TITLE

KNOWLE DRAGONS (3)

v

RAVENS (5)

Open Cup Round 2: 28/11/04

TEAM

Stokes

Askey Williams Cardall Barnes
Abbott
Evans M Barber
Mytton
Hill McLoughlin
Goal scorers: Hill (3) McLoughlin (2)

Subs 

Not used P.Barber

The 2nd round of the cup saw us come up against fellow Division 1 team Knowle Dragons.  We won a tough league game there 4-3 earlier this season so it was going to be a battle

It was freezing cold and very wet but our support was out in force.  We warmed up and encouraged the lads to go and win this one early as the longer it went on the conditions would worsen and the game would get scrappier.

Ten minutes in and 1-0 so the lads had certainly started well.  Graham latched on to a Henner’s pass to finish.  A similar goal made it 2-0 with James Barnes also involved.  Henner’s and Mark contributed to a fabulous 3rd to complete Grahams hat trick.

In between all of this we defended resolutely with Deano and James particularly good in the 1st half.  James got forward better than in recent weeks.  Linking up well with the dangerous Matty Barber who was once again running his old club ragged.  Defensively we coped well in difficult conditions but slack marking from a corner let Knowle back in the game.

The game was killed off with Dylans goals just before and after half time.  A simple tap in followed by a great goal showing great control and strength and cool finishing.  Dylan has made a big impact in his short time with us.  After seeing him for half an hour at little league I knew he had something in him and he more than showed his capabilities in his first full game for us.

After our 5th goal we switched off a tad, which was disappointing to me but understandable.  I guess I can let my high standards drop just a tad once in a while.

5-3 winners, and fairly convincing at that.  Into the last 16 and we are fairly sure to land one of the bigger boys.  So we can all look forward to that.

Well don’t lads in difficult conditions.  You got the job done.

Next up is the Heathway and that will be a much sterner test going into the xmas break.  I'm sure you will all welcome Sonny back.  And we are all relying on Jimmy Barnes to give him a tough time.

Steve