Welsh Wizard Casts a Spell Over Jersey

The Ginger Ninja Ian Riddle turned in a man of the match performance as the Downs A’s chalked up their 3rd victory of the season over Jersey, and their second in a week.

Riddle’s ‘cultured’ left foot hit both the goals in a 2-0 win, the second one a particularly spectacular volleyed lob from 20 yards.

Both teams were given a pre-match boost, with the news that there was no ref, and that the dashing Mr G. Boulton would be taking to the pitch to fill the void – strutting around the turf like an authoritarian Peacock on a poorly-maintained giant catwalk.

The Cowboys were quickest out of the blocks and Senor Riddle opened the scoring with a low shot into the corner. Ally Dale went close with a salmon-esque leap and header from a corner as well before the break, and the midfield were passing it round magnificently at times.

Having started the game like a man possessed, the Cowboys lost Striker Nathan Stokes though halfway through the first period to a foot injury, which would later prove to be a broken Metatarsal. Very nasty. Naturally everyone’s keeping everything crossed for a quick recovery. His departure did though, pave the way for wily veteran Ash Sands’ return to the side after more than a month out. Wicked to see the big man back.

The only other thing that really sticks out from the first half was County League-exile Goalkeeper Franck “Judas” Wilks absolutely clattering skipper Steve Williams. Somehow there was a breakdown in communication at the back between defender and keeper which left Williams a crumpled heap on the floor – a breakdown in communication made all the more confusing given Franck’s usual repertoire of calls. Somehow, either “AWAY”, or “FRANCK” didn’t make sense to messers Williams and Wilks. Either way – it was funny.

After the break, Ian deftly finished his second of the game after some good work by Ash, and Dave Owen put in a “noteworthy” challenge at the other end to ensure the score remained 2-0.

Solid performances front to back though, and some good Football played at times.

Win our two games in hand, and we’re just three points off the top.

Look out.