NPLM Round #12: Heated Victory Over Peninsula Power

OUR LIONS MEN CAME OUT ON TOP IN A PHYSICAL & EMOTIONAL CLASH AT LUXURY PAINTS STADIUM

A second-half strike from Alex Fiechtner wrapped up a powerful 3-1 victory in a heated performance against a strong opponent.

An outstanding start in a physical match saw Jack Skinner break the deadlock within six minutes. A defence-splitting through-ball from Joe Duckworth found the feet of Alex Fiechtner, who turned his defender before clipping a 90-degree cross into the back post for Skinner to prod home with composure.

Jack Skinner continued to cause chaos in the Peninsula Power half, turning his defender to create space inside the box before releasing the ball to Alex Fiechtner. His short deflected wide in an end-to-end encounter.

The visitors looked to recover a goal, with Yuta Hirayama burning past 2 Lions defenders before a well-time slide tackle from Joe Duckworth ended the opportunity. Peninsula Power continued to mount the pressure as they looked to draw level, creating several dangerous chances in the final third.

Despite the brief pressure, our Lions doubled our lead before the twentieth minute. Shaun Carlos buried a powerful first-time strike into the bottom right corner.

Ten minutes later, through another blistering counterattack, Peninsula Power recovered a goal through Jheison Macuace. A fine cut-in and finish to recover a goal.

The half ended with one goal separating us after a fiery and physical first half.

Nothing changed in the second half. We kicked off with intent and set our sights on goal. Jack Skinner floored two defenders with brilliant footwork before firing a shot into the keeper’s palms.

The game continued to be physical and emotional, with Peninsula Power seeing three yellow cards before our Lions Men broke the pressure and reclaimed our two-goal lead.

Luke Borean spotted an early run from Alex Fiechtner, claiming a glorious assist as Fiechtner beat his defender and slotted home with composure at the near post.

We saw out the victory under tense conditions in a game that ended with close to a dozen cards. The match was fierce, physical, aggressive, and fast-paced, but our Lions Men showed mettle to remain composed under pressure. A vital win at home.