Steelers hit form

[Chris Taylor]

It's been a good few weeks for both of the fans of the mighty Middletown Steelers as the club have created a five point lead at the top of the table. After a tough week 9 loss to the Falkirk Scorpions, the Steelers have finally found their shooting boots putting four past Shurdington before matching that tally in an epic week 10, 4-3 victory over second placed Boston Black Sox. This past weekend the club picked up their third league win in a row in a defensive struggle against Asbo. In between that time they also picked up a big cup win in a giant killing over Butetown, sending the club into the quarter finals where they'll need a near miracle against Byker Grove Beavers.

Week 9, Falkirk Scorpions 1 vs 0 Middletown Steelers

The Steelers got everything wrong in this game as they lined up with two sub par (currently) youth prospects, choosing to leave top talent Turchi on the bench. The also gave up both the home field and tactical advantage to Peter's team and they promptly made them pay, dominating the game from the start and getting a thoroughly well deserved win. The goal itself came in the 62^nd minute but it could have been much worse given that Falkirk outshot Middletown by almost 2-1. The only bright spot for Middletown was the continued good form of Nigel Martyn who kept the steelers in the game with his 8 saves!

Week 10, Middletown Steelers 4 vs 1 Shurdington AFC

This came couldn't have gone any better for the Steelers as they raced out to an early lead in the 1^st minute when Croxen bagged his second goal of the season. The Steelers continued to press their advantage and it didn't take too long to score a second when much maligned 'star' striker, Stevie Boyd hit a cheeky finish past the Shurdington keeper. There was a brief concern on 39 minutes when Boardman pulled a goal back but the Steelers responded immediately when Chris Powell took a pass from Turchi and restored the 2 goal cushion. The second half was a lot tamer but there was still time for the rarely seen Seve Angwin to net his first goal of the season in a wild 33 minute cameo. 

Week 11, Boston Black Sox 3 vs 4 Middletown Steelers

Both teams lined up in a very similar fashion as the Steelers took a conservative start to the game which proved to be a big mistake. Boston took a 1-0 lead on 16 minutes before doubling the lead on 55 minutes. The game looked to be dead and buried so the manager changed tactics to attack and fully expected a 5-0 loss. Instead, Middletown started to fight back pulling back to 2-1 through Powell, before a quick setback just 5 minutes later restored the 2 goal lead. In a wild 7 minute period the Steelers heroically pulled the game level with an own goal and a wonder strike from Jeffords stunned the home crowd. It looked like the game might finish as a well earned draw, but with the final kick of the game, superstar midfielder Nettessi sent the away fans into raptures stealing the 3 points from a stunned Black Sox team

Week 12, Middletown Steelers 1 vs 0 Asbo All Stars

It wasn't a total surprise that Asbo came to Middletown with a plan to defend but it was perhaps a little surprising just how defensive they were. 5 defenders, 3 defensive mids and 2 regular midfielders was exactly the maximum amount of defensive a team can be. Whether this was prudent caution or a bit too pessimistic is anyone's guess but it almost worked as the Steelers toiled away. In the end it was an 89^th minute penalty, cooly slotted home by Jeffords that kept the Steelers win streak alive and it was no more than the team deserved. 12 shots on goal though only 5 on target whilst Asbo didn't manage a single shot on target. 

Up next sees a key game against Les Dieus who have already given the Steelers a thumping this season in week 2. Whether the mighty Middletown Steelers can get their revenge is anyone's guess! 

Sent from Outlook