Omonia returned to Turkey Street for a tough league game against unbeaten and clear leaders of the white division Harvesters.
The task was made even harder as Zac our goalie was a late injury withdrawal alongside long term absentee Stef. That meant one sub only which was Panyi who was carrying a back strain and that Terry and Kerry would share goalkeeping duties.
After a slow start from both teams, Omonia struck first with a fine individual goal from Demetris. He picked up a ball out of defence on the left side of midfield and powered his way into the area where a composed right foot finish put the Greens ahead. Although the defence was coping very well with the away attack, Harvesters drew level after a poked finish from a scramble on the edge of the area.
Undeterred Omonia retook the lead where from a Kerry long throw found Theo who opened his account for the season with a smart finish into the corner of the net. Harvesters then drew level again just before half time where despite having covering defenders a simple ball across the area resulting in a tap in. Half time 2 – 2.
Deano who had picked up a knock was replaced by Panyi but it was Harvesters who forged ahead with a fine finish from outside the area leaving little chance for Kerry in goal. Once again Omonia responded in the best possible way when Will’s fine effort struck the post and like every good striker should do, Nick P was on hand to tap home.
The next phase of play was dominated by the away side and ominously the sailed into a 5 – 3 lead with a couple of fine goals although one resulted from not clearing our lines at the back. Given the depleted nature of the squad and that Panyi had to be replaced, it was difficult to see where a comeback would come from. However, that’s just not in the Greens’ mind frame and with a few minutes left a fine left foot finish from Will reduced the arrears to just one.
Omonia piled on the pressure with free kicks and corners and following an almighty scramble Luke blasted home to incredibly bring the scores level with 1 minute left. There was just time for one last effort from Nick P who was just unable to connect with a shot.
Terry – 1st half stand in goalie and right back in the second half
Kerry – right back and then in goal in the second half.
Nick G and John – centre halves
Luke – left back
Theo – left side of midfield.
Andrew, Will and Demetris – centre midfield
Deano and Panyi – right midfield and Nick P – striker
