Double header. Copland FC 0, St Johns Arsenal Deaf 1

                          St Johns Arsenal Deaf 0, Copland FC 1

The first of a few potential double headers due to the poor weather earlier in the year was as expected a very close and hard fought affair. With both games reduced to an hour’s length both teams were scared to over commit as there would be little time to recover, especially as these games were between the first and third placed teams.

Whilst Copland certainly created the majority of the chances in the first game they unusually struggled to really test the keeper. On another day Aaron Silcott could easily have scored two goals in the first half, even though the chances were not simple ones.

Moving on into the second half St Johns took advantage of a dubious decision to award a free kick even though Juvhan Kellar clearly won the ball! This was compounded by a ball that was played quickly and during the attack crossed the line. However the St Johns assistant referee on that side kept up his personal display of missing all of their infringements and waved play on. That said the left winger carried on and dispatched a wonderful curling shot into the top corner for the first games only goal. As Copland pressed for an equaliser a shot from Aleks Hughes was defended by the arm of a St Johns player who could be seen to be shaking it afterwards but like the earlier penalty claim for a kick on Juvhan Kellar’s shoulder the referee didn’t have a clear view! In the last minute of the first game Darren Turner had a wonderful free-kick saved brilliantly by the St Johns keeper, which would have given Copland at least a point that they certainly deserved.

The second game carried on with St Johns utilising their dirty tactics and attempts to intimidate the referee, which unfortunately had some affect. After a much better start where Copland played the much better football and as a result were dominant and created a number of very good chances but failed to take these.

Then after about 10 minutes into the first half of the second game the St Johns number 6 chased Rashard Grant and ran he studs straight into the back of his thigh, a completely unnecessary and violent action. Rashard understandably reacted due to the continual dirty play by St Johns and unfortunately left the referee with no choice but to send both players off.

Copland continued to play their football and were very unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Aaron Silcott was tripped from behind. The referee obviously did not see it that way. Whilst Copland were attacking form one of their numerous corners a quick break led to a goal being scored by the number 9 for St Johns, however as in so many things the talented forward did, he had cheated by using his hand to gain an advantage and after consulting with the linesman the goal was correctly overruled.

Then as the game progressed Copland continued to press forward, a move started by Robert Osborne involving quick passing involving Ricci Roberts, Darren Turner and Juvhan Kellar who controlled the ball well on his chest before dispatching the decisive and well deserved winning goal with aplomb!