Mutch strike earns win for defending champions

Investec Colombians 1, Clubhouse Unwantables 0

INVESTEC Colombians gave themselves every chance of maintaining an interest in the title race with a single-goal defeat of Clubhouse Unwantables. The black-and-reds must have been confident of taking the points against the defending champions following their previous meeting in which Unwantables ran out easy 4-1 winners.

The match started at a high pace, with some committed challenges. Both teams wanted to win desperately and neither was prepared to give any territory.

The first half was mainly a battle between the two 25-yard lines as both teams defended very well.

Unwantables' Jamie Chambers showed why he is the first-choice island right back, with some excellent tackles.

But the keepers were spectators for much of the half. The best chance fell to Colombians; however, Tim Creasey's deflected effort was saved superbly by Paul Bullock, who, having been wrong-footed, showed great agility to save and clear the ball while off balance.

The first half was spoilt by some heavy challenges, mainly from Unwantables players; the umpires gave plenty of warning that if the rash tackles were not calmed down, the offenders would be yellowed.

Unwantables' skipper for the match Andy Alford was the recipient of a yellow card near half-time, perhaps a little unluckily for him as it was his first bad tackle.

However, in the context of the match it was fair, given that Adam Kitching had been show a green card only 10 seconds earlier for a similar offence.

In the second half the game continued in a similar fashion, with both sides showing a good, competitive spirit.

Colombians forced the first short corner of the game within the opening five minutes. They could not convert, however, and Unwantables broke quickly downfield to win a short of their own, though again it could not be converted.

Colombians then started to force the play and try to put Unwantables under pressure at the back. This tactic worked as Colombians won several short corners in quick succession.

Finally Rob Mutch managed to convert following an initial effort from Chris Gill which was saved by Bullock.

The ball broke to Mutch near the top of the D and although he did not hit his shot perfectly, it was good enough to beat the recovering keeper.

Unwantables had to push forward, with Chambers stepping up the pitch to push for an equaliser.

Unfortunately for his side, one of the main attacking threats, Kitching, found Chris Colmer in his way time and again and taking the ball away cleanly, nullifying the threat.

When Unwantables did break down the Colombians midfield, they found Matt Elston and Kees Jager in no mood to give anything away.

Jager, such an imposing figure in goal for Colombians, had little to do; however, when called upon to make a save, he did so with an authority that must worry opposition forwards.

After the final whistle there were contrasting moods: Colombians jubilant at winning and keeping the heat on Tigers, while Unwantables must now realise that their chances of winning this first stage of the season are almost gone.