A strong display by FC Gorkana saw the Blues accomplish an 8-0 demolition of The TVC Group on Wednesday night’s cold Kennington Park turf.
The Blues started with early attacking intent and created a number of decent shooting opportunities in quick succession, but a combination of excellent goalkeeping and slightly wayward shooting kept the scores level. Dominating in terms of possession and territory, Gorkana had firmly pinned the opposition into their own half with a few breakaways well tidied up by a solid defensive backline.
The first goal, fifteen minutes in, originated in this zone when Jeffrey Oshinyemi, after tidying up at the back, dribbled down the right wing and drilled a cross-come-shot into the path of Oli Bridge. The striker, making a long-anticipated return to the team, tucked the ball neatly into the corner with the keeper moving the other way.
A second goal followed shortly after as Louis Cointepas collected a throw in, held off the defender and curled the ball into the top right-hand corner, again wrong-footing the keeper. Advantage Gorkana, and the Blues were well worth their lead.
Two fine goals at this stage, but the third was better still. Louis’ lofted cross from the left wing gave new signing Baptiste Emblanc enough time and space in the centre to fire in a powerful volley fast the keeper for a beautiful goal.
Commanding goalkeeping from Mick Hay and some solid defending from Ben George and Tom Foley allowed Gorkana to maintain pressure high up the field and launch quick counter attacks. This ability to turn defence into attack at speed was proving pivotal, thanks to numerous incisive long range cross field passes from Brad Hay in particular, who provided a regular threat from the right channel and full back position. Chances were plentiful, and it seemed the floodgates were ready to open.
Baptiste’s secured his second goal of the night and Gorkana’s fourth mirroring his first, as Louis again found him unmarked at the far post to volley in powerfully from a narrower angle before two long range goals from Oli and Louis, both of whiFC Gorkana 8 – 0 TVC Groupch nicked the post on the way in, put the result beyond question. At 6-0, Gorkana did not take their foot off the gas and Oli’s mazy dribble and flick past the keeper capped off a fine hat-trick on his return to the team. Baptiste then matched the feat with the very last kick of the game, smashing home a rebound from the keeper’s parry.
This was a very competent display from Gorkana with pinpoint passing, great off the ball movement, and crucially sublime finishing with spectacular goals.
Man of the Match: hat-trick hero Baptiste Emblanc for his incisive running, never say die attitude and exquisite finishing. A terror for the TVC Group defenders!
