Grantham Hospital Cup 2nd Round
Baston travelled to league rivals Cranmer Arms for this cup clash. Due to the recent weather, the pitch had suffered producing a hard uneven surface, so defensive mistakes were always likely.
Baston started brightly, and took the lead within ten minutes. Greg Rawlinson’s long ball was gambled on by Ben Hudson, who watched the ball bounce over the keeper’s attempted clearance leaving him with a tap in to an empty net. Greg Rawlinson was causing the Cranmer defense all sorts of problems with his running, and was brought down for a free kick 25 yards out. Ross O’Loughlin’s free-kick curled devilishly through the air and into the top corner, with the keeper falling into his net as he tried to get it away.
Baston thought they’d made it 3 just moments later, as another O’Loughlin free-kick came into the box, with Hudson cushioning a header down for Captain Simon Ward to slot home, but the referee blew his whistle for a foul in the box and let Cranmer’s shaky defense off the hook.
Baston continued to dominate, and had further chances to add to their lead; Greg Rawlinson got onto a flick on but dragged his shot just wide of the far post, and James Ward volleyed over the bar following a good counter attack.
Cranmer came into the game more, and had half chances to score, but usually were quite wayward with their shooting. They did however get a goal back after 30 minutes as a deep free-kick cannoned unfortunately off Simon Ward’s standing leg and fell to their striker who passed the ball into the net.
Baston restored the 2 goal margin before the break, Rawlinson raced down the wing and crossed for Matt Holdup to tuck away from close range.
Baston continued to hold strong in the second half against regular long balls from the Cranmer midfield, with Liam Davies and Matt Barnett containing the pressure well.
Baston had more chances to give them more breathing space, with Rawlinson and Holdup both dragging shots just wide. The most outrageous shot came from Mindy Valys who’s 60 yard free-kick was tipped over the bar well by the improved Cranmer keeper.
Baston remained solid and saw out the result, in a game they deserved to win.
Man of the match: Liam Davies
Baston: Tom Bedford, Mindy Valys, Matt Barnett (Rob Clarke), Liam Davies, Jon Howard, James Ward, Simon Ward (c), Ross O’Loughlin, Matt Holdup, Greg Rawlinson, Ben Hudson.
