MBMG International League Division 2
Last Saturday, Dec. 4, FC Nova produced a scintillating display of football when they fired seven goals past a Sportsman side, that before this game sat in second place in the table, five points adrift of Nova.
So for this crucial match coach Stuart Levy was glad to have midfield lynchpin Roger Cox back in the side after missing the previous game and the team looked a lot more balanced with captain Lee Homer back to his usual dominant self at his favoured centre half position.
FC Nova football team.
Striker Bjorn Ellingsen also got back to goal scoring ways with a four goal salvo, which will have Levy confident his side can carry this form into this coming week’s local derby against Pattaya City Reserves.
Last weekend’s game saw Nova come flying out of the blocks from the outset. Soon their players were winning their individual battles especially in the heart of midfield, with Mark Mckeowen and Cox particularly dominant. When Nova did have the ball their passing was crisp and decisive but they also kept their football simple, with quick one touch passes resisting the opportunity to play the over elaborate long ball.
It was impressive stuff and it came as no surprise when they took the lead on 15 minutes; Striker Ellingsen robbing the ball off the Sportsman full back before outpacing a flat footed defence and confidently side footing it past the on rushing keeper.
The rest of the half continued to see the home side well on top, very few, if any opportunities came Sportsman’s way and if they did they were soon swept up by Homer and his well organised defence. With 10 minutes remaining Mckeowen, having already struck an upright moments earlier, extended Nova’s lead when he finished off a great move by firing home from the edge of the area.
Sportsman looked relieved to hear the half time whistle but there was to be no respite for them come the second half. Coach Levy demanded more of the same stuff from his troops and made one change for the second half, bringing on regular full back David Booton who had missed the start of the game through his cricketing commitments!
Goals were not long coming as the Nova side started the half in confident fashion. Ellingsen added his second after great work by his tireless strike partner Paul Derbyshire and soon after completed his hat-trick when the highly impressive Ben Wilkinson on debut was brought down inside the box and Ellingsen coolly slotted home the penalty.
If the visitors did not already have enough problems to contend with coach Levy soon introduced Nicholas Creasey to add to their woes. The veteran striker plays very much in the “Teddy Sheringham” role, cleverly finding space between the defence and midfield and he played a hand in Nova’s fifth goal, unselfishly squaring the ball to Derbyshire to tap home.
Creasey again had a hand in the next goal, drawing two defenders allowing Wilkinson time and space on the edge of the area to rifle home. There was still time in the game for Mckeowen who had tormented the visitors all game with his boundless drive and energy, to set up Ellingsen for his fourth and Nova’s seventh and at the final whistle a deflated looking Sportsman knew they had been well and truly thumped.
Also much to delight of coach Levy the Nova side continued their excellent disciplinary record this season with no player picking up a booking – a stark improvement on last season where they were continually hampered through sending off’s and suspensions!
The win sets up a tasty looking derby this Saturday when Nova are at home to Pattaya City Reserves. Levy will certainly not be taking them lightly and will know City Chairman Rick Bryant will pull out all the stops to field a strong side. If the game earlier on in the season is anything to go by, where the two sides played out a thrilling 3 all draw, it should be a real cracker.
Levy will hopefully have a full squad available to choose from and will be boosted by the availability of Carlos Old from Wearside. The ex City front man has been signed on a six week loan period and will give Nova further attacking options, as if they did not need anymore, having already fired in some 45 goals in 7 games.
The game will be played at Nova’s home pitch opposite the entrance to the Siam Plantation Golf Course. Kick-off 4 p.m. A large crowd is expected so it is advised that all supporters arrive early. There is ample parking and refreshments will be available throughout the match.
