Markham Downs Meeblind

AFC Stanley nullified Totaalvoetbal and emerged 1-0 victors on Tuesday evening.

Stanley dominated every aspect of the game to send the visitors crashing to a second successive 1-0 defeat.

After a quiet opening Thorbjorn Lind sent the home crowd wild with a brilliant header which beat Rimmer and nestled in the back of the net. The forward was indebted to the creative play of Per-Elvis Granander who became an instant hit with the Stanley faithful.

Lind might have made matters worse for Totaalvoetbal moments later but his side-foot shot was saved well by Rimmer and Stanley would have to settle for a 1-0 half-time lead.

To be fair to the visitors they did improve their play after the break but Johan Juffing illustrated how off-colour they were as he shot straight at Hessbo. This after taking 66 minutes to create their opening chance.

Meanwhile, Stanley were making the most of the chances that came their way and Garry Molseley came within inches of doubling his sides advantage as he struck a post with a superbly hit half-volley.

Totaal would have one final chance but Edwin Hayter curled his shot tamely at Hessbo and they were deservedly beaten.

Meeblind was not too downcast after the game.

“To be fair I enjoy my battles with Markham and this was no different even though he has done me in this game,” opened the coach.

“He has built an excellent side and I expect them to challenge all the way.”

In other business Totaalvoetbal secured the signature of the excellent Cal Beardsley after a day of intense negotiations.

“I first noticed that we had a chance of securing his signature late last night. I opened negotiations with Cathal and we reached a deal.

“Chalmers and van Mosen were struggling to get enough game time this term, especially van Mosen whose form had him behind Akerboom and Watta. Cathal was looking to go in a different direction with his side and I hope the players serve him well.

“As for Cal, he’s a winner and will add more quality to our defensive line-up. With Alexis and Cees knocking on a bit I felt it was important we added another strong player in that area. These opportunities don’t come around very often.”