WE CAME, WE BATTLED, WE CONQUERED

Subs

• Stokes for Palmer

• Abbott for Halloran

The Open Cup has draw has always been a little unfair to us and it was no different this year.  Oaklands are a side full of Academy players and they have not lost in the league for the last 2 years.  That should give you an indication to the level our win today.

I would not say that this was the perfect footballing performance by any means but it was a near perfect defensive performance.  As a team all 11 players worked their socks off when we didn’t have possession.

This week we would be without Scotty and Mark due to injury.  Both have been big players for us so it was an even bigger ask for the lads who went in to fill their boots.  Peter played at centre back for the 1st time and Jack was back in at left back.

The midfield saw Sonny return to the right side and Rob was back in the middle to replace Mark.

Although Oaklands had a lot more of the ball in the 1st half we only really allowed them 1 clear-cut chance.  Stevo was quickly out to snuff out any attacks and Matt B & co were again in commanding form.

The midfield was brilliantly led by the in form Graham.  He has taken on the holding midfield role like a duck to water and he again, with the assistance of Rob, dominated the central midfield area.

Dayle and Sonny had to do a lot of defending in this game and they were a credit to themselves for being so disciplined.  Robbo was surging forward the way he was asked and was unlucky not to have a decent chance fall his way.

The forwards again gave there all and chased every lost cause and gradually we began to see more success going forward.  The goal that was worthy of winning any match came when Sonny sprang the offside trap after Grahams header over the top.  Sonny lobbed the keeper from fully 35/40 yards and with time running out we all though that would be enough.

Oaklands would not lie down and some of the classy players began to turn it on.  The brilliant Steve made a string of fine saves before finally being beaten with a few minutes left.

With extra time beckoning Dylan raced through only to be pulled down by the keeper.  Our usually taker Mark was not available so Ryan rolled up his sleeves and took on the responsibility.  This must have taken some bottle with only 2 minutes to go.  Ryan slotted it away as coolly as ever and the lads got a much deserved win for all of the hard work put in over the past few weeks.

I cannot praise everybody enough today.  Everybody on the side was delighted with how you battled away and grind out a great win.  We have a key league game with Moor Green next and I am confident that this squad can continue to improve on these classy displays.

Steve