Monarchs win away at Staines

The Monarchs beat a good Staines team for the second time this season with a strong performance. The team were without a number of key players this week yet this did not show in the level of performance with the team dominating the first half in every aspect. The keeper and back four controlled the game very well from the back with Staines not really getting a clear-cut opportunity as they were forced to hit and hope from well outside the D. Going forward, the Monarchs used both wings extremely well with Richard, Gavin and Rob all creating chances for the forwards with some great runs. Hans put in a man of the match performance in defensive midfield but offering an outlet for the defenders to clear the ball and then moving the ball on upfield swiftly time and time again to set the team off on a number of attacks. Before the first goal, Chad, Harley and Viren all came close to scoring but the deadlock was finally broken when Richard put in another great pass out on the right with Viren picked up and finished. The team were a little less efficient with the ball in the second half and allowed Staines a little more time on the ball which resulted in a few more attacks from the home team. The Monarchs did also have more chances with Chad and Richard again coming very close from 2 of several short corners won. Staines did have the ball in the back of the net and were initially awarded a goal with only 5 minutes to go to pull level but after a lot of protestation, the second umpire quite rightly ruled out the goal given a fairly obvious foot by the Staines attacked in the D. The Monarchs finally sealed the win in the final minutes when Rod found Rob in space who took his time and finished cooly past the Staines keeper - it has to be said that the Staines keep was outstanding throughout and the score could have easily been 5 or 6 nil if it wasn't for his saves. Another great away win which keeps the Monarchs on track for promotion, albeit with a long way to go yet in the season.