Ipswich Football Club had a good day on the pitch as they punished Pele FC during the Eldorado Park Local Football Association Senior League clash at Ext 6 Soccer Field on February 23.
The game started off slowly, with both sides holding back until Phadian Slaffa scored the opening goal a few minutes before the referee blew the whistle for half-time.
Description: Pele FC player down
Caption: A Pele FC player injured in the middle of the pitch.
Pressure from Pele was evident, resulting in two yellow cards for Ipswich’s Kyle Bentley and Deyano Jacobs. New player Luciano Finger, making his first appearance for Ipswich, also received a red card after collecting two yellow cards.
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Pele applied sustained pressure in search of an equaliser, forcing errors from the opposition. However, their attacking intent left them exposed at the back.
Keanu Golden extended the lead in the second half, concluding the match with a 2–0 scoreline in favour of Ipswich.
Ipswich coach Peter Wex said improved composure will be key after his side secured a deserved win to climb to fourth on the log.
Wex revealed the slow start was tactical. “I told the guys to slow the game down, assess their pace, then increase intensity and use the wings. They were flat-footed at the back and we exploited that.”
Description: Pele FC player down
Caption: A Pele FC player injured in the middle of the pitch.
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Ipswich created several late chances, but Wex admitted the margin could have been greater.
“We rushed in front of goal. It’s a work in progress, but the players know they must bury those opportunities.”
Reacting to the red card, Wex said Finger was over-eager.
“Two yellows, deservedly a red. He must control his game and respect the referee,” he said, dismissing fatigue as an excuse.
“We are moving up. Now it’s back to the drawing board and the gym to maintain standards.”
Pele head coach Kyle Miller believes his side paid the price for losing focus after conceding the opener in a tightly contested clash.
“It was a very good game from both teams, but once we conceded the first goal, the boys dropped their heads,” Miller said.
Description: Coach giving instructions to players
Caption: Ipswich head coach Peter Wex.
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“We tried to regroup and push again, but it just did not come together. We pushed numbers forward to get back into the game, and that is how we conceded the second goal.”
Miller remains optimistic ahead of their fixture against Prayer Warriors.
“It’s back to the drawing board. We will refocus and be better prepared.”
