Olive (x2), Zotti
Miliauskas, Clark
With Mario Zotti starting in goal IEA were confident of taking all three points. Suriya Liensavanh was returning to the same ground where he injured his knee some ten months ago.
However the Merseysiders scored first as IEA wasted nurmerous chances. Liensavanh's frustration showing during a particular outburst "We've forgotten how to play!". Another Merseysider goal and Zotti was looking shakey in between the posts. However he finished the quarter with several good saves, though up front IEA still could not score due to some strong Merseysider keeping. The score 2-0 at quarter time.
The second quarter saw John Olive move into the keeping position and within a minute he let through another Merseysider goal. Liensavanh chose this point in time to let everyone know "It's over". Despite the negativity coming from the bench IEA were now looking to push forward at every opportunity and numerous chance fell the way of the forwards but not until the last minute of the half did IEA pull one back through Zotti.
Halftime down 3-1.
The third quarter saw IEA increase the tempo and IEA showed some glimpses of what the team can do. James Clark hit an unstopable left foot shot to take IEA to only a goal down, and give the IEA fans (Mr Zotti) hope. Mat Bonythond wasn in goal with Nathan Liascos and Elias Koukos controlling the midfield Clark stayed deep while John Olive was the lone target upfront. Within minutes scores were level and Olive slotted one past the keeper on an slight angle.
At three quarter time the scores were now level and the Merseysiders forward line had been completely shut down by both Clark and Liensavanh impressing when sweeping at the back.
Moments into the final quarter and IEA took the lead through a second Olive goal. Elias Koukos shined in midfield and combined with Alex Miliauskas to set up the next goal. Miliauskas took the ball and calmly slotted it home, 5-3. IEA continued their tradition from last season of having goals disallowed when Koukos 's brilliant freekick was mysteriously disallowed by the baby faced referee. This decision was greeted by boos from the players on the bench while Mr Zotti threatened to set fire to the stadium. The only danger in the final quarter was when Liensavanh, now in goal, threw the ball directly into an opponent and watched the ball rebound just over the bar.
The final score 5-3 to IEA. Eventually a comfortable win with many missed opportunities. Promising signs for the seasong ahead.
