Week 4: AA 5 Kings of Neon 0

Having won their previous two games Almaty faced Kings of Neon last night in what was to be an important game in decide whether they would be in the hunt for Silverware come August. The squad was somewhat depleted this week with Jim "Sober-up" Butler rumoured to be recovering in a detox centre in Malta after a heavy June Bank Holiday weekend. All three of the Murphy brothers were also out of the equation due to various reasons. To compound matters Morgan "Axel" Foley failed a late fitness test. However, the squad was bolstered by the return of Espey after a two week spell out with an STD. Tadhg "Fat-man" O'Connell was also signed minutes before the transfer deadline.

The game started at a sluggish pace given the soaring temperatures. However, Almaty soon buckled down and started producing some quality football. As Almaty began to dominate possession frustration begun to creep in to Kings of Neon's game. Almaty's breakthrough came on the 13th minute. O'Donovan broke from midfield and put in a superb cross for Jeffery who got his shot in target but was denied by a hand ball. The eagle-eyed ref blew for a spotter which Jeffery converted with style and penance. Almaty soon doubled their lead when Spratt made a trade-mark run from the back and was played through by a perfectly waited pass by Galvin. Spratt took one touch and let rip with a low drive into the bottom corner; giving the keeper no chance! Just before the break Almaty were to extend their lead even further when O'Donovan beat two players and then rounded the keeper to finish a brilliant individual goal. However, there were some protestations from Neon's keeper who claimed to have been fouled.

Neon started the second half with some early pressure but some stout defending by O'Connell, Espey and Co. kept Neon's strikers at bay and gave "Safehands" Sweetnam nothing to do. Almaty created a hat-full of chances in the 2nd half but were only able to convert two of these. Espey got his first of the campaign when he hammered a ball against the post which then deflected against the crossbar and into the net. Some superb vision by "Safehands" meant that Galvin was released on the left. He then crossed for Jeffery who finished smartly to make it five. The crowd wanted six but unfortunately that was not to be.

The Gaffer was delighted with the performance and was quoted as saying "Excellent performance. Some brilliant football played. When we set a good pace and work hard there's no stopping us!"