| It's six out of six for Gadeside in the league as they beat The Old Shepherd to regain top spot in the Olympian premier division. Goals from Toby Zhou, Dan Campbell and Tariq Khan set them on their way though they were made to fight hard for the win over a spirited Old Shep' side. |
| Player-manager Adam Hills was forced into a reshuffle with Tom Shurville, Matt Evans and Ben Higginson all missing for various reasons. In came Matthew Barrett and Ed Shurville who both had excellent games. Gadeside began well and pushed their visitors back with several early chances; Toby Zhou poked wide from a low Hills' cross while Dan Campbell was twice off target with long range drives. At the other end Regan and O'Malley both fired wide from the edge of the area as the Old Shep' enjoyed a spell of pressure. Gadeside's defence stood up well with Tom Oliver again impressive at the heart of the defence. The deadlock was broken 4 minutes before the break when Toby Zhou was on hand to follow up after Campbell's fierce drive had been well saved. |
| The second half began in similar fashion with Gadeside enjoying the bulk of possession but seemingly lacking a cutting edge while The Old Shepherd looked to attack in numbers on the break. Dan Campbell went close when his rasping volley was superbly saved and it was Campbell again who was involved in the games turning point on the hour. Chasing a through ball from Hills he got a touch ahead of the keeper and was sent sprawling. Referee Chambers (eventually) awarded a penalty though it appeared that the keeper had won the ball. Campbell picked himself up to slam home the penalty and double Gadeside's lead. |
| The visitors kept going though and went close when Paul Regan's shot was cleared off the line by Danny Everritt. However, their endeavours were rewarded when O'Malley scored after latching onto a through ball. In recent seasons, Gadeside would have buckled in the late stages but a defence which has conceded only 3 goals in the league all season were not about to throw away a lead. Gadeside regained their two goal lead when Campbell touched off Hills' cross into the path of sub Tariq Khan who expertly slotted home to seel victory. |
| Gadeside have played far better than this during the season, but it was a sign of a good side to win when not playing so well. Defensively again Gadeside were solid which brought a big smile to Adam Hills' face: "The defence has had a lot of criticism over the last year but they have worked hard and taken on board what we have worked on at training. It's a perfect start so far, the pressure is on others to come and catch us now. Next week we have a lot of players returning which will make a lot of competition for places." |
| Sam Green, Ian Freeman, Matthew Barrett (Balraj Singh), Danny Everritt, Tom Oliver, Daniel Brooks, Ivanz Mani, Ed Shurville, Adam Hills, Toby Zhou (Tariq Khan), Dan Campbell |