EXPRESS made it two cup wins out of three as they progressed to the second round of the Nursing Minor Sunday Cup with a hard fought victory from an evenly and well contested match.
FREEMASONS 1, EXPRESS '88 FC 2
Kicking up hill in the first half Express weathered the early play well, solid defending by Rich Clack and Si Barnett with some important saves from keeper Phil Smalley kept things even with Express relying on breakaways to push forward.
On 20 minutes Express skipper Andy Bottomley broke down the left and put in a low hard cross which Stu Summers stepped over to allow the advancing Rich Clack to strike firmly into the corner of the net for his first of the season.
Freemasons came straight back at Express and equalised within five minutes, keeper Smalley pushing a shot onto the crossbar only for the home striker to follow up and bury the rebound for one each at half time.
Express had far more controlled possession in the second period, half time sub Phil Leah keeping the midfield under control alongside Steve Hill and Mark Taylor and Stu Summers working well up front.
On the hour mark a clever through ball sent Taylor clear, rounding the keeper he finished from a tight angle to take his tally to 11 for the season and give Express the lead.
The introduction of Alan Preece and Matt Clifford kept Express pushing forward and solid defending saw Express hang on for a hard fought win, skippered by man of the match Andy Bottomley who just got the vote over Rich Clack.
This Sunday Express are home to Wyvern United in the league. Players meet 9.45am Victoria Park.
Express 88 are this week mourning the loss of one of their founder members Michael 'Bilko' Brookes who passed away on Tuesday.
The thoughts of club members are with his family at this sad time.
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