A couple of splendid goals from Aaron and one from Max illuminated an otherwise disjointed performance from Recreativo. A bobbly pitch, low sun and too much christmas probably didn't help.
Livingstone fielded 10 men - although it took some of us the first 45 minutes to realise it - as they packed the midfield and showed flashes of quality on the ball. One isolated striker threatened to embarrass our slowness and indecision. Twice they hit the woodwork and once, to his credit, the number 13 stayed on his feet when a tap to the ankles in the penalty area might have drawn a different reaction from a less sporting side.
Soon enough though Aaron opened up with a deft turn, dribble and shot into the corner. Liam doubled the lead before half time after some sustained pressure and keep-ball by Reccy.
Playing the second half into a sun that hung low on the horizon, you could make out the shape of players but not the colour of their kit. More and more passes went astray. Post christmas legs began to fade.
But a third goal put us at ease and set up the last 15 minutes to be the best of the game - Ben sprinting down the left and putting in a great cross for Aaron to volley in.
Juices started flowing and, inevitably, Livis hit back, but the result never really felt in doubt. Max iced the cake when, seeing the goalie off his line, he executed an impudent lob from near the half way line.
Stand-out performances from Aaron and a hard working Dan Davis.
And Recreativo go rolling on.
This win saw us go top of the league for the first time - by a one-goal goal difference. Squeaky bum time?
Team: Adam Bradbury, Aaron Gayle (2), Max Bland (1), Liam Greenaway (1), Dan Hare, Dan Davis, Joao Spinola, Mario Pisano, Jimmie Lloyd, Joe Dunthorne, Tino Hernandez, Joe Grubb, Ben Chambers