Dadford City 11 Slatford 8 Robinson 3
Oldman Athletic 10 Mace 5 Austin 3 Piggin 1 Tooke 1
Dadford embraced the “underdogs” tag yet again to secure back to back victories which sees them climb off the foot of the table. Oldman Athletic had been clear favourites against the bottom club before the game, but Dadford played out another plucky victory which means they leapfrog Dadalona in the table and they could move level on points with 4th placed Dadston should they win their game in hand.
The introduction of Kyle Robinson outfield and Nigel Dale between the sticks has certainly had a huge impact on Dadford’s crusade up the table, and stand in captain Ryan Slatford’s return to form has meant a winning combination has started to come together. Oldman themselves have become a team to watch, with Mace certainly one of the players to keep an eye on in the league alongside the returning Austin, but they often faced the impossible task of beating the impressive Dale guarding the Dadford net, with countless Spider-Man infused reflex saves keeping Oldman at bay. After early pressure, Tooke and Austin put Oldman ahead, but at the other end Slatford and Robinson were combining well to fight back. The end to end action continued as Slatford and Mace traded goals, and an entertaining and tight first half came to an end with Dadford leading 5-4 at the break.
The second half was more of the same, with both teams racing from end to end as Mace and Slatford traded blows as their personal goal tallies rose. Piggin got on the scoresheet and Austin in his 3rd but they couldn’t stop Slatford at the other end, whilst Robinson also got his hat trick. The teams continued to trade blows with Mace’s 5th putting Oldman into a 10-9 lead with 6 minutes remaining. However, after the last round of subs, Slatford equalised with 4 minutes to play and as the frantic games ticked into the last few minutes Slatford found the net again to win it in the last minute.
Dadford’s last few games have certainly been very tight and entertaining affairs, and their reward for digging deep is to climb off bottom with the ability to catch the midfield with their game in hand. Their next game is likely to also be a very interesting game, as it could be a potential title deciding fixture as Real MaDad play their final game of the season.
Next up Papathinaikos have a must win showdown with Dadston Villa if they want to remain in the hunt of the title, whilst Dadston will be fully aware victory will still give them a slim chance to finish second in their final game together.