OUR BOYS HOLD THEIR NERVE IN A TENSE THRILLER

An action packed quarter final bought the Ravens very best fighting qualities out against yet another Premiership team Shenley Radford.  We have not exactly had it easy with the cup draw this season so to be in two semi finals is a massive achievement for a division 1 team.

We were at full strength with the exception of Scotty and we made just 1 change from the team that beat Chelmsley.  Stokes came in for Halloran and the returning Henners would start on the bench.

The impressive Shenley side is littered with players who have been on trial with the big midlands clubs.  It was clear to see in the early stages that there was a lot of pace and class about the Shenley forwards.  Mark and co would have their work cut out at the back against strong forwards.

A nervous start almost saw us fall behind in the 1st minute of the game.  We took 10 minutes to settle and in that time we rode our luck but defended bravely to stay in the game.

We began to get a foothold in the game.  Our midfield began to boss most tackles and Dayles pace looked a threat against the full back.  The game was scrappy and end to end with both defences on top.

A good move resulted in Dyl putting the ball in the net only for the ref to harshly give a free kick to Shenley.  It was fairly obvious that the defender tripped over himself and Dyl didn’t touch him.  Dyl was lively in the 1st half and was our most likely player.

The defence stood firm against a strong wind and slope. Jacko put in a crunching tackle to lift the team Mark was beginning to handle the strong forward.  Half time and 0-0 was a creditable score in those conditions.

We introduced Henner’s and Sonny and we immediately improved.  Henner’s spiced up the midfield area with biting tackles.  Rob had moved further infield and was having a good influence on the game.  The front three seemed to be getting more of the ball but chances were few and far between.

Shenley always offered a threat, particularly with the long throw and corners.  Matt B was coming into his own and the ever-reliable Mikey C was having one of his best games of the season at left back.

The game needed a goal and it got one that will be remembered for a long time.  MARK crushed a free kick in from distance.  Unstoppable, to put the Ravens ahead.

There was a long time to go and we would obviously have to weather the storm.  We defended bravely and the lads kept together.  Even when the game was at boiling point we battled through.  Robbo’s energy was a key factor here and Mark and Matt delivered several last ditch tackles.

We had an opportunity to seal the win when Robbo shot straight at the keeper.  Within a minute Shenley broke forward and after a great save from Steveo the equaliser came. 1-1.

Extra time, and it could go either way.  The game was still evenly contested with limited chances at either end.  A shootout looked inevitable and that’s what we got.  Our record in shootouts has been 100% win over the years.  Mark, Ry and Henner’s are regular takers and I opted for Sonny and Gray for the other two.

The shootout was as intense as the game.

• Mark – scored             Shenley missed 1-0

• Ryan- saved                 Shenley scored 1-1

• Henner’s-scored           Shenley scored 2-2

• Sonny – scored            Shenley scored 3-3

• Gray – scored              Shenley scored 4-4

So, even penalties could not separate the teams and on to sudden death we went.

• Matty – scored             Shenley scored 5-5

• Halloran – scored         Shenley missed 6-5

Finally the thrilling game was over and the Ravens did the unthinkable and reached another semi. 

Credit to both teams for a great game.  Shenley have some great players and our lads had to raise their game to stick in there.  We can take credit from the fact that the game was fairly even.  A gritty display from our entire squad.  Defensively we were tremendous yet again.

Everybody is starting to take notice of our side.  You lads deserve your semi finals.  It couldn’t have happened to a nicer bunch.  You can go and enjoy it and play without pressure.  If you stick together like you have in recent months, we are a match for everybody. 

Steve