Another great cup day to add to the many that have gone before over the past year or so.  The League Cup seems to bring the best of us and we had already notched up impressive wins along the way to the semis. (Crusaders 4-0, Shenley 4-0, Hanbury 3-0).  With the pressures of the Premier League put to one side, we needed to bounce back, and fast, after last week’s shocker at Cadbury. 
 

We changed the shape slightly and moved personnel around to counter CCC who would be arriving in a confident mood on the back of several wins in recent weeks that has seem them go to the top of Division 1.   
 

The early stages suggested that there would not be too much between the teams.  We kicked up hill and against the breeze and we knew a solid 1^st half would be required.  The midfield battle was good to watch.  We seemed better on the ground but we lost far too much of the aerial battle. 
 

Dylan and Ry Hickman were adjusting to their new roles and it was Dyl who looked our liveliest player going forward in the 1^st half. 
 

Mark and Pete were back in defence and there was a definite togetherness about the back 4.  We have not defended well as a unit for a while and today the lads worked well together and communicated better than in previous weeks. 
 

Jacko was seeing most of the action up his wing.  Rob was quick to help out as CCC gained the territorial advantage.  Positively for us we limited Cs to long range efforts and set pieces.  Steve tipped over well and Dayle was winning crucial headers at the set plays. 
 

As the half wore on we crept forward.  Ryan Hickman was by now seeing more of the game and his neat touches and clever passing were opening Cs up.  Dyl was still buzzing around but I felt we needed to get Matt and Rob supporting a little quicker in attack. 
 

We did have some half chances.  Jacks long throws kept evading everybody.  Dyl was once again the only player for us who looked determined to challenge in the air.  Hickman put a dangerous ball in just before half time but it was to no avail.  0-0 and we were very pleased with our display.  Particularly at the back. 
 

We knew the game was there for the taking as them elements were now in our favour.  We started the 2^nd half as we had finished the 1^st.  Hickman was again the architect and heavily involved in the play.  Matty, Rob and Gray were oozing confidence and we were playing some lovely football.  The composure all over the park was at a higher level than we have produced of late.  Peter emphasised this several times, adding to what I believe to be his best display of the season. 
 

We needed a goal and it couldn’t have gone to a more deserving player.  Dyl had been lively throughout and Grahams through ball put him in on goal.  Dyl raced on to it and coolly slotted it past the on coming keeper. 1-0. 
 

1 became 2 as Hickman skinned his man and fed Halloran.  Mike kept his great run going with a contender for goal of the season.  A dipping, bending shot from distance left the keeper with no chance.  2-0. 
 

CCC changed their forwards over as Mark, Dayle, Jacko and Pete had seen them off with solid, no nonsense play.  Dayle put in at least 3 perfectly timed tackles in the 2^nd half when we could have been in trouble. 
 

Our 3^rd goal was the most pleasing for me as we got a midfielder bursting forward.  Matty collected the ball in midfield and surged through the Cs players.  A perfect pass to Mike and he was in to lash home number 3.  3-0. 
 

Our lads enjoyed the comfort of the lead and some of our best football was now on display.  Graham was often at the heart of it. 
 

A late goal for the Cs would not deny us our win and the lads could leave feeling very proud of the way that they conducted themselves today.  James and Ry didn’t really get chance to play a part but full credit to them for encouraging the lads all the way through the game.  Both of those players have scored goals in this cup run and the whole squad have earned their place in the final. 
 

Last year we had a terrific day out that was only dented by the result against a strong Cadbury side.  This year we can put the nerves to one side.  How about going one better? 
 

 

Steve