Central United’s Linus Backman scored five as his side went on the rampage, beating bottom side Lynn-Avon United 9-1 in a Tuesday night NRF Men’s Championship clash.
The 25-year-old Swedish-born attacker took Lynn-Avon apart at their Ken Maunder Park ground, running up a hat-trick in the first 16 minutes of the game.
By half-time, Backman had five goals to his name and Central were in charge, leading 6-1.
Main photo: Linus Backman … five goals by half-time. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
Central’s other scorer in the first spell was Brandon James, while Lynn-Avon’s sole reply had come from Blake Semp.
After half-time, Central took their foot off the pedal, adding another through James in the 69th minute.
The home side rang the changes, bringing five outfield players off the bench in the second spell.
However, Lynn-Avon wilted again, conceding an 88th-minute goal to substitute Frederik Olsen and then coughing up an own goal in the final minute, attributed to Pongton Ravivattanavong.
The win takes Central United to within three points of competition leaders Papatoetoe, and they have a game in hand.
Most importantly, the winning margin from Central’s latest outing vastly improves their goal difference — and that might prove vital at season’s end.
Result
Game played on Tuesday August 16, 2022
Lynn-Avon United 1 (Blake Semp 25′)
Central United 9 (Linus Backman 3′, 8′, 16′, 17′, 41′, Brandon James 26′, 69′, Frederik Olsen 88′, own goal 90′)
Standings
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