Football:Classy Scots steam six points clear

Football:Classy Scots steam six points clear

Combination Division I following a comprehensive victory against the Portuguese Club of Jersey.

The Scots, who have played two games more than reigning champions and second-placed Trinity, knocked the ball around with great aplomb and they deservedly collected their sixth three-clear goals £35 win bonus of the season.Ross Crick and Jed McConnell both scored twice for the winners with Dave Brodie and substitute Paul Aitken adding singles.

Portuguese, who pulled a couple of goals back after trailing 4-0, replied through Nelson Mwakazi (penalty) and player-manager José-Manuel Vieira.Portuguese were given an early warning of Scottish’s intent as Ross Crick hit a post following a quality, mazy run that took him past several defenders.Minutes later Crick, who was prominent throughout, opened the scoring when he tucked away a fine cross from the right by the hard-working McConnell.The goal stung Portuguese into some good possession but they failed to do anything threatening in attack as Scottish’s back three of Scott Devlin, Gordon Brodie and Craig Ferey dominated as a unit.Scottish passed the ball confidently in their midfield and they deservedly doubled their advantage when Dave Brodie bundled the ball home on a back post after impressive play out on their right by Crick.Two goals soon after the resumption appeared to have put the result beyond doubt as Portuguese struggled to get a grip of the game.

Portuguese were forced to make changes because of suspension and with the influence of Artur Calaca missing in defence they dropped midfielder Mwakazi into defence leaving them short of his skill and vision.McConnell rose high to nod home Scottish’s third, again following a pin-point cross into the penalty area this time from Dave Brodie.

Just after the hour McConnell bagged his fourth goal in two games when, with another header, he met a free kick from Chris McNabb – again the cross coming from Portuguese’s under-manned left-hand side.Vieira turned well to be fouled by Devlin for Portuguese’s penalty and although Mwakazi scored from the spot Scottish goalkeeper Jamie Brewster was unlucky not to save the effort as he got a strong hand to the ball.Vieira then burst through to score Portuguese’s second after a long pass out of defence.

It was game on again, but with Portuguese pushing players forward they left themselves wide open defensively.Crick slotted home his second, and Scottish’s fifth, and soon after he was denied a hat-trick following a superb clearance off the goal-line from Antonio Costa.Scottish again hit the space on Portuguese’s left as substitute Aitken beat two players before hitting the target from 14 yards.Not a whiff of even a yellow card throughout, congratulations to both teams for serving up a fine game for the crowd of around 80 to enjoy.

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