Greenlands 5-2 Canaries

at Preston Sports Arena: 12th February 2012

Canaries fell to leaders Greenlands in unfortunate circumstances, as they suffered another league defeat in their bid for survival.

Canaries started in positive fashion, controlling the opening exchanges, however the game was to swing in favour of their opponents inside the first 10 mins. Greenlands forced a corner and as a header was blocked on the line by Mo Lulat, the referee judged it a deliberate handball and awarded Greenlands a penalty. Worse was to follow, as a distraught Lulat was given a straight red. This looked extremely harsh, as it appeared the ball skipped up from the turf and seemed to hit Lulat on the hand, rather than a deliberate attempt to prevent a goal. Greenlands, duly despatched the resulting penalty, as Canaries were forced into an early reshuffle.

To their credit, Canaries rallied with 10 men and were soon level as a great run and cross from Toorawah, found Hafeji who stroked the ball home against the odds. As expected, Greenlands responded forcing Majoo into a couple of great saves, as Canaries still looked to drive forward, with Hafeji looking inspirational. Greenlands continued to press and made the extra man count as they scored 2 quick goals with Canaries trailing 3-1, but certainly not out of the game.

Canaries knew they needed a quick second half goal to stay in the game but despite some good possession in the final third, they couldn't find the goal. As Canaries pressed, with Ahmed and Toorawah having good chances, Greenlands scored a fourth as the referee failed to see a clear push on Jav Haji, allowing the Greenlands stiker headed home. Canaries weren't ready to give up yet and at times looked like the team with the extra man, with Hafeji doing the work of 2 men ably supported by Uddin, Ahmed and Otutu. Toorawah scored a second goal for Canaries, as he skipped past the Greenlands defence and lashed the ball home. This was despite the Greenlands defender handballing on the line to prevent the goal. No action taken by the referee this time.

As Canaries pushed to try and get another goal, Greenlands scored a fifth and put the game to bed. A real heroic effort by Canaries but ultimately, playing 80 mins with 10 men took it's toll on the players.

MOTM - Suleman Hafeji - a real inspirational performance, taking the game to Greenlands and scoring a goal.