Attwood the Crow star performer.
If anyone travelled to the Charles Ground expecting a repeat of the scintillating display the Crows put up when winning 6-1 there last season were always going to be disappointed to a degree, those type of things just don't happen in football from one season to the next however, the Crows did more than enough to win this game and please the travelling fans along the way.
The hosts were obviously keen to avoid a repeat of last season and set their stall out accordingly and having played them already this campaign, the players knew they would be in for a very competitive and physical game and would need to match the hosts in every department.
Right from the kick off every ball was contested very quickly and time on the ball was at a premium for both sides therefore, the ball was often in the air too frequently for any pattern of play to form and possession then became rather a lottery.
You can't always play pretty football and you get just as many points for winning ugly as you do for winning playing exciting free flowing football, after all, the opposition do have something to say in how you play from one week to the next.
The early stages were fairly even but from the 25th minute onwards the Crows started to dominate the ball more and create the better and clearer chances with Attwood, Treleaven, Pearson, Muggeridge and Crabb all having efforts which were either saved by the 'keeper, blocked by defenders or put wide of the mark.
As the half wore on it looked more and more likely that the teams would go into the break with a 0-0 score line, especially as Deal defenders had helped their goalie out by clearing three efforts off the line after he was beaten. However, in the 46th minute the deadlock was broken, a Muggeridge corner caused havoc in the home defence and following a great save by the 'keeper and a clearance off the line the ball found itself dropping at the feet of the corner taker and his shot found its way through a packed six yard box and in to the bottom corner of the net for a 1-0 lead to the Crows.
The second period followed much the same vein as the first, both teams having chances but the Crows looking like the side who would score the next goal. Pearson for the Crows and Wilson for the Hoops both had really good chances to work the scoreboard but both of their efforts went just past the post.
Referee Kirsty Dowle gave Phipp, Walder and Paxman yellow cards for tackles therefore these followed Kane Smith in to her notebook for his challenge in the first half. In the 71st minute the score became 2-0 to the Crows, Turner firing in a half volley from 12 yards out into the roof of the net with his left foot, a rare sight indeed and it followed a smart move by the team and an excellent ball by Walder.
Before the restart, Pearson was replaced by Carrington as the Crows looked to bring on some fresh legs now they were two goals to the good.
Walder had to go off in the 76th minute with a slight knock, Barton coming on to take up the same role in midfield. The Crows had chances to further increase their lead but as the match was drawing to a close 2-0 looked to be the final score.
Treleaven left the field in the 87th minute due to an injury, Unwin coming on to replace him and it was he who scored a debut goal in the 93rd minute, Crabb doing well to win the ball and breakaway down the left before squaring the ball to Unwin who slotted the ball home passed the on-rushing goalie, Tonkin, therefore, it was 3-0 at the final whistle.
Zac Attwood was awarded the Crows Man of the Match and well deserved it was too, he had an outstanding game from start to finish, covering the whole pitch from front to back and his hold up play and workrate were first class.
The Crows now look forward to playing Chatham Town at home in their next fixture.