That's right back to back Champions. Some of you may remember this. Well we repeated that performance last night! :o) Woohooooooo!!
I think we may soon rank alongside the greatest teams in football history, especially if we get the treble next season :o)
Here's a great match review courtesy of Craig and Chris, read on, its Roy of the Rovers stuff. Oh and did I mention that I got man of the match :o)
Well it was actually a full team effort > :lame attempt at humility:
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Strokers Seal Historic Win
The Lemming Strokers made football history yesterday when they clinched back to back titles in their first two seasons. The Strokers maintained their undefeated record on Show Court One with a hard fought 3-1 victory over the Rivo Goats in front of over twenty thoroughly entertained spectators.
The Rivo Goats set the early tempo of the game pressing up the court and forcing the Strokers to commit some basic errors. The Goats, however, failed to capitalise on their early opportunities and were soon a goal down thanks to some clinical finishing by Justin. The opening goal was typical of the style of play that the Lemming fans have come to know during this successful second season. Following a goal kick, Andy played a neat one-two with Stu before putting through a well timed pass to Sasa in the middle of the pitch. With his back towards goal, Sasa deftly flicked the ball into the path of Justin who duly smashed it into the bottom right hand corner.
That goal seemed to spark the Strokers into life as they pressed further up the pitch forcing the Goats onto the back foot. The Goats, however, responded with a superb display of counter attacking football and if not for the prowess of Stu in goals they could have easily pinched one back. Despite chances being created at both ends of the pitch the momentum was soon to shift towards the Strokers as Matt was rewarded with a seagull effort that would have made Ruud Van Nistelroy proud.
Turning defence into offence in the blink of an eye, Justin was set loose down the left flank from where he fired in a pile driving effort from a 45 degree angle out from goals. The Rivo keeper made a fine save but couldn’t hang onto the ball as it dropped loose in front of the oncoming Matt. Matt’s first attempt parried off the keeper’s chest but he made no mistake with his follow up which crashed into the back of the net despite the efforts of a Rivo defender to handball on the line. 2-0 on the scoreboard and a yellow card for the defenders vain attempt.
Growing in confidence the Strokers ran out the first half the better of the two sides pressuring the Goats all over the pitch and forcing a number of turn overs. Their efforts were rewarded with a third goal just before half time, again through build up from the backline. The ball was delivered to Craig out on the left who took a touch and then squeezed a through ball into the path of Chris who was in a race with the keeper to get to the ball first. Chris’ initial strike on the ball was smothered but he still managed to bundle it over the line from under the keeper sending the Strokers into the half time break 3-0 up.
After the now traditional half time glucose fix, the Strikers came out to face a Rivo side determined to fight for a result till the last whistle. While still played in the greatest possible spirit, both sides gave no quarter in an enthralling second half that was marked by chances at both ends of the pitch. The Strokers were continually under pressure and only had Stu to thank for keeping the game in their grasp. Stu commanded his area, coming off his line to diffuse numerous forays and making some stunning reflex saves from close range. With such a heroic effort between the posts the manner in which the Strokers conceded half way through the second half was a little cruel. The Goats drove in a free kick from the side of the pitch which ricocheted off an attacker and into the bottom right corner just under Stu as he dived to the floor.
With ten minutes to go and the game poised at 3-1 the Strokers banded together, refusing to concede a second. In the face of such a stern test their resolution was rewarded with a just result, a 3-1 victory and back to back championships. Stu was rightfully awarded the MVP for the final and the Strokers ended the season with a few well earned beers in the Rec Centre car park.
After initial speculation that this would be the last season the Strokers would be playing, due to rumours of a Sunday team being formed, team management last night confirmed that the Lemming legacy would live on as the Strokers plan to play in Division Two next season. No doubt the army of Strokers supporters and the wider football community alike will be pleased with such news.
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