Digica stormed to the top of the table this Sunday with a convincing win over Grovesnor at Melbourne Park. With the Return of the Cockney Manc and the Northern Rock the baby blues were looking to strengthen their back line, however, with the Gaffa stepping in at left back anything could happen!! Digica started well, peppering the Grovesnor goal, and a powerful Burden header nearly broke the crossbar in two. After 20 minutes Digica finally got the opening they needed. Marshal was un-gentlemanly fondled in the penalty area and ref pointed to the spot, Digica’s third this season. However, unlike Digica’s previous two penalties, the General was unable to slot this one away and the game remained level. It was on another storm forward that Digica finally found the net. An unconvincing tackle left Marshall on the floor and amidst taunts of “get up you poof” Marshall gladly responded side-footing the ball past the Grovesnor keeper. Digica’s defence remained firm and soaked up the aftermath of Grovesnor pressure heading into the break 1-0 up.
Second half and Digica seemed to loose their shape a little. The introduction of McKay strengthened up the middle and Digica absorbed the Grovesnor attacks comfortably. The game began turning to an end to end battle with both teams looking for the next goal. A trick shot by French saw Marshall just miss a cheeky flick in to the net and Booth, playing his final game before his 60 day ban, put yet another delightfully floated corner in, only again to see Burden spurn yet another glorious opportunity. Digica’s hearts were in their mouths as a shot managed to tunnel its way through Bowler only to be rescued by the young keeper inches before crossing the line. The deciding goal though was only minutes away. A forage into the box by Minford saw him collapse under pressure and the ensuing players pull up ready for a penalty award. However, this didn’t come and Marshall reacted first, slotting the ball home again to extend his tally to 5. Digica held out for the next 10 minutes and had a few more chances, Godba producing a good save from the Grovesnor keeper with a long shot and McKay’s delightfully floated cross into the box saw it just nicked away from Booth’s head and a likely goal. Much has been made of Booths mental instability in the past few weeks and didn’t go without notice that with the absence of certain players Booth appeared much calmer. Other factors of note are that Booth was not wearing the ill-fated voodoo spelled no. 6 shirt that had seen him booked and dismissed in previous games, the gaffa donned the shirt, almost finding himself in the book for a barrage of abuse at the official.
So another good win for Digica see’s the baby blues top of the league and three points clear but a tough game next week against Forum 90 could be a real test for the Digimen. With Booth most likely suspended, Burden away on International duty and Emmerson out due to his modelling contracts, Digica will be looking for the returning players to show the passion that pulled the Mighty Blues through this weekend