Muscat Storm edges past All Stars

It was clear that the visitors meant business as their changes reflected both quality and experience, and this would prove a real challenge for Storm as they looked to extend their impressive run.

Both teams started the game well and although Storm had also made some changes they gelled very well from the off. As both teams battled for control, All Stars’ new additions looked comfortable with their fluid passing and movements; however, they were unable to break down a resolute Storm with Oli Myhill and Nick Durnin proving to be a thorn in the side of the visitors.

Storm created the first clear chance as their counter attack saw Yasser al Soufi Ali slip in KG Mangoegape , who drilled his shot against the keeper. Both teams continued to play some citing football, and it was hard to see where the first goal might come from. Then, a pass that split the Storm defence opened up a chance for Sanchez in the box and he duly stroked the ball home to put the visitors into the lead.

Storm pushed for a leveller and created a few chances but were denied by some great saves from the visiting keeper. Finally, a first time ball form Myhill released Omar al Haziazi who nipped passed his marker and drilled the ball to the back post where Durnin was waiting to slot home to score the equaliser just before the half time whistle.

The second half saw five more goals fly in all of great quality. It was All Stars that took the early initiative, as Storm were pressing some quick play saw them break down the left and what looked like an innocuous challenge was punished when the referee pointed to the penalty spot.

Sanchez stepped up to take the penalty and confidently placed the ball out of the reach of Marco Bonato, putting the visitors back in the lead. The response form the home team was impressive as they played some great flowing football and stretched the solid defence of the visitors.

There equaliser came in the sixth minute after some great touch football around the box ended up with Ali smashing the ball past the keeper finishing a great piece of play. It was the same player, who had impressed all game, who put Storm into the lead when some great play down the left saw a Rob Hughes pass, find Haziazi who clipped the ball into the box and Shouri notched his second with a great finish.

All Stars continued to play some great football, and were not going to lie back as they pushed to get back into the game, but some great defending by Jame Beddows and Phil Johnson frustrated them as they couldn't find the space needed. As Storm looked to kill the game off, Baptiste Lebufnoir picked up the ball on the edge of the box, and his trickery saw him skip past two players and cleverly place his shot into the corner, wrong footing the keeper giving Storm a 4-2 lead.

In the final minutes, All Stars were given a corner, which was floated over to the back post, and was met with a superb volley that flew into the top corner. Storm ensured they remained unbeaten for the season. Storm manager, Lee Ebbutt said, “We made some changes tonight but the result was superb, against a very strong and experienced side. Our last two games have really showed that we have great strength.”