A quick return for LOWFORS to Coundon for the first round of the cup. Being a LOWFORS fixture it wasn't a surprise to learn that heavy rain was forecast!
Affinity started the game on the front foot, a reversal from the earlier league game where LOWFORS took a 2 goal lead early doors. Hampered by their keeper not arriving until 15 minutes in LOWFORS were fortunate not to find themselves behind when Jamie's shot from the edge of the box struck the bar.
With LOWFORS up to 11 they settled into a better shape but Affinity remained on top with Luke forcing a fine save with the keeper touching his shot onto the bar. Affinity eventually made the pressure count when a goal bound shot from Luke was bundled into the net by the keeper.
A period of heavy rain made it increasingly difficult to control the ball and LOWFORS seemed to cope better with these conditions and the balance of the power shifted to the team in red. An equaliser started to look increasingly likely and it came from a ball not cleared effectively on the left and Gilly had to attack the cross with an unfortunate ricochet flying past a diving Gary B into the corner of the net. A critical goaline clearance by Charlie kept the scores level as Affinity struggled to get any real structure to their game for the rest of the first half.
Silver Fox increasingly became a significant figure for LOWFORS winning most of the headers from goal kicks from either side and stirring his players on. Affinity forced a number of corners but were not able to make the in roads they had in the previous game with Mosaic.
The second half became an open affair with other teams looking for the lead. Affinity fashioned a number of chances with Will and Luke both testing the LOWFORS keeper. Attacks from both sides of the pitch were a feature of the second half with Josh S and James stretching the defence on the right and Charlie, Jobo and Luke linking nicely on the left.
The winning goal came from a cool finish by Mike who had worked tirelessly in midfield, he controlled the ball and placed it with his left foot into the corner of the net as a number of defenders tried to close him down.
LOWFORS also fashioned a number of chances in the second half and changed formation to a 3-4-3 after Affinity's second goal. Gary B made a number of key saves pushing shots away with strong hands. With the pitch and ball greasy his handling was really good and confidence is growing and impacting those around him. Gilly in particular made some fine sliding tackles to keep LOWFORS attackers getting shots off.
The best chance in the final 10 minutes fell to Gary C who found himself unmarked on the penalty spot but his header slipped a foot past the post with the keeper no where.
Man of the match goes to Mike for his around performance and cool finish to win the game for Affinity. Special mentions to Gilly and Gary B for their defensive displays in difficult weather conditions
