In the blustery conditions at Elite AFC's home ground, where 3rd played 4th in the Black Dragon Premier League North, Dinnington Town continued their formidable league form. And, they notched their seventh win in as many games with a resounding 5-0 victory.
The game burst into life within the first five minutes. Ashley Cooper, Dinnington Town's dynamic winger, got on the end of a curling cross and put Dinnington Town ahead with a looping header that sailed beyond the goalkeeper's outstretched hands. The ball arched elegantly into the net, perfectly illustrating Dinnington Town's early dominance.
As the match progressed, Dinnington Town's intensity was visible.
In the 36th minute, Mitchell Clogg seized his moment, doubling the lead for Dinnington Town. From 20 yards out, he unleashed a ferocious strike that sliced through the air before crashing into the top corner of the goal. The crowd was left in awe, as was the Elite AFC goalkeeper, who could only watch the ball thunder past him.
Just before the interval, drama unfolded. Elite AFC was awarded a penalty. The initial kick ricocheted off the post, and the rebound was hastily tapped in. However, without another player touching the ball, the referee promptly disallowed the goal.
This decision left Elite AFC's players and fans in a mix of disbelief and frustration, while Dinnington Town breathed a collective sigh of relief.
Emerging for the second half with a 2-0 lead, Dinnington Town showed no signs of complacency. Sixty minutes in, Justin Circuit, displaying sheer agility and precision, maneuvered through a tight angle and calmly slotted the ball home, extending the lead to 3-0.
Five minutes later, Nathan Jessop added his name to the score sheet. In a one-on-one with the Elite AFC keeper, Jessop demonstrated composure, making it 4-0 with a tidy finish.
Just before full time, Jack Cully rounded off the scoring, making it 5-0 to Dinnington Town, capping off what was ultimately a comprehensive victory.
Dinnington Town are next in action on Saturday, 30th December, at home against SJR Worksop in the Black Dragon Premier Division North. Kick-off is at 12:00pm.