AN excellent workmanlike performance in midfield by Johnny Holland helped Michael to a vital victory over rivals Colby at Glen Road on Saturday.
Holland enjoyed a busy afternoon covering nearly every blade of grass on the field as he allowed the Colby players little opportunity to settle on the ball.
Just for good measure, the former Peel and St John's midfielder produced a superb through
ball for Jamie Moffatt to give the visitors the lead midway through the second half.
The opening half, however, was a disappointing affair with both sides guilty of constantly giving the ball away.
Home striker Craig Gelling came closest to breaking up the first-half deadlock, but his well-struck effort was smartly saved by keeper Gary Burgess. In fact Burgess enjoyed a fine game in the Michael goal, his handling of crosses taking all the pressure off the visiting defence.
The match sprang to life in the second period when Michael's Chris Hancox squandered a real opportunity from right in front of goal.
At the other end, Steven Leece was unfortunate to see a cleverly placed chip rebound off the visitors' crossbar, with Burgess a spectator.
Minutes later Colby were once again unlucky when a Mark Barron effort also rebounded off the bar.
Inevitably, it was Holland who played a major role in breaking the stalemate when he produced a superb through ball, allowing Moffatt the chance to beat Christian Steriopulos in the Colby goal.
It took Michael just five more minutes to seal the game, this time with a super strike from impressive defender Kieran Quinn.
A long throw from Dean Wales was only partially cleared by the home defence, which allowed Quinn the chance to volley home from the edge of the box.
Colby: Christian Steriopulos, Alisdair Landells, Chris McKenna, Adam Fretwell, Michael Baker, Craig Gelling (Steve Kelly 88m), Martin Moore, Johnny Sadlier (David Barron 88m), Mark Barron, Steven Leece, Michael Broadbent (Josh Cowley 68m).
Michael: Gary Burgess, Kevin Pulman, David Reynolds, Kieran Quinn, Chris Hancox (Paul Atherton 86m), Johnny Holland, Richard Crowe, Michael Quine (Robert Christian 83m), Jamie Moffatt, Andrew Berry (Dean Wales 58m), Michael Perks.
Referee: Rod Jones
Man of the match: Holland (Michael).
Match rating: 2*
Attendance: 59.
