NPLM Round #18: Moreton City Fight Back

MORETON CITY EXCELSIOR FOUGHT BACK TO SECURE AN IMMENSE 2-1 VICTORY AT LUXURY PAINTS STADIUM

An early second-half penalty proved decisive as our Lions Men were dealt a brutal blow in their Premiership title race.

James Enticknap got us off the most ideal start, curling a crisp first-time strike into the bottom left corner after a cutback from the left missed several players in the centre.

It was a physical first half, and neither side was short of chances. Both teams put their bodies on the line.

Hassan Ramazani put on the afterburners to chase down Marquez Walters as he tore towards goal. The pair collided in a heavy challenge, and the result was a freekick in Excelsior’s favour.

With ten minutes until the interval, Ben Holliday equalised with a brutal strike into the left side of goal. We created several chances in response but ultimately settled for a 1-1 half-time score.

Zachary Kierpal got us off to the least ideal start, converting with authority from the penalty spot. Suddenly behind with only minutes played.

We continued to apply pressure and create chances, with Moreton City Excelsior digging in to defend. Cardiff Pond was forced to make a brilliant one-on-one save with his boot after Marquez Walters burst down the centre.

Joshua-Brindell South steered an audacious long-range effort wide, and Hassan Ramazani was forced to make a measured goal-line clearance after a low shot rolled under the keeper.

With ten minutes remaining, Andy Pengelly did remarkably well to bring down a high cross before placing his shot from close range. Somehow, the keeper prevented the goal with a stunning outstretched save.

Jake Minett chased down Marques Walters as he burst towards Cardiff’s goal, dispossessing him on the edge of the box and drawing penalty shouts. With six minutes stoppage, we fought with everything we had to recover a goal but were ultimately condemned to defeat.

With four games remaining in the NPL, our homes of recovering the Premiership are slim, but we’re focused on finishing strongly and winning every game.