13th May 2007
A superb game of two halves and a tactical display of skill and movement by Park View FC against Hackney FC at Downs Lane showed a different side to the 'Snipers'. Park View FC playing at home only for the second time this season, against Hackney FC was a déjà vu, nearly a repetition of the same fixture last year.
Just like the previous season, Park View FC arrived very early to the heavens opening and pouring with showers. Well, showers of blessings they hoped. Hackney FC were once again very late due to heavy traffic caused by Tottenham Hotspurs playing at home against Manchester City. Mr Awuku Danso, Team Manager for Hackney was at Harlesden as their Match Commissioner and Mr Peter Nuamah was in charge at Park View.
Hackney finally turned up half an hour late for the 3 o’clock kick off and Mr Anthony Wills, referee for the day kicked off exactly 5 minutes later. Park View had a methodical approach to the game by keeping the ball as long as possible and stringing 5 yard passes. The first 45 minutes was purely about finesse and playing quality football, with the occasional attempts at goal forcing some good saves from the away keeper.
The half time was reduced to 5 minutes due to the late kick off and the second half started with an up-tempo to the game. The whole game was concentrated in the midfield with Hackney closing down much quicker and man marking Park View’s playmakers KK and Owusu Afriyie. That certainly left more room for Sammy Afful and Kwame Sarpong who replaced Moses 15 minutes into the second half to take full control of the game. At nearly 65 minutes of play a defensive clearance from Princeton Owusu-Ansah found Sammy Afful who skilfully curled the ball to Junior who whipped the ball across the edge of the goal only for Owusu Afriyie to connect beautifully for the first goal.
The second goal came 5 minutes later, following the same pattern but this time the ball come from Gerald on the left side through KK, then to Owusu Afriyie who returned the favour to Junior who beautifully chipping the goal keeper at the near post to make it 2-0. Park View controlled the game as Hackney were tiring, but a sudden burst from the away team at the last minute saw Mohammed produce possibly the best reflex save from a powerful 3 yard shot. The final score Park View FC - 2, Hackney FC – 0.
Park View FC - Goal Scorers
Owusu Afriyie (1st Goal)
Francis Williams (2nd Goal)
Park View FC – Line Up
Tanko (Keeper), Osei, Gerald, Richard, Princeton, Kofi (Captain), Owusu, Moses, Junior, Afful and KK, (Subs: Mohammed, Kwame, Pele, O’Daine, and Oppong)
LAUNCH PICTURES