Anxious to get back into football after the Chinese New Year break, 3United was raring to go as they faced off against the Anzacs. Sitting at the top of the table, this was their first test to see if they deserved to be there, with still 8 left to be played. On this Saturday, they did not disappoint.

For what may be the first time this season, the pitch was non-muddy and both the Anzacs and 3United were looking to take advantage a pitch that their studs would stick in. 3United dominated possession in the first 25 minutes, pressing the Anzacs defense hard but they were able to stave off the attacks. Then 3U crossed a ball into the box and found its way to Nick Law’s head on the left side of the keeper’s area and bulleted it past the keeper to give 3U the lead. The Anzacs were able to win two free-kicks in the 3U half, but the defense was solid and turned away everything put on them. The half ended 1-0 to 3U.

In the second half, both teams were looking to get the first goal of the half, the Anzacs trying to get back into the game and 3U trying to gain the safety of a second goal. At first it seemed that the Anzacs were going to be able to hold off the 3U assault but 3U found their stride and settled in. Luismi Ramos curved a left-footed shot around the wall, was stopped by the diving keeper but was left unattended bouncing in front of goal. Edouard Simonnet siezed his chance and blasted the ball back into the net for the 2-0. Only a few minutes later, in a great team effort of quick passing, Alvaro Roca found himself at the edge of the defensive line and instead of turning to shoot, he rolled the ball through to the sprinting Luismi Ramos coming across the box who without hesitation slotted the ball into the back of the net. After the third goal, there was a string of plays in the 3U half that showed some danger from the Anzacs but the defense recovered quickly and kept the Anzacs scoreless. The game ended 3-0 for 3United adding 3 points to their lead on the league table.

Man of the match: Nick Law

In other news, the unsung heroes of the 3United defense (except for Alejandro Verni with his 5 or 6 man of the matches) showed why the team has the least allowed goals in the 1st division with this well earned cleansheet. 3United have only conceded 9 goals all season, conceding 6 goals less than the next least-scored-upon team, Voodoo, and 9 goals less than the third least-scored-upon teams.