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On the back of six successive losses, the Sharks who were missing their manager desperately needed to get their season back on track in a crucial encounter with FC Socheaux. With a healthy turnout, the boys in yellow played their hearts out and secured a vital 3-1 win with a brace from Harold and another from Mike.
Sharks welcomed back Isaac who added the much needed bite to the frontline as they started the brighter of the two teams. Repeated forays down the wings by Harold and Chris and the energy from Mike’s lung busting runs were creating plenty of opportunities but were not capitalized. Mid-way through the half, the break through came as a good lay off from Isaac put Harold through and his modest effort was enough to force the opposing custodian into palming his effort into goal. Sharks continued to press for the second goal as the defensive quartet of Jeffrey, Charlson, Vince and Anuar limited Socheaux to half chances which didn’t worry Mizan. 1-0 at Halftime
The second half saw several changes as the caretaker manager looked to freshen up the team and fully utilize the healthy squad numbers. Aaron, Jason, Steven and Vincent were all called into action as the boys in yellow looked for the elusive second goal. It didn’t take long as good pressure from Aaron relieved the Socheaux defender of the ball and his square ball found Isaac whose well placed effort was parried by the custodian and bounced deliciously on the goal line. The onrushing Mike and Harold raced to a photo-finish which Usain Bolt would have been proud of and the former nicked in to put Sharks on a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Midway through the second half, a neat exchange between Chris and Harold resulted in the latter scoring to round off a delightful move as the boys in yellow sat pretty with a 3 goal lead. The final ten minutes of the game saw plenty of chances created at both ends as Socheaux poured forward to reduce the deficit. Their determination paid off as they scored late in the game with a good move that left Mizan with no chance.
The game ended 3-1 to the Sharks. The relief on the players’ expressions was clear to see as they now aim to finish the season strongly. The manager, who was rumored to be on self-imposed exile, was not immediately available for comment but was understood to have credited his absence for the team’s turnaround.
When asked if the his absence had indeed created the impetus for today’s victory, the caretaker manager declined to comment but instead focused on celebrating the excellent effort mustered by the boys.
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