ACLI League: Ambrit 10-2 Nettuno

 A team that is playing well can hum like a finely-tuned engine and today, at times, the Ambrit motor was humming. From Theo, a solid and reassuring presence in goal, through Alberto, who dictated the pace and tempo of the match in midfield, up to a superlative Zach in attack who combined a subtle touch with a forceful presence, the team played with confidence and conviction.

Even an early goal from the visitors did nothing to dent the team's approach and it wasn't long before Zach had equalised with a deceptive shot off the outside of his right boot. Ambrit then went 2-1 down as the defence continued to settle into the match but this time it was Mattia who finished off a Zach assist. Now Zach hit the post, Alberto scored twice and Ale, always able to find space between the midfield and attack, added a fifth before half time.

Ambrit owned the second half. Bernardo and Giorgio cleaned up everything at the back and the rest of the team pressed relentlessly. Pedro scored immediately after the break; Ale slid home a free kick to make it 7-2; Alberto completed his hat-trick after a lovely passing move involving Emilio and Zach. Emilio capped a wonderful performance of careful, considered and determined football with the ninth goal, running on to a long pass from Giorgio and putting the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper. Pedro rounded off the scoreline to make it 10-2, to the great satisfaction of a beaming captain Santiago on the sidelines.