So after a strange and unlikely set of results, NEU found themselves having to play an extra game, against the likely championship game opponents Ronler Hacres. This game was scheduled to kick off at 8pm at LaSalle HS. The weather was awful. It was raining, it was freezing and sleet happened!
Before the game, NEU’s two Brits, Stevie J and Rob H were smooth talking with the English referee. Smart tactics!
The game finally kicked off at 8:40pm after the game scheduled on the field before our game went into extra time and penalties.
The objective was simple. NEU could not lose. If we lost, we would be out of the Championship game on goal difference. A point would do. Also, in the dream scenario, a 5-0 win would propel NEU to the top of the table, and the “Supporters Shield” of D4.
So the game kicked off, Ronler could only manage to get 9 guys to make the pilgrimage out from Hillsboro. Hopes were high.
The game started off tense, the NEU boys did not want to make any mistakes.
Allen Cook scored the first goal for NEU. He was in the right place at the right time when the ball fell to him 6 yards out. He nailed it!
Moments later Rob Hennis crossed a ball to Stevie J who found himself 25 yards out with defenders closing in on him, he struck the ball and it was sailing into the top right corner, the Ronler goalie somehow managed to tip it out for a corner.
5 minutes later a strange throw in occured when the Ronler goalie picked up a ball from the throw in back to him. The resulting indirect free kick was tapped by Stevie to Shiloh who rifled the ball home for NEU’s second.
Joel Weakland scored the next two goals for NEU, both great solo efforts, one was even followed with a ‘Tebow’. Joel has been a stud on the right wing all season.
NEU needed 1 more to take the top spot in the league.
This goal was scored by none other than Marcus Nelson, NEU’s goal machine! so much of a goal machine infact he quickly added another to make it 6-0. The game ended
Final Score: North End United 6 – 0 Ronler Hacres
Man of the Match: Tim Weakland, Captain fantastic put in another solid performance. Ronler certainly had some chances, but Tim was there to ensure a clean sheet.
Honorable Mention: Sheridan Hurd, Sheridan made some key passes today and played very well. Solid performance from Sheridan who had dangerous players around him all game.
