3M started 2012 with a cup tie v The Plough. With The Plough unbeaten this season it was going to require 3M to be at the top of their game to progress to the next round. Things didn't start well with 3M playing way too many loose passes which meant they struggled to get an early foothold in the game. The Plough took the lead after 3M gave the ball away down their left hand side which resulted in a cross which Atkins could only just get a glove to, the ball fell to a Plough player who lashed it into the net. 3M got a couple of free kicks and corners from which Tyler's delivery always gave The Plough's defence something to think about. 3M's best chance came following a smart one-two between Tyler and Beynon, as Beynon went through towards goal a last ditch tackle meant he was unable to get a shot away, the loose ball came Dunnet's way but his shot went straight at the keeper. Just before the break The Plough doubled their lead, Atkins parried a Plough shot which left the ball in the six yard box, as Earl lay on the ground following a slip The Plough players converged to put the ball in the net. Alas Earl turned keeper and flicked the ball away with his hand, penalty! The Plough forward sent Atkins the wrong way. Half Time 2-0. Into the second half and 3M knew they had to up their performance if they were to stand any chance of progressing into the next round. They certainly upped their level of performance with The Plough being penned in their own half. Dunnet had a great chance to claw a goal back early on when a cross from Stark found him at the back post unfortunately his right footed volley went just wide of the upright. As 3M piled on the pressure Tyler tried a long range lob which agonisingly hit the roof of the net. 3M finally managed to half the deficit after a long punt was controlled by Beynon who laid it off to Tyler, Tyler played Dunnet in down the left with a defence splitting pass. Dunnet weighed up his options before squaring the ball to the onrushing Tyler who placed the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area. This spurred The Plough back into action with Burn and Stark crowding out a swift break and Atkins producing the first of 2 outstanding saves. Following a corner to The Plough, 3M looked to push out after the corner had been taken, the ball found it's way to the back post and as The Plough player struck his shot at goal from 8 yards out Atkins dived and stuck out an arm to divert the ball over the bar. Edmonds had a chance to draw the sides level with a dipping volley after a throw in which went just wide. The Plough extended their lead shortly after, a cross from the left winger was met at the near post with a header into the top corner, 3-1. Atkins then produced a banks-esque save from a point blank header which he somehow managed to get down to and flick it over the bar. Despite 3M much improved second half performance the first half had left them just too much to do. Although The Plough play at a higher level 3M were certainly not disgraced and more than matched their opponents. This bodes well for the future with the knowledge that 3M can step up another level without any problem. With the cup competitions now exited the club can fully focus on the league with the prospect of a shot at claiming the title. With several good performances the mom went to Stark for he's unbelievable work rate at both ends of the pitch!!
