March 1 2008 at Essex Road, Leyton  E10 6EQ

Next up Castle United will be entertained by Cranes Unitedat Essex Road, Leyton in what could be a virtual title decider

Already that March 1 showdown is looking like a title decider, a game that will hold no fears for Cranes United after their 5-1 demolition of Castle United in the first round of Ilford and District League Division 1 chase for Premier Division promotion.

Cranes United's players watched Castle United surrender their significant advantage in the title race with 2 draws against Melbourne Sports and Forest United, then showed their title-winning credentials with a typically merciless display agaist Westill Football Club.

Cranes United's remarkable strength in depth and range of options have beeb illustrated for the past games.

What the manager and coach say

“Discipline will be key”… “Despite the setback of losing our leading goal scorer to a broken arm and with three games to go and leading our title rivals by 5 points, it’s now evident that a win at Essex Road will see us as Champions of Division 1.

Our back four may remain constant, such is the consistency and understanding they have developed, but we hope for midfield shuffle”

Baker Sserwaddaat West Ham Park

Mathias Sendawula, Dan Walusimbi and Fred Kalyango kept Cranes Premier promotion bid on track as they grabbed a goal apiece to sink Chingford in a four goal thriller.

The three will get the headlines but the whole team was fantastic, the movement and penetration was excellent. Cranes had a game plan and the discipline of the team was great – a good advert for our level of football.

An early set back forced Coach Kasim Musa to change the formation and team standings. Dennis Kirunda started as an attacking midfielder but had to swap to defending duties after right back Nicholas Seruwu sustained a 4th minute groin injury! Bright Wahab had started well left mid wing but his passing was not always at its best after he was given a deep mid-field role. Jimmy Kasasira came in for injured Nicholas and he proved why he has to be a starter.

Striker Ndawula’s pace and power made sure Cranes early pressure paid off in the 15th minute, collecting a Fred Kalyango’s ball from the left wing after being picked up by a long delicious diagonal ball from right back and rounding Chingford keeper with a clinical finish.

The second came from Dan Walusimbi, it was sensational, a poacher’s goal! He received a ball in midfield from defence, then passed it to Ismail Kigozi on the right attacking mid,cut in passed three defenders, played a one two with Dan and Ndawula, what a brilliant move from Dan Walusimbi, he cut inside an off-balance Chingford defence before firing his shot into the roof of the net. The transfer into the net was inevitable… his work on the ball was always productive anyway!

Sub Jimmy Kasasira’s (Senior) cultured passing was the feature of his play. His clever one-two with Eric Mboma earned him space to let in Fred Kalyango with a magical through pass to wrap it up for Cranes’ third goal to end his goal drought.

Cranes full backs (Dennis Kirunda, Eric Mboma, Douglas Lubega and Sula Kasule) were rock solid at the heart of Cranes United defence and looked good playing alongside each other but failed to keep a clean sheet as they were caught off-guard to let the visitors get a late consolation goal with a great header.

Final score: Cranes United FC 3:1 Chingford Athletic FC
Team standing: Allan Elijah, Dennis M Kirunda, Eric Mboma, Douglas Mukasa,
Sula Kasule, Dan Walusimbi, Ismail Kigozi, Bright Wahab, Mathias Ndawula,
Fred Kalyango, Jimmy Kasasira
Subs used: Jimmy Kasuku
Manager: Yiga N Matovu
Coach: Kasimu Musa

Many thanks to all supporters who managed to get to the ground.