(4-4-2)

Andrews, Cowdery, Rogers, Griffin, Dawson, Murray, Gall, York, Jim, Johnson, Withey

A better performance than the result would suggest, CPR were a trifle unlucky to come out losing this game.

Despite having to wait around 45 mins in the blazing heat, CPR starte off strongly, making tackles and playing some nice passing football. However, for all their early dominance they couldn’t find a way through the Powerhouse defence, and the young team were starting to look threatening on the the break.

Sure enough, within 25 mins Powerhouse had gained the upper hand when they broke quickly following a CPR corner, and their weight of numbers pressing forward enabled them to pass it through the CPR rearguard to net the opener.

CPR continued to take the game to the opposition, but for all their possession they were not creating any clear-cut chances. Powerhouse continued to hit quickly on the break, and it was no real surprise when they broke the CPR offside trap and their centre-forward ran on to a through ball, rounded John and finished coolly.

CPR continued to press after this goal, and eventually the pressure did pay off. An inswinging corner from Matt was fumbled by the young goalkeeper, and in the ensuing scramble Jon Murray was on hand to slot the ball home. 2-1 at the interval.

After the interval CPR put on a fantastic display of controlled attacking football, in which they did everything – unfortunately – apart from score. Jim was getting down the left wing, Jon Murray down the right, Matt and Jason’s interplay was causing all sorts of problems, but there was just not enough to put a finish to some great moves.

Going into the last 15 mins, CPR were still going all out for the equaliser when Powerhouse again caught them on the break, and a couple of one-twos down CPR’s left flank brought them the third goal.

A few mintues later Powerhouse got the goal which wrapped the game up. This time they broke down CPR’s right flank, and the youngsters’ speed and fitness enabled them to get enough bodies into the box to net a fourth.

CPR were not quite finished yet, however, and they finally go the second goal which their play had merited. After a surging run through the middle from Paul, the ball fell to Matt at the edge of the penalty box and he fired in a superb shot to make the scoreline a little more respectable (and realistic).

Final score: CPR 2, Powerhouse 4

Match Reporter: Garry Griffin