Cream
of the South entered their penultimate group game
looking to bounce back after their first defeat
of the day — a narrow 2-0 loss to Just A Boy FC
that had halted their perfect start. Up against
them were Team PL Blue Boys, a side that had competed
well throughout but were still chasing their first
win of the tournament. The stakes were high for
both sides: Cream of the South could move level
on points at the top with victory, while the Polish
team needed a result to keep their Plate qualification
hopes alive. From kick-off, it was clear that
Cream of the South were determined to reassert
themselves. They began on the front foot, pressing
high and controlling possession. Their play was
rewarded when Graham Connolly opened the scoring
— his second goal of the day and one that restored
confidence across the squad. That crucial strike
gave the English side a 1-0 lead at half-time
and something to build on.
After
the break, Team PL Blue Boys showed flashes of
the quality that had made them a dangerous opponent
for every team in the group. They pushed forward
in search of an equaliser and created a few moments
of real threat, but Cream of the South's defensive
shape remained compact and disciplined. The English
side were increasingly composed on the ball, playing
clever passes through midfield to relieve pressure
and exploit gaps when the Polish committed men
forward. The game was finally made safe when Gavin
Miles struck in the second half to double the
lead.
At
full-time, Cream of the South could be proud of
a professional and mature performance that got
them back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory.
The result saw them climb to joint-top of the
group, though they sat third on goal difference
— still well placed heading into the final round.
It was a second clean sheet to their name and
another sign that this team had the balance and
resilience to challenge for silverware. For Team
PL Blue Boys, it was another case of effort without
reward. They remained in fifth place and would
need something special in the final round to stay
in the competition, but their spirit and work
rate had made them one of the most respected sides
in the group.
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