Eastside Athletic 0-5 Ace Athletics
A goalless opening turned into a heavy defeat as chances went begging.
Eastside Athletic suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Ace Athletics, in a game that told a familiar pre-season story — plenty of created chances, but not enough taken.
Travelling squad: Francis Hastings (GK), Tobi Omotosho, Bobby Goodall, Finley Morrison, Prince Bansende, Josh McNamara, Richard Agu, Bruno Da Fonseca, Danny Fenn, Owen Oakford, Logan Hossack, Billy Longford, Jack Hobbs, Douglas Alcantara, Daniel Kayode, Rich Da Fonseca.
The first 30 minutes were goalless and even, with Eastside having the better of the openings but unable to make them count. Ace Athletics thought they’d broken the deadlock when a tap-in was ruled out for offside, following a brilliant double save from Francis Hastings — a let-off that proved only temporary.
Shortly after, the floodgates opened. A defensive error gifted Ace Athletics an open net to make it 1-0, before a corner was curled directly into the net to double the lead. A third followed from another corner, this time a scramble at the near post that Eastside couldn’t clear — 3-0 down at the break, despite chances of their own going unconverted throughout.
The second half brought more of the same story at both ends. Eastside continued to create openings without taking them, while Ace Athletics were clinical — two more calm, composed finishes in the box made it 4-0 and then 5-0 in quick succession. Ace Athletics had a chance to make it six from the penalty spot, but Francis Hastings produced another big save to deny them.
A tough result, and a reminder of the fine margins between the wins and defeats this pre-season has thrown up. Focus now turns fully to the league.
Up next: Valence United Reserves (H) — league opener.
PRIDE OF THE EAST.