Scrabble hit six and secure promotion

Scrabble bounced back to winning ways as they hit L’Equipe for six, while coupled with Raiders defeat, also secured promotion.

MGBSFL Division Two:
L’Equipe 3 Scrabble 6
Sunday, 28 February, 2016

Scrabble manager Ray Abrahams was looking for a reaction after last week’s disappointing defeat at Lions and the team certainly reacted with a five-star performance and scoring six goals as they clinched promotion from Division Two.

The game started with Scrabble attacking L’Equipe from the off and the pressure paid off on 25 minutes when Elliot Espinoza latched onto a through ball in the box and lifted the ball over the keeper to put Scrabble 1-0 up. Espinoza now on fire and dictating everything in the game finished a great four-man move to put Scrabble 2-0 ahead. On half-time the Scrabble defence couldn’t deal with a long throw and a back header from the L’Equipe striker made it 2-1 at the break.

Within five minutes of the restart, a pin-point cross by Josh Flax left Espinoza with a simple tap in to make it 3-1.

Scrabble were now hungry for more and their persistent attacks paid off. Anthony Goodmaker the Scrabble centre-back found himself on the right hand side of the L’Equipe penalty box on 65 minutes and his driven cross sailed into the top corner of the net to make it 4-1.

Scrabble were now throwing everyone forward hunting for goals and leaving gaps at the back resulting in a long ball and a one-on-one between Ben Law and the L’Equipe striker who made no mistake making it 4-2.

Espinoza made it 5-2 and completed his hat-trick on 82 minutes when he tucked away a 40-yard drive by Zak McLeod which rattled the cross bar and the ball fell at his feet.

With five minutes remaining, L’Equipe made it 5-3 when a long cross from the touch line was converted past Ben Law in the Scrabble goal.

Then came what must be a contender for GOAL OF THE SEASON! As Scrabble kicked off after the L’Equipe goal, Zak McLeod sent in a screamer from the centre circle, a powerful dipping ball that sailed in over the goalkeeper’s head and in off the post to make it 6-3 to the Scrabble boys.

A thoroughly deserved win by a Scrabble side still hit by injuries and absences but the whole side were on top form and determined to get back on track and to winning ways.

Manager Ray Abrahams said: “We wanted a positive reaction today and the boys gave it. We were down to just 11 players on the day as we were hit by more injuries late in the week but I’m so proud of this performance which was important to us after the Lions game. Everyone gave 100 percent and more today to get us back on track and we couldn’t ask for more.

“With Raiders losing today I’m delighted that we are now promoted in a what has been a great season for the club and our next target is obviously the title. We need seven more points from four games now and for this club to have achieved so much in its first season back is fantastic. All credit to all the lads who had a tough game today against a big physical side but they all showed great attitude and there were some big performances out there and whilst I don’t like singling out individuals, Elliot Espinoza really turned it on today for us when it mattered and bagged four goals as well.”