None of the top six coming into Matchday 5 won this week, and the bottom three teams picked up 7 points between them to really shake up the league table.
Alfies Heroes were the biggest gainers this week as they moved to within a win of second place. Team Lightning missed the chance to go top, but with none of the teams around them winning, they won't feel too bad retaining 2nd place in the table. Wembledines played out a 2-2 draw with Delta which sees them retain their unbeaten status and add another point to their lead at the top of the table. At the foot of the table, both Kearney's Army and Delta Utd obtained impressive results to give them their first points of the season.
Alfies Heroes had played 3 games this season with results of: 0-0, 2-2, 3-3. A 1-1 scoreline may have been on the cards as Alfies took a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute vs Team Lightning. A waist high cross from the right was met with a tidy one touch finish to put the men in yellow one up. Alfies added one more and managed to keep the Lightning attack quiet for most of the game. In the 52nd minute, Lightning were given a glimmer of hope as they pulled one back. Alfies killed the game off with a late penalty (video below) to give them their first win of the season and, along with Wembledines, maintain their unbeaten record.
Delta 2-2 Wembledines
Two teams that like to knock the ball around played out a scoreless first half stalemate. Both Dines and Delta had periods of possession but neither team seemed to want to gamble too much in the first half. That changed early in the second half as Delta took the lead courtesy of a goal from their #7. The game opened up but neither team changed their style too much. In the 47th minute, Wembledines found their equaliser. Just a minute later, Dines nearly took the lead. A break down the left was met by a Delta tackle. The ball fell to a Dines player 15 yards out at a wide angle. A shot was fizzed towards goal but grazed the cross bar and went out for a goal kick. In the 51st minute, a mix up at the back for Dines allowed Delta in to regain their lead. With the minutes ticking away, it looked like Wembledines could be heading for their first defeat of the season. Wembledines' saving grace came in the form of a last minute free kick (video below). A well slotted free gave Wembledines a last minute equaliser to solidify their position at the top of the table. Delta - the reigning regular season league champions - may see this as an opportunity missed to gain some ground on the leading pack.
Delta Utd 2-2 Cutters
Delta Utd threw the cat amongst the pigeons as they took a 2 goal lead versus Cutters. After a 0-0 first half with both teams having their fair share of play, Delta Utd took the lead courtesy of an OG in the 35th minute. A cross from the right landed at the back post and the Cutters defender couldn't help but knock it into his own net. Cutters were constantly looking dangerous and one of their best opportunities came in the 41st minute. A break down the left saw the Cutters man cut inside, then cut back outside and take a shot from 20 yards. The ball looked destined for the top corner but for a top save from Delta Utd's goalkeeper Christian. 5 minutes later, Cutters looked to be in. After breaking from midfield, Cutters bore down on the Delta Utd goal but were forced wide. With the goal gaping, Cutters couldn't quite steer the ball on target and instead hit the side netting. As Cutters were pushing on, Delta Utd were getting chances on the break. In the 50th minute, Delta Utd were sure this was going to be their night. Penetrating through the center, Cutters couldn't deal with the Delta Utd attack and the ball eventually looped up and nestled in the back of the net. 2-0. Cutters upped it another gear and went for leather in the last 10 minutes. Another great save from Christian in the 55th minute kept Cutters out and Delta Utd knew they just had to hang on for another 5 minutes. Easier said than though as Cutters threw all their energy and skill at Delta Utd. Mazing runs and hard running from midfield and defence to give overlaps constantly asked questions of Delta Utd. In the 58th minute, Cutters finally found the break through. A cut in from the left forced a save from the keeper's feet. The rebound fell to Cutters and the score was 2-1 with two minutes to go (video of goal below). Cutters kept the pressure on and immediately released one of their forwards down the left. A cool finish brought Cutters level and gave them an unlikely chance of winning the game! With about 90 seconds left, Cutters knew they might get just one more chance. The chance didn't come and this highly exciting game finished 2-2.
Bluestreak 0-1 Kearney's Army
After a poor start to the season, Kearney's Army got a much needed win vs Bluestreak. A tight game saw a good battle from both sides. In the first half, Bluestreak's winger Gary looked most threatening. Kearney's midfield performed well with Chris Quinn looking to link play and feed Robbie Carey playing up front in the lone striker role. One goal proved to be enough for Kearney's as they managed the second half well and ensured they came away with all three points.