Dylan Easton’s easy first half goal helped the Eagles beat Queer Poco at Stadium Bloumany last night. It was Easton’s first international goal and gave his side a glimmer of hope to still qualify for the World Cup.
Sloppy play from the Eagles saw them lose possession easily early on in the game giving Queer Poco opportunities to score. Lisandro Espinoza smashed a stinging strike that Milton Tuneson was unable to grab hold but was fortunate that Hamish Alpin was able to clear it from the area. Rizwan Abdullah saw his effort come inches from being a goal as it rebounded into the pack, quick reflexes of Jacob Kleeza saw the ball sent away from goal. Tuneson showed his worth and was smartly off his line to thwart a superb cross from Peregrine Raeburn. But it was down the other end of the field where chances were taken, with a counter attack underway Percy Baser put in a high cross while it looked like Queer Poco keeper Shahrukh Kartal would punch it away he was just beaten by the head of Kane Harrison. The ball rebounded off the post and fell at the feet of Easton who tapped it in the give the Eagles the lead. It looked like the Eagles would double the lead when an error by Mateu Demirici gave Kane Ancap a clear chance but Kartal deftly saved it.
It was a similar story in the second half with both sides looking for the win, though Queer Poco started as the stronger of the two. With Espinoza looking like the most likely source of Queer Poco’s equaliser as he tested Tuneson to his limits. The Una Serie top scorer was unlucky to get the ball muddled in his feet when he only had Tuneson to beat and then a strong challenge from Alpin prevented him from taking a shot on goal after being given a through ball by Raeburn. Espinoza would’ve been ready to celebrate after finding himself open he shot towards the far top corner but Tuneson managed to get his fingers to it to tip it around the bar. The attacking momentum started to drift from Queer Poco’s game as the Eagles took more control, looking to not only defend their lead but expand it as well. Harrison took a close range shot but hit the body of Demirici, and Kartal produced an excellent reaction stop keeping out a close range header from Blaine Cooperson. Ancap received a perfect cross from Easton but his strike was far from perfect as he sent it into the stands. While the Eagles were unable to extend their lead Queer Poco for all their efforts showed up with nought giving the 1-0 win to the Eagles.
Captain Hamish Alpin described the game as tough but also believed that it showed the group that “while we are struggling we are going to keep fighting till the end”. The win was important to the Eagles chances who have managed to reduce the points deficit between themselves and first place to five points. Quakmybush currently sits on top after drumming a 6-1 win out of Daritii, they will be hosting the Eagles in the next match full of confidence. The Eagles are looking at another win-or-out match if they wish to remain in contention for a top two spot.