The Mighty Shane put two disappointing draws behind them and got back to winning ways with a 4-2 victory over Triangle FC. After drawing from dominant winning positions against both the Celts and Magpies, Shane found their scoring touch to put this game beyond doubt.
On a blisteringly hot day, Shane started quickly and took a 2-0 lead in the opening 10 minutes. For the first, tricky forward Jayke Langley was brought down in the box after taking on a defender. It was a sign of things to come as Jayke gave the Triangle defence trouble throughout the match. Zach Paruch, Shane's leading scorer this season, showed great composure to step up and dispatch the poorly taken kick through the woeful keeper's hands.
The second came soon after as Shane won a free kick from a dangerous position. Midfielder Sam Thompson whipped a cross in towards the back post, where captain Jamie Smith was making a trademark run. He smashed a thumping, diving header into the net, which gave him his second goal in as many games and doubled Shane's advantage.
The boys were cruising, but were soon pegged back, as Triangle scored two quick counter attacking goals against the run of play. Both goals were scored by their left-sided number 10, who had a great game and tested the Shane backline time and again.
Having cheaply given away a two goal lead, it looked as if bad habits were coming back to haunt Shane again. However, the lads got their heads down and soon regained control of the match. They were rewarded just before halftime when winger Felipe Vasquez struck. Following some pin-balling and confusion in the area, Pat Swandel found Felipe with a cutting pass, who duly smashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
Going into the break 3-2 up was a great confidence boost for the lads, and focus shifted to staying composed and retaining the lead. The second half saw play slow down as players from both sides began to wane under the midday sun, but Triangle started pushing harder for an equalizer in the last period of the match. The boys had goalkeeper Toby Shaw to thank for staying ahead as he made two fine stops--first keeping out a one-on-one chance, and then brilliantly tipping a long range effort past the post.
With Shane still largely in control of the match however, and Triangle players showing their frustration, more chances fell the way of the boys in white. The game was wrapped up when in the last 10 minutes, Shane legend Brian McGuinness capped a fine performance by smashing home from Jamie's accurate free kick into the box.
The win puts Shane well into the mix among the mid-table sides and well-placed to push further up the table. Next up is the Warriors on July 23rd, and Shane will be looking to go into the midseason break 4 games unbeaten.
Notable performances:
Brian Mcguinness - deployed on the right side of midfield, he made consistently good runs and always looked dangerous.
Cesar Molano - started on the right wing and then played at left back--his dribbling ability caused the Triangle backline all kinds of nightmares.
Toby Shaw - the stopper's game has come in leaps and bounds since joining the team. Two crucial saves and solid distribution throughout.
Man of the Match:
Jamie Smith - the captain's finest performance of the season, capped with both a goal and an assist. Dominated the middle of the park with his tackling and was excellent with the ball, whether pushing the team forward or retaining possession.