After a break of a month for both teams the battle between the Moose and Crusaders was always going to be a difficult one.

Historically the Moose have always had the upper hand, winning all three of their previous league games. A game after such a long break, and the festive period clearly taking its toll on all of the players both teams would be optimistic that the three points could be theirs.

The Moose kicked off the game and instantly stomped some authority over their opposition creating a move consisting of 15 passes and ending in the Crusaders box showing their intent.

The Moose continued throughout the first half to control the game, having the majority share of possession and creating chance after chance. The Moose came close on numerous occasions in the first 20 minutes but were unable to sculpt a goal.

The Crusaders saw an opportunity to take the lead after 30 minutes when a counter attack saw them thunder the ball onto the bar, only for the ball to bounce away from danger.

This scare saw the Moose up their game for the remaining 15 minutes of the first half increasing the tempo. The move of the first half came after 42 minutes when Chris Goodwin got the game’s first goal after he impressively took the ball on his chest around 40 yards out and ran on to place the ball home giving the home team the advantage just before half-time.

Half-time came and the Moose were deservedly in front, however wondering how it was by just one day.

The Moose improved further in the second half and in the first 15 minutes had scored a further three. One from the spot after Ryan Newell’s shot saw a deflection onto the Crusaders hand. Darren Hills penalised this mistake from the spot.

Newell himself got the Moose’s third after a goalmouth scramble saw him hit home from six yards out, then shortly after Tom Swabey scored for the 12th time this season converting from close range after another goalmouth scramble.

The next 20 minutes saw the play become quite open with both teams creating chances and the play being at both ends. The Crusaders attacked freely however putting no real pressure on the Mad Moose goal, it was again the Moose who scored when Darren Hills picked up a loose ball the Crusaders failed to defend. Darren, centrally from the edge of the box put the ball home for his second and the Moose’s fifth to confirm the victory and give the Moose the crucial three points with a confident 5-0 win.