Next Generation Pro Academy were todays opponents, a team who were also yet to taste defeat in the ECFA CAT 1, todays fixture was a battle for top spot.
A thrilling game from the start FSA were the team under pressure, Next Gen managed to start quicker and looked to open the scoring first. Thierri Manley FSA’s goalkeeper making a good save from close range with his feet before the ball was cleared. An early yellow card for captain Lee Quincey made it hard for the midfielder to affect the game defensively and Next Gen targeted that fact. Next Gen did manage to score first but FSA didn’t let that affect them and scored almost immediately in response a flicked on corner was finished by defender Jakob El-Hage in the 40th minute. The score level at the half time break.
The second half was full of action! A lot of it going FSA’s way. After a change in tactics and personnel at half time FSA were the team on the front foot. After replacing Lee Quincey, Charlie Sisarello took the game by storm marshaling the midfield and regaining possession almost at will! This allowed FSA to push players on, Kenny Bellamingle coming close to putting FSA a head after breaking from the midfield. Next Gen made it difficult to play and created a chance themselves but found themselves offside. FSA had a free-kick given to them after Dominic Fisher was fouled. The resulting free-kick was spilt by the goalkeeper into Jakob El-Hage’s path however it was called offside and the goal was disallowed. This didn’t discourage FSA as they pushed to find a winner another chance for Dominic Fisher was blocked by the visitors. The momentum was all with FSA but after missing a key opportunity Next Gen managed to find the back of the net and lead the game 1-2.
FSA showed the character again by continuing to battle. A change in formation by Head coach Jacques Michell saw them search for a goal to level the score. Another free kick in a dangerous area for FSA wasn’t cleared by Next Gen and top goalscorer Dominick Fisher was in the right place to finish the bouncing ball. Chances came and went for both teams in the remaining minutes but neither team could find the quality to punish, FSA leading the shots on target but failing to convert and the game finished 2-2.
A performance full of credit to our FSA Players who showed great qualities in coming back from behind twice to draw the game and keep the two point gap at the top of the table.