Central Park International

vs

Raptors

7

2

Central Park International notched their first win against Raptors in its third meeting having drawn 1-1 and lost 0-1 last season with a thumping 7-2 victory over at Chinese Recreation Club.  A brace from Chris Fulgraf and a goal each from Soerensen, Moeller, Naoki, Robert and an own goal ensured that it was third time lucky for the Sharks as they collected maximum points for their third consecutive games.

Sharks had a dream start as early as the first minute when Soerensen split open Raptors defense and his pass found Moeller who timed his run to perfection and made no mistake on a one-on-one situation to give the boys in yellow an early lead. Just as Raptors were trying to get back into the game, they conceded another when a beautifully flighted ball off a freekick by Robert at the edge of the area found Jensen who flicked into the far post with Sorensen on hand to head past Raptors custodian. As Sharks poured man forward, Raptors conceded another off an own goal from their defenders before they pulled a goal back just before half-time when Sharks failed to clear a corner. Second half started with Raptors putting man forward to get back into the game but against the run of play, an innocuous shot from Naoki outside the area somehow ended at the back of the net for Sharks fourth of the day. Midway thru the second-half, a mazy run from Naoki into the area resulted into a penalty after he was hacked down unfairly. Up step Robert who made no mistake from the spot.  Raptors then found the net yet again before a brace from Chris, one finishing strongly with a stiff grounder while another a scorching shot just outside the area gave Sharks a comfortable win.

The manager commented, 'Despite the big win, the team needs to remember that against a better side, they shouldn't step off the gas when they are one or two goals up as shown today when Raptors managed pull a goal back midway in the first-half and on top of that, our defense looks strectched at times with too many man pushed forward but we were lucky that Raptors didn't capitalise on that. Nonetheless, let's not take anything from the win and hopefully the boys will plug those gaps in the next game.'