(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat Storm continued its good start to the season, with a hard fought 4-3 victory over All Stars at its home ground at the British School Muscat recently.
All Stars looked to be the most confident in possession during the opening exchanges, and enjoyed the majority of possession but it was unable to breakdown a resolute home defence marshalled by Jamie Beddows and Joe Bunn.
Storm took some time to get to grips with the visitors, but as it did it looked dangerous on the counter with the pace of KG Mangoeape, causing the visitors many problems.
As the half progressed Storm started to settle and matched the visitors and started to create its own chances.
Both Yasser al Soufi and Omar al Haziazi gelled well and started to create some openings. In the 19th minute, Soufi was set free by a splitting pass from man of the match, Dave McCurracch, who found space and his cheeky backheel fell to Lee Ebbutt had the latter curl the ball into the top corner giving the keeper no chance.
A goal up, Storm could have increased its lead soon when Haziazi broke down the right only to see his shot ricochet off the post. In the 36th minute the home side extended its lead when Oli Myhill released Haziazi, who sent the ball across the six-yard box for Soufi to smash the ball home.
In the second-half, All Stars upped the tempo and during a torrid 15-minute spell, it drew level through Sanchez, one being a superbly-executed free-kick. The introduction of Dom Gauci gave Storm a boost but it was the visitors who took the lead in the 76th minute when Ahmed al Habsi followed up a deflected shot and slotted in the goal.
Storm fought back and Gauci scored the equaliser and pushed hard for a winner. Ebbutt's pass from a quick throw, split the rival defence and Haziazi was upended leading to a spot kick. Haziazi scored to help Storm continue its successful start to the season.
Later, Storm manager Ebbutt said, 'All Stars is a great team, and we always enjoy playing against it. The game was fast, and we showed great character to come back after giving away a two-goal lead. We need to avoid the silly mistakes, and we can continue to improve."
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