League match – 27 Nov 2018

Ealing Independent College 0-4 MPW College

Team: Abdullah; James (Fraser), Nimr, Dominic (Sanj); Selyan (Sabaoon), Abubakar; Ronaldo, Brent

In driving rain and a howling wind, Ealing suffered a humbling defeat last night to an MPW side who grew stronger and stronger as the game progressed. A bright start by the boys in their change kit of black, lost it’s fizz when the rain became torrential and the mistakes started to creep in. Nonetheless, some positive play just after kick off had Ealing on the front foot. Brent, and particularly Ronaldo were buzzing around the MPW backline and causing a certain sense of discomfort, with Ronaldo hitting a shot wide that had the ‘keeper concerned. Nimr, so influential last week against Ashbourne, continued in the same vein, roaring at his teammates when a pass went loose or an Ealing player took a heavy touch.

Poor mistakes have proved the undoing of Ealing this season, and so, again, it came to pass. A hopeful ball into the danger area just outside the Ealing penalty box was poorly cleared by James. His woeful clearance was picked up by the ponytailed MPW left winger who took a neat touch before cutting inside and firing a low near post shot beyond Abdullah. It was a little harsh on Ealing, who had looked the better side at this point, but they really need to start learning the lessons of poor decision making so deep in their own half. This did, however, seem to shunt Ealing into gear. A sustained period of pressure, with three corners and a vicious Selyan drive bringing a good save from the MPW stopper. Just as half time loomed, MPW scored their second on the break. Poor marking to blame this time as a midfielder stole in to despatch the second. Sabaoon was quickly called into action, alongside Fraser, who replaced Selyan and James. Sabaoon made an instant impact, riding two challenges before being fouled, prompting a totally unnecessary shoving match. The resulting Ronaldo free kick only found it’s way into the wall.

Sabaoon’s match ended shortly after, limping off after jarring a knee. James returned and Nimr moved forward into midfield. Where Ealing had failed to make their set pieces mean much, MPW tended to make their chances count. Late in a forgettable second half they were awarded a free kick of their own close in. A poorly arranged wall was bypassed without difficulty and Abdullah could not keep the ball out at his near post. Earlier, the goalie had made a tremendously brave block, rushing out to block at the feet of an MPW striker. Ealing had found the going tough in the second half, the wind in their faces. Only Abu and Dominic gave a good accounts of themselves. Playing to the conditions, they kept passing simple rather than trying to be overambitious.

Caught upfield looking for a response, MPW again hit on the break. A good passing move left Abdullah exposed and a tap in at the back post gave the scoreline a wrongly one-sided look. MPW were certainly the better side, but Ealing had gifted them half of the goals which gave them such a rich advantage. The consolation goal that Ealing probably deserved didn’t materialise, even when it fell to the person everyone wanted it to. Brent’s surging run at the death was followed up by an accurate dipping shot which rebounded out to Ronaldo. Having been denied briefly earlier by an excellent last ditch tackle, the striker now had a clear sight at goal. On the half volley, he couldn’t keep his effort down though. Ealing had drawn another blank and their frustrating run continues. With only one game to go before Christmas, the winter break will give the boys a good chance to regroup – they certainly need it.

Man of the match – Abu – where all others in the team struggled to control, pass and tackle to the level required, Abu stood head and shoulders above the rest. He made so much ground during the game, putting in crucial challenge after crucial challenge. Did not deserve to be on the losing side.