by Gavin Warren
The full-time whistle confirmed a ruthless attacking performance as MFC Vets put eight past Ethan United to collect another three points, closing both the gap and the goal difference on high-flyers Castle Donington.
The lads started brightly, controlling the game from the off and playing on the front foot. It took just five minutes to break the deadlock when Kris burst down the right and slid a delightful ball into a dangerous area for Sav, who made no mistake to fire home. 1–0
Six minutes later, Sav turned provider, laying the ball off to Palms, who struck from 18 yards. The keeper stood rooted as the shot nestled into the bottom corner. 2–0
Our wide players, Mannion and Betts, were causing Ethan’s full-backs endless problems with their pace and delivery. On 25 minutes, another dangerous ball into the box caused chaos. Ethan struggled to clear, Mannion’s initial shot was blocked, but he recycled possession to Aidan, who smashed home emphatically. 3–0
Ethan had a couple of half chances, but nothing that truly troubled us. The back line was solid throughout, and it was great to see Stamp back in the squad.
Then… chaos.
Out of nowhere, Adam Salter delivered a goalkeeping masterclass in how not to clear a ball — confidently winding up before karate-kicking absolutely nothing but fresh air, allowing the ball to casually roll into the net. Time briefly stopped as teammates, fans, and reality itself tried to process what they’d just witnessed. Later, Salter pointed the finger at a knee injury — apparently one so serious it prevented his foot from meeting the ball 🤣🤣
3–1
With minutes remaining in the half, Palms restored order with a 20-yard wonder strike into the top bin. The keeper had no chance as he watched it sail over his head. 4–1 at half-time.
At the break, Quig and Kris — both excellent in the first half — were withdrawn to keep them fresh for the week ahead. Bailey and new signing Scott entered the action, and the tempo immediately lifted.
It took Bailey only a few touches to find his rhythm. A bursting run from midfield saw him glide past an Ethan defender before placing a composed finish past the keeper. 5–1
Diksa replaced Sav, and Clifton came on for Mannion. The pressure continued, and Diksa soon added our sixth with a tidy finish. 6–1
On 60 minutes, Aidan was replaced in a rare runout for the Gaffa. A Palms corner soon found him, but his header drifted just over. Moments later, questionable decision-making from the manager saw him attempt an audacious bicycle kick — well struck, but smartly saved by the Ethan keeper.
Bailey then grabbed his second of the evening, smashing home from a tight angle into the top corner. 7–1
The Gaffa then missed a gilt-edged chance, choosing to round the keeper instead of striking first time, only for a recovering defender to clear off the line.
Redemption followed late on. Instead of slipping Bailey through, the Gaffa shifted the ball onto his right foot and calmly slotted into the bottom corner to cap the scoring. 8–1
A superb all-round performance from every lad. The three points move us into second place in the league and significantly reduce the goal difference. You couldn’t ask for much more from the boys.
Motm- carter solid at centre back again and formed a good partnership with stamp.
Gaffa all smiles with the good run and performances from the lads onto the cup next away against a good shardlow st James veteran side.