Crane hit for six

WALTHAM FOREST 6 CRANE 1

For the first time this season Crane started with 11 men on the field, but the newly-promoted team were up against one of the demoted teams from Printwize East League Division Three.

Although Waltham Forest were the stronger team, they only led by a single goal at the interval. After the break, an early goal was a sign that the pressure was about to be turned on Crane. Despite a goal by Dave Sharp, who has given up his goalkeeping pads after three seasons between the posts, the new keeper was subjected to a barrage from Waltham Forest. In the end Crane were second best, but so far this season they have faced probably the three toughest teams in their division.

The "ten man" home game jinx hit Crane seconds this week and transportation problems meant extra effort was required in the unseasonal heat. The first 20 minutes were played at a hectic pace down at Holbrook and both teams created half chances, but it was Crane that went ahead courtesy of Chris O'Sullivan flicking through the narrowest of gaps in the Upminster defence.

The visitors took the initiative early in the second half and equalised, but within a couple of minutes Crane went ahead again when O'Sullivan flicked the ball into the net. O'Sullivan went on to complete his hat-trick but although the numerically superior visitors made full use of the rolling substitutes, Crane can be justifiably pleased at taking the three league points.