Ambrit and Santos lined up knowing that these three points were vital for the final standings. Before the match began, the atmosphere was tense: it was more like a Sergio Leone film set than a football pitch as the players eyed each other up.
Ambrit started well. Ale was fouled in midfield and then struck the free kick just wide. Then Mattia laid off a good ball to Ale and this time his shot was well saved by the goalkeeper. Ambrit were awarded another free kick minutes later and this time Vittorio took it and planted the ball past the goalkeeper to give Ambrit a deserved lead.
But then they threw it away. Though knowing Santos were quick on the break, they left the right winger free behind the defence and he struck the equaliser just before the interval.
After 30 seconds of the second period, the visitors led 2-1, having caught the hosts napping after the break, But Ambrit dragged themselves back into it; Bertie came close and then Ale scored to make it 2-2. Mattia set Ale up again but his shot just shaved the post.
At the second interval, Ambrit's players knew that the next 15 minutes would be decisive. They knew that no more slips could be allowed; there would be no more second chances; they knew that they could fail this test... or pass it by leaving every ounce of energy on the pitch.
Things didn't start well. Santiago played another excellent game but he won't have been happy with the Santos third goal, a shot from distance that he maybe should have held. But Ale came to the rescue again. From an indirect free kick, Vittorio touched it on and Ale blasted home.
Celebrations increased minutes later. Santiago came out to intercept a dangerous ball and played a great pass to Tiago on the right. Tiago turned inside and found Ale coming through: Ale found the net! A tense few minutes followed as Ambrit defended their lead. Santos had a few half chances... and one huge chance. But Santiago made a fantastic save to seal a precious win.
Well done to all our players tonight but three in particular stood out. Ale - sealed his place at the top of the scoring charts (18 goals this season so far!); Leo - great positioning and always on hand to cut off opposition attacks; and Zach - a lion in defence tonight.
TEAM: Santiago; Leo, Vittorio, Zach; Tiago, Mattia, Ale, Bertie.
Standings
ANSPI u13 league 2019-2020
Team
|
Played
|
Points
|
Vigna Pia
|
11
|
23
|
Ambrit
|
11
|
20
|
Santos
|
11
|
19
|
Cris
|
10
|
16
|
San Leonardo
|
11
|
11
|
Real Guadalupe
|
12
|
09
|
Real Muratella
|
10
|
02
|
MATCHES REMAINING
| ||||
Real Muratella
|
Ambrit
|
Giov
|
05/03/2020
|
17.30
|
San Leonardo
|
Apd Vigna Pia
|
Ven
|
06/03/2020
|
18.00
|
C r i s
|
San.to.s.
|
Sab
|
07/03/2020
|
15.00
|
C r i s
|
Real Muratella
|
Gio
|
12/03/2020
|
18.00
|
