This was the first time the two teams had ever met but there were some familiar faces in the ICA squad with Kieran Pledger, James Ware and Rob Ames all having appeared for Cardea in the past.

The game started quickly as both teams tried to impose their style on the opposition. ICA were determined to move the ball quickly in midfield but were restricted for time and space by the packed Cardea core.

On 16 minutes, Cardea won the ball in midfield and Ash Baldwin played a forward ball to striker Klinkovics. The ball through should have been dealt with comfortably but the ICA defender missed his chance to clear and Klinkovics ran through 1 on 1 and finished calmly. 1-0.

Up the other end, ICA sent in a cross which was dealt with unconvincingly by Cardea and the ball fell to the ICA forward who skipped past his man and fired a shot goalwards. Only an excellent intervention from left back Sam Cope, throwing his body in the way of the shot, was able to prevent the goal and deflect the ball out for a corner. The block was met with a shout of “great header Sam” from skipper John Reddell and a sly smile from Cope. Suggesting that had VAR been in use, Cope might have been found guilty of handball (but who knows).

Cardea went 2-0 up with an excellent counter attack. Thomas Klinkovics was again heavily involved. The forward turned his man and played a 1-2 with full back Travis Brown before squaring the ball across goal. Unfortunately for ICA, the covering defender was unable to do anything other than turn the ball past his own keeper and in to his own goal.

ICA were still trying to find a way to use the wide areas to their advantage either through crosses or through their tricky wingers but the excellent Cardea defence stood firm and repelled every opportunity.

HT Cardea FC 2-0 ICA Sports.

The message from management for Cardea was simple; keep patient, concentrate and keep up the hard work and you will frustrate ICA even more.

ICA were certainly frustrated on 52 minutes when another mix up and high pressure allowed Klinkovics the chance to smash into the goal and make it 3-0.

ICA pulled a goal back 10 minutes later when a good cross to the back post beat the Cardea defenders and the attacker headed the ball strongly at goal. The superb James Wilson in goal got a hand to it, but wasn’t able to keep the ball out. 3-1.

Ash Baldwin alongside Nathan Ginty were controlling the tempo of the game throughout and Baldwin even had time to lay on the floor and allow the ball to roll over his face at one point!

Cardea responded by making a sub, the tiring Kieran Hart was replaced by Kieron McKenna in an attempt to sure up the midfield and get a foot on the ball.

Game management on the pitch was an area for concern for Cardea in previous seasons but this season has seen a huge improvement in this area and whereas previously ICA might have been allowed back in, Cardea shut up shop superbly and not only saw the game out, but managed to add a fourth (Klinkovics’ third of the game) before the end.

Dandrilli received the ball in midfield and played a lobbed half volley over the top of the ICA backline, Klinkovics ran behind and lobbed the onrushing keeper with an excellent finish to cap a superb all round game for the MOTM. 4-1.

There was still time for Dan Baldwin to return from injury and make a 10 minute cameo appearance in midfield to help the team avoid any late drama.

FT Cardea FC 4-1 ICA Sports

After the game a delighted Matt Robinson said “What a win, what a performance! We were excellent from start to finish today and have managed to beat the highest ranked team the club have ever faced with a convincing result. We have been phenomenal throughout October and to carry that on to the first week of November is huge considering some of the tough games we have coming up next. Well done to everyone involved!”

MOTM was awarded to Hattrick hero Thomas Klinkovics who contributes so much more than just goals to this team and deserves huge credit for a superb performance today.