Recap

Streatham Vale or Istanbul?

El Rafico vs SRC conjured up a storm which produced moments of brilliance, perseverance and passion!

SRC started their first fixture of the South London League season against El Rafico who have already enjoyed success in their fixture with a 5-3 win vs. Footy Addicts. They enjoyed a strong start and put the opposition on the back foot with intricate passing, direct driblling and a high pressing game. An unforced error from El Rafico’s defensive midfielder gave SRC an opportunity to put their team in the lead, and did so with devestating effect. A half volley from SRC’s forward drilled past the keeper to put their side in front.

El Rafico got to grips with the game in the middle of the first half and implemented their own pressing game and had numerous half chances to level the score but came up short with top class saves from SRC’s goalkeeper and poor finishing from the El Rafico forwards. El Rafico’s midfielder continuously tried to drive his team up the pitch and ultimately, momentum shifted where his team dominated large parts of the first half.

A moment of lapse for El Rafico meant that they were dispossessed in the middle of the pitch and direct counter attack led to another half-volley but this time, hitting the top corner. El Rafico scratching their heads as to why they were 2-0 and looked a different outfit from their high energy game from the previous week.

Start of the comeback….

2-0 did not last for long as El Rafico’s striker was able to bring the game to 2-1 with a cute finish from a counter attack. Half-time came and El Rafico looked under pressure but showed signs of a resurgence.

The inevitable happened.

Second half started and what looked like an likely upset turned on it’s head where El Rafico showed their spirit, doggedness and collective pressing to take control of the second half. As the second half progressed, there was only one team in it and SRC were resulted to a long ball game with their striker unable to hold up the ball.

Wave after wave, El Rafico continued to dominate, creating chances and their efforts were rewarded…

Midway through the second half, the home team found themselves 3-2 ahead with their strikers following up shots and putting away rebounds to the demise of SRC’s goalkeepers efforts to keep his side in front.

Champagne football

El Rafico became ever-more dominant and SRC’s legs caught up with them as they were often found chasing shadows and unable to win the ball in dangerous areas. S

El Rafico ran out the game 4-2 winners and maintain their 100% win record. They need to keep their slow starts to a minimum if they have a chance of battling for league honours as on another day, they may not have been so fortunate. SRC will no doubt learn from their first fixture and look to make amends next week against Footy Addicts. 

See above for the match highlights.