The North Enderby Timber (NET) downed the Hi-Pro Sportswear Camels FC 1-0 in a tight North Okanagan Soccer League match Wednesday night at Marshall Field #5.
The game was physical and the elevated pace saw numerous chances for each side.
Already undermanned, the Camels took a blow late in the first half with fullback anchor Damian Adams succumbing to a hamstring injury. NET took advantage as roadrunner Dexter James converted the opening goal for NET midway through the second half, heading a well-placed Brandon Enair cross from the right side.
NET enjoyed many chances only to play muffin-like shots on goal or powerful far and away misses.
“We need to focus more in the offensive third if we want to be top of the league; one nil is not enough even with the best goalie (Danny Stein) in the league,” said NET veteran Graham Ross.
“James is our best addition in years; his head is just as lethal as his left peg,” said Ross.
The Timber chances kept coming with three free kicks just outside the 18, with only one hitting the net causing problems and a goal-mouth scramble.
With only one substitute and weary legs, the Camels managed a number of equalizing chances but with no result. The Camels, who have dropped three straight, fell to 2-3-1.
NET (5-1) shares top of the table with Courvas (5-0) of Salmon Arm. The Timber visit the always threatening Courvas next Wednesday.
Monashee Surveying brushed back Concept Physio 2-1 in a hard-fought game at Marshall Field #2.
Chances were scarce early in the first half until defender David Dobbernig danced up the wing to find Alberto Lopez, who tangoed his way into the box and found space to fire a solid shot. The rebound fell nicely to Zach (Big Zig) Sharp, who converted easily.
Ryan Sharp, who has been money on penalty kicks for Monashee, was stoned by Riley Spraggs.
Concept (0-5-1) equalized on a header by Shane Whitley just before the break. Enzo Paal drew the assist.
Sharp was also effective on the 3-1-1 Monashee defence, saving a shot on the line with his backside.
Daniel Lutsenko was the Burger King Man of the Match with the winning powerful header from a bending left-footed cross by Rodney Goodchild.
The defending champion Courvas knocked Turn-Key Controls out of the penthouse with a 4-0 win Wednesday at Marshall Field #3.
Turn Key (4-2) fell behind in the opening minute on a bouncing ball that eluded the defenders and found a Courvas foot. The two squads battled equally the rest of the half, and despite a Turn-Key penalty shot that rang off the post, neither team could muster another goal.
Turn Key fell behind 2-0 early in the second half. The controls squad was unable to put one past Courvas despite another penalty kick. A Taylor Horsting strike from 20 yards out hit the crossbar.
Courvas added two goals in the dying minutes as the Turn-Key defence pressed in search of a goal.
The Nation of Domination Eagle Homes clipped the Davidson & Co. Dynamite 2-1 in Salmon Arm.
Play was very aggressive with lots of scoring chances by both teams. Chris Swinburn scored for the Nitros (2-3-1), who gave up the winner in the late stages. Eagle Homes improved to 3-3.
