MATCH REPORT; Madison 4 Guilford 3

Summer season ends with a victory

Although it was a friendly game to end the Summer season this was a hard fought victory for Madison against a rough and tumble Guilford team. Madison controlled the early stages of the game with some neat crisp passing keeping possession of the ball for long stretches of the game. When Guilford did get the ball they attacked fast and with menace. The Madison defence had to be alert to a number of attacks down the left and right wings. However, first blood went to Madison with a fantastic headed goal by Carlito. This was quickly followed up by an equally fantastic shot by Tom the Coach that bulged the back of the net as it screamed past the outstretched hands of the Guilford goalie. At this point in the game Madison where in full control and bossing the game. Of course, as we have seen in the past, as soon as Madison get comfortable in a game they do contrive to make things difficult for themselves. And so it proved again when a Guilford attack was not closed down early enough allowing their striker to slam the ball into the net past the onrushing El Gutso.

To their credit Madison went straight back onto the attack and were quickly back in control and restoring their two goal lead. A great move started from defence by the impressive Tom P to Fribeka then onto Carlos allowed the nippy winger to cut in and slam the ball past the goalkeeper for goal number 3 to Madison.

Unfortunately Madison could not hold onto this cushion of a lead for long when Guilford broke from a suspiciously offside position to score again and reduce the gap to one goal. But, 3-2 at the half time break and a well deserved lead for Madison.

The second half started with some strong attacks by Guilford most of which were being repelled handily by Tom P. When they did break through El Gutso was on hand to make a save. But Guilford did manage to equalize with a very special goal. Their small left winger picked up a poor pass on the Madison right just preventing it from going out. From this point he raced to the edge of the Madison box before unleashing a beautiful curling shot that soared over the outstretched arms of El Gutso. A great goal to equalize with and could have set Guilford up to push on for victory. However, Madison did not stop attacking after this set back and could have scored a hat full of goals if their finishing had not been so poor. But it was left to Tom the Coach to seal victory for Madison with a fantastic arcing shot from outside the Guilford box that gave their goalkeeper no chance. A great goal to win any game.

So the whistle blew to end the Summer season and it was great to end it on such a positive note. The Fall season will be with us before we know it!

MEN OF THE MATCH; the Tom's. Tpink and Tom the coach They both had great games to day and it was difficult to decide who had the biggest influence so, MOM awards for both of them!