Monday night's game saw Olympia face Jointing Technologies, who have won the league 3 times on the bounce. With Olympia being only 1 point behind Jointing before the start of play, the game provided a big opportunity for Olympia to take pole position in the 3-way title race. However, with star defender Connor Ward missing and a late withdrawal from striker Harry Ashbolt, it would take a mammoth effort from Olympia if they were to topple the reigning champions. Olympia couldn't have got off to a worse start, 3 quick goals from Jointing left Olympia deflated and with an uphill task to get back into the game. As a result of midfield general James Chessun's endeavour, Olympia got back into the game from an accurate Chessun pull back and a neat finish from James Frudd with the goal at his mercy. Cult hero Chessun turned the game right on it's head with a stunning long rage strike, his 10th goal for the club, which made the score 3-2 and put Olympia right back in the tie. Jointing Tech lived up to their reputation of 3-time champions with 2 quick goals and some ruthless finishing to make it 5-2. A 2nd goal from a powerful James Frudd strike gave Olympia a lifeline to make it 5-3 at half time.
Olympia got off to a fantastic start in the 2nd half, James Frudd got his 3rd of the match and 30th for the Club to make it 5-4 and put Olympia right back into the game. Some lackadaisical defending from Olympia highlighted the importance of the absent Connor Ward, as Olympia went down 7-4. A goal straight from the kick off from Frudd gave Olympia another lifeline but the quality of Jointing Tech and poor defending from Olympia led to Jointing Tech further extending their lead. Olympia replied through a deflected James Chessun strike and even a goal from David Reid, his first for the club. Reid looked as if all his Christmas' had came at once when the ball hit the back of net, a great moment for him and his family, and of course, the club. Another goal came from Van Nedveeren, a trademark long range stunner from the versatile midfielder. Van Nedveeren could have his own goal of the season award at this rate. Unfortunately for Olympia, the experience of Jointing Tech and the absence of key players defensively, resulted in a 12-8 loss to the champions. A special mention goes out for Jack Grey who put in a typically good shift despite suffering from illness, a great example of what Olympia is all about, commitment and loyalty. Another mention goes out to Eddie Way for a stellar performance in midfield. Way showed his athletic and technical ability throughout the game and will count
the next 2 weeks and we wish him the best of luck on his travels. Goalkeeper Ollie MacRitchie also produced some fine saves, reminding Olympia why he's the best stopper in the league.
Olympia can take a lot of positives out of Monday night's game. Yet again they proved why they are one of the most feared outfits offensively, with 8 goals against the usually resilient defence of Jointing Tech, nothing to be sniffed at. Jointing Tech looked rattled and uncomfortable at times as Olympia threatened consistently, reminding us of how far they have come, from battling relegation to title contenders in the space of a season. With 2 games remaining of the current season, the title may be out of reach for Olympia but the players can take great confidence out of the fact that in only the 2nd season of the club, they are already fighting for the much coveted Premier League title.
CCS Man of the Match: James Frudd
Match report: James Frudd