It was a first meeting between Affinity and Bilton for this quarter final cup clash. An early change of shirts was required with Affinity pulling on the grey of Streams of Life.
The start of the game was nip and tuck with both sides feeling their way into the game slowly. Bilton tested the Affinity defence early doors and Jobo in particular ensured that tackles were effective and balls were well cleared.
As in recent games Affinity found themselves a goal behind and playing catch up when they failed to deal with a long throw with ball being played out to left and Dale beaten from a tight angle.
Affinity’s response was effective though and within 10 minutes we were level with Josh P prodding home a Lee cross, with Bilton rueing not clearing their lines as Affinity had minutes earlier. Plenty of endeavour followed with Affinity nearly taking the lead with Lee just failing to reach a cross shot from Josh P.
A half time switch was necessary with Josh S replacing Lee who had turned his ankle in trying to reach the through ball minutes before half time. The second half was a more open affair with both sides pushing forward for the next goal. Neither side were able to gain the control that they hoped their endeavour would be rewarded with.
Bilton would strike first though with a penalty being given as Dale took a bit of man and ball following the defence’s failure to clear a ball following a Bilton attack. The somewhat cocky penalty was placed in the left corner giving Dale no chance.
With plenty of time still remaining there was no sense of panic with Affinity’s play and steady pressure began to mount. The equalising goal would be a bitter blow for Bilton as the goalie allowed a fairly weak shot from Josh P to slip through his hands and into the goal.
As the game edged towards extra time Dale made a brave save at the feet of a Bilton attacker that brought him a yellow card for his reckless challenge. Affinity’s winner came 10 minutes from the end. Jordan’s well placed free kick beat the goalie but came back off the bar with Gary reacting quickest to place the ball in the net.
Bilton pushed men forward but Affinity’s defence held firm seeing the game out. A hard fought victory in the end with the manner of the second goal somewhat fortunate. Affinity move onto a semi final only 90 minutes away from a 2nd cup final in a row.
Man of the match goes to Jobo whose all action performance contributed greatly to the win
