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The 'A' Team came into the match low on confidence after a crushing defeat the week before at the hands of Fabian. Interlink known for their physical style of play were their opponents this week.

The 'A' Team made a bright start to their game pressuring early and within 2 minutes broke the deadlock, good work from Afo in midfield as he broke through and managed to release Will on the edge of the area who placed his shot past the outstretched hand of the keeper into the far corner. 2 minutes later all their hard work was un-done after Interlink won a dubious penalty which they scored.

Newbury continued to pass the ball well as they bossed the midfield, Ben ‘The Beast’ Otiko in particular breaking up any attacks. Both teams continued to press but Interlink were continuously frustrated by Ben Woody who was on top form tackling and blocking anything that came near him. The game started to turn in Newbury’s favour as they began to show their class. A wonderful passing move started in midfield cut through the Interlink team as Trent and Will combined and finally found Joe who placed the ball into the bottom corner with a quality curling shot. Interlink were unable to get a grip on the game, the defence struggled against Will Asenso’s pace and the midfield couldn’t break past Newbury’s midfield three.

Interlink continued to push for an equaliser, Yat showed good handling from long shots which were all the team could create as Mustafa and Ben Woody continued to frustrate the attackers. As the hour mark approached another break from midfield gave Will the ball 20 yards out and with eyes only for the goal he rocketed the ball into the back of the net, the game looked to be over. Interlink had a goal disallowed before Ben Otiko waltzed through the defence in the box and played the ball across for Joe to tap-in his second of the game from 2 yards and Newbury’s fourth. A stumble from kick off didn’t stop Interlink as they looked to hit back instantly a long shot sailing just wide of the post as Yat looked to be beaten.

Interlink’s keeper seemed to lose his positioning as a shot by Will Asenso from the centre circle sailed over his head and just wide. Interlink pulled one back late on but it wasn’t enough as the final whistle blew and Newbury battled their way to their first points of the season to lift them off the bottom of the table.

 

Now for the ratings

Yat Kan- Made a few good reflex saves and showed good handling, unlucky to concede the goals he did. (7)

Nakul Patel- Not his best game, did show a few good touches. (6)

Ben Woody- Solid at the back, man of the match performance (9)

Mustafa Abubakar- Unlucky to give away penalty, always cool on the ball. (7)

Josh Loften- Tough in the tackle, dealt with any attacks well. (7)

Ben Otiko- Always available for a pass and stopped numerous attacks with his hunger for the ball. (8)

Trent Jones- Showed good touches, linked play well always looked a threat with the ball at his feet. (7)

Afo Olugbile- Tenacious in midfield showing his versatility, comfortable on the ball and eye for a pass shown by his two assists (7)

Joe Church- Took his goals well, worked hard for the full 90 minutes (7)

Will Asenso- Set the standard for the whole time, defenders feared his pace showed his scoring ability with 2 long range goals (9)

David Green- Attacked well, caused problems with his work rate (7)

 

Subs
Ibrahim Abullahi- Showed potential going forward (6)

Ziggy Block- Didn’t have time to effect the game (6)

Johnny Pimms- Unused sub

Goals
Will Asenso x2
Joe Church x2

Assist
Afo Olugbile x2
Ben Otiko
Will Asenso

Man of the Match
Ben Woodward

Final Word
Trent Jones:
“Every member of the team played an important role in today’s win, it was an excellent performance from the boys but we need to carry this into next week and the rest of the season, lets make sure we bring our A game every match!”