A dominant first half performance from Elston United was enough to give the Clams victory against a strong and energetic Rossoneri team. The home team started strongly and fully-deserved their 3-0 half-time lead, and even though The Rossoneri got a late, consolation goal, Elston comfortably held on for their 16th win from the 18 league games they’ve played so far this season.

Despite fielding five changes from the previous week’s starting XI Elston were on the front foot from the whistle, and in the 23rd minute Elston’s high-energy pressing got its reward. Rui Thacker chased a lost cause high up the pitch and was on hand to tap home when the ball fell to him following a mix-up between the Rossneri goalkeeper and his defenders.

Seven minutes later Elston grabbed a second when Joe Wroughton’s pin-point corner was bundled home by James Smith, and on 35-minutes Wroughton scored from the spot after man-of-the-match Barney Repper was brought down in the Rossoneri box following good work by Harry Johnson.

While the 3-0 lead was a fair reflection of Elston’s first half display, the home side were unable to maintain the same level of intensity and performance in the second period. As a result, Brad Musgrove was called into action to make a couple of good saves to maintain Elston’s lead.

Even so, Elston still created some good chances and, on another day, Barney Repper, James Clarke and Joe Wroughton may have added to the home side’s lead, but it was the visitors who scored the only goal of the second half after an 80th minute long ball from defence was skilfully converted by the Rossoneri centre forward.

Elston United: Brad Musgrove, Archie Dillon, Jake Ledbetter, James Smith, Will Veys, Tom Hazelwood (Sam Lloyd 76), Barney Repper, Harry Johnson (Sam Adcock 76), Curtis French (Teddy Furman 68), Joe Wroughton, Rui Thacker (James Clarke 68). Sub not used: Toby Craven