THE CUP FINAL

A year on and we were back at Chelmsley Town for a repeat of last years final against Cadbury.  The same result but a much closer game and much more disappointment in losing a game that we believe was there for the taking.

Last years final was very much about the “day out” as we had never reached a final before and we were heavy underdogs against a classy and experienced Cadbury side.  We lost that game 3-1 but in truth the game was over after 15 minutes when we were 2-0 down.  This final was so different and had we taken our chances, who knows.  1 or 2 big decisions went against us that may have changed the out come of the game in a massive way, but I take nothing away from Cadbury who showed the strength of their squad in a match where they were without a couple of big players.  We were also down to the bare 13 as Ross is cup tied.

Before I get to the game, I have to commend the lad’s attitudes over the past 2 weeks.  We have trained as hard for this game as ever before.  We felt fully prepared and there was a confidence and a togetherness that has been missing at times this season.

Selection was a nightmare as we tried to put together a midfield that would be without Ross, Mark and Matt who have all played there of late.  As usual I turned to our “go to” man when I had a problem.  I approached Pete two weeks ago and mentioned my midfield dilemma, and before I had even finished the question he had said “I’ll do it”.  Pete would partner Rob and they knew that they would have to run themselves into the ground if we were to have a chance.  Dayle was in at left back and Graham was the surprise choice upfront.

Our warm up went well and the lads were fired up in the dressing room and we went out confident.  We couldn’t have asked for a better start as our lads were straight out of the blocks.  We won the early exchanges and were rewarded with an early goal.  Steve’s long punt bounced over the defender.  Mike pressured the sweeper and his misplaced header went past the keeper.  Mike followed in to tap us in front.  We needed the 1^st goal for belief and once we had it I was convinced it would be our day.

We continued to press for the next 10 minutes and Dyl and Ryan were causing problems out wide.  Graham was involved in everything and our best move of the game resulted in Rob’s great cross just evading Dyl at the back post.  Mike and Graham then both shot just wide as we looked for number 2.

Cadburys were as dangerous as ever going forward and Dayle was our hero twice in the early stages with late tackles.

The equaliser came soon after and it was a goal worthy of a cup final.  A shot on the turn from outside the box gave Steve no chance.  Game on.

Then came the incident that could have made the game so different.  The Cadbury midfielder kicked out at Rob and although we were awarded a free kick, no further action was taken.  Nobody likes to see players sent off but we have seen people go for a lot less this season.  The linesman stood next to me said the player “had to go” but no action was taken.  I will just say that I can think of one or two teams in the Prem whose players and fans would have been in up roar and made a lot more of it.  Well done to our lads and supporters for letting the ref make the decision and get on with the game.

Toward the end of the half we tired and Cadbury got on top.  The 2^nd goal came when their forward barged through Marks challenge before scoring.

The lads still believed we could do it and although we had put so much into the early stages, we were going to have another go at it.  Dayle came off injured for James.

There isn’t too much to say about the 2^nd half as both sides tired and the game slowed down.  Cadbury were better than us in this half although I felt we shaded the 1^st.  The Cadbury lads rarely give away a pass and we were guilty of being very sloppy in possession. 

Our best chances came from 2 free kicks from Graham.  Both were well blocked.

Stevo made a good late save and Matt was impressive at the back.  Pete and Rob battled away and Graham was still looking a threat.  We tried to go all out in the last 5 minutes and we were quickly hit on the break.  3-1.

The 3^rd goal gave the game an unfair complexion but I think most people would say Cadburys shaded a tight game and deserved their win.

Well done to the lads and thank you for putting everything you had into the last 2 weeks.  I was very proud to watch you yesterday and nobody can say that you didn’t give it your all.

Steve