Palace Casuals

[talisman]

League Round 22, home vs Ciclon de Tarija of Tarija, Bolivia. Level 22, AQ -1.4
With the knowledge that the team at the top of the table had registered a home draw in their game today, Palace Casuals had ample incentive to capitalise and knew that a win would move them to points parity. Most of the first half-hour was an out-and-out attack fest, in which the defences showed that nothing would pass. In the 27th minute, however, Omar Hansen got the first chance to register on the scoreboard when awarded a free-kick well within striking distance. Formalities over, and Casuals had the lead, which they held until half-time. After the break, the hosts gained an ascendancy over their visitors and more attacks were being hastily repelled. Another Hansen free-kick was brilliantly saved by Ciclon 'keeper Struiken, and moments later, another attack resulted in a corner. Johan Shaqiri swung it into the centre of the box and Catalin Neagu glanced it into the corner and the lead was extended. Two minutes later, the visitors broke and scored the only goal in the match from open play, Drew netting from a Zahana-Oni cross. Another corner for the home side, Shaquiri found Suhail Kamal and his glancing header ended up in the same place as his team-mate's ten minutes earlier. With three minutes to go, Pigott was fouled on the left wing and Hansen spurned the direct route, dropped the free-kick in the centre of the box and Neagu leapt up and headed past Struiken. Final score 4-1, Palace Casuals now second in the table, but only on goal difference.