Trinity Down Brave Catz

In a strong second half performance, league leaders Trinity overcame a battling Catz side 3-0 this Thursday, to move a step closer to the title.

The relegation threatened hosts have won just one game this season.  Despite working really hard, they’ve lacked the quality to trouble their opponents.

In a gritty first half, Trinity had plenty of possession but were unable to break down the dogged Catz defence. The home side packed the midfield and defended in numbers and at half-time were level at 0-0.

That achievement owed much to the performance of Ewbank in goal, pulling off one superb save in particular to deny Dany Gammall.

At the back Trinity were relatively untroubled, although Burns, upfront on his own for Catz, challenged a strong centre-back pairing and always looked dangerous.

Trinity are top by 3 points while Catz remain stuck in the relegation zone

Trinity’s only other threat came from home captain George Hill, who looked good in the middle of the park and his deliveries from set pieces always looked like Catz’s most likely source of a goal.

The recently crowned Super-Cuppers winners, came out for the second half fired up and determined to win, and it took just three minutes to break the deadlock. A Gammall cross avoided strike partner Ossie Akushie but was turned in at the back post by Martin Bussiere.

Catz, having defended like lions in the first half, were now having kittens whenever Trinity came forward. Akushie was a constant menace, although his seeming reluctance to pass the ball once he had it at his feet led to frustration from his team-mates.

On 56 minutes Akushie burst into the box and released the ball only when Ewbank sent him tumbling. A blatant penalty and Alex Lunn slotted home easily for 2-0.

The game slowed to almost a walking pace at times, so dominant were the visitors, and it looked like it could end up any score if Trinity wanted. Three long range efforts by right back Shafi Anwar (one comfortable saved, one over the bar and one requiring a quality touch over the top from the ‘keeper) added some excitement before Bussiere nipped in for his second to round off the win 10 minutes from time.

It was a comfortable victory for Trinity, who have a three point cushion, and a healthy goal-difference advantage. With just two games to go, they are on the verge of the title.  Catz, nonetheless, should take encouragement from their first half defensive display ahead of their key match against Caius after the Cuppers break – the game that will determine who goes down.