Neasden A Reignite Title Challenge
MSFL Premier Division
Faithfold A 0 Neasden A 2
Sunday, 7 March, 2010
It may not have been one of their most polished performances, but was certainly a ruthless one as goals in each half from Matt Sofier and Jonathan Ellis saw them deservedly claim the points.
Reflecting on his side’s performance, Fox said: “It was an excellent team performance, one of our best in the league this year. We knew Faithfold were full of confidence and playing well at present. So we kept it tight to start with and we knew as soon as we got the opening goal, we would be in control.”
The timing of the opening goal, minutes before the break when Sofier lashed home from a corner, proved to be a turning point in the game, something not lost on Fox. He said: “It was really important [the timing of the goal], there wasn't much in it in the first half, it was a bit scrappy and not much football was being played. We knew the goal would open things up, I think we probably just deserved the lead at half time.
“We then dominated the second half, were the team looking to play the football and were pressing them all the time, they did not get into any sort of rhythm in the second half.
“As a result, we very much deserved the victory, if anything it could have been four or five, in the last 20 minutes we totally dominated the game. The second goal was decisive, Faithfold are a good team and have some very good players but we fully deserved the three points.”
Coming into the game on the back of a period which has seen them stumble – by their own high standards, Fox was in no doubt how important the result was. He said: “It was very important, and it was our best performance in 2010. We were solid at the back, knew this game was going to be tough, but our preparation was spot on. We don't have any distractions in the non-Jewish cups anymore, we are fully focused on trying to retain our title.”
Reflecting on those title ambitions, he said: “We are going to take it one game at a time. It was a good foundation, but we are so far behind in our fixtures, that it is harder to play catch up. Double-headers are frustrating and they do not help either team that is playing in them. Can we win the title - I hope so, but there is a long way to go, but we will be giving it our all!”
While there was joy for Fox and co, his counterpart, Faithfold manager Zuriel Solomon wasn’t as happy. He said: “The side’s performance was not how we have played this season and we lacked a bit of belief. I don’t think we won our personal battles, and our link between midfield and the forward line was non-existent. Their first goal turned the whole game and was a killer for us.”
Reflecting on what it does for his side’s chances of winning the title, he said: “Why can’t we win it? It’s still mathematically possible. We have three weeks of cup games in a row now, so have a break in the league. I can see the other teams beating each other so am always optimistic.”
