3rd June 2007
This was the most awaited fixture since Park View’s 2-0 defeat by Soccer Star last season at Wembley. Soccer Stars also pulling out of last week’s away (first season) game meant both teams had everything to play for in this return game. A change in venue due to pitch re-seeding meant the home game had to be moved from Down Lane Park in Tottenham to Hackney Downs Park, home of Hackney FC. The 3 pm kick off was delayed to 3:30 pm due to Soccer Star’s traffic problems on the A406 – North Circular on their way to the East.
Referee for the afternoon Mr Howard blew his whistle to a loud cheer from both fans. Park View kicking off the first half in their new traditional white kit, made an early impression by forcing the play to Soccer Stars with lots of pressure. Park View had their usual back four intact with Big Joe returning from injury to play the full ninety minutes. Sammy Afful replaced Moses (rested) in the offensive midfield area, with Nana Kofi returning to the right wing after a months rest to give Owusu Afriyie the opportunity to play upfront along side Junior for the third time this season.
A very clumsy and unsettled Park View, saw most their passes not reaching the intended target, this got Head Coach JT screaming out of dismay and frustration. But suddenly a trio-pass in the 15th minute from Owusu Afriyie to Nana Kofi to Junior saw him brought down just within the 18-Yard box for a penalty awarded to Park View. Owusu Afriyie converted the penalty to put Park View a goal ahead. Ten minutes later a fifty-fifty aerial challenge resulted in an unlikely penalty awarded to Soccer Stars. An equaliser was imminent but ever-agile goalkeeper Mohammed produced the best save to keep the visitors off the score sheet. The home side kept pressing for another goal but couldn’t increase the tally as the whistle went for the end of the first half.
The second half resumed with a change to the line up and formation, Nana Kofi to his surprise and disappointment was replaced by Kwame Sarpong, was then moved to the offensive midfield position, giving way to Owusu to the right-wing and Sammy Afful to join Junior upfront. Bright replaced Sammy at the 70th minute, which transformed the play, creating a lot of movements and passes. One such move saw Kofi (Captain) pass the ball to Owusu then to KK who whipped in a neat cross for powerful header from Junior to put the home team ahead. Park View confidently controlled the game with more passing and movement till the final whistle, leaving the final score as Park View FC – 2, Soccer Stars FC – 0.
Park View FC - Goal Scorers
Owusu Afriyie (1st Goal)
Francis Williams (2nd Goal)
Park View FC – Line Up
Mohammed (Keeper), Osei, Richard, Joe, Princeton, Kofi (Captain), Nana Kofi, Owusu, Afful, Junior, and KK, (Subs: Kwame, Bright and O’Daine)
LAUNCH PICTURES