a great game, received the ball outside the box and unleashed a brilliant shot that nestle in the bottom right corner, with the goalie at full stretch.
Final score Bellboys 5 v 1 Chop Shop
Bellboys have now beaten the champions and one of the league’s favourites in their first two games and are now three points clear at the top.
Goals for Bellboys - Tyler Brady 2, Alex Osborne, Sid Benjamin, and Taylan Phillips
Goal for Chop Shop - Shane Stroud (P)
Man of the Match - Weston Clingham of Bellboys
Young Player of the Match - Taylan Phillips of Bellboys