Despite a battling performance in adverse conditions, Boots conceded the decisive goal of a close match with only 2 minutes of extra time remaining to crash out of the EMPAL Cup to Burton Joyce B of Division Two.
On a perfect playing surface, it was the strong wind that had a massive effect on the structure of the game. In the first half Boots played with the wind, and put the Burton goal under pressure with a number of good chances as Rowan and Paul both saw headers creep narrowly over, while Patto had a low shot saved. The Boots midfield and defence battled extremely well and won almost every high ball, with Paul and Fletch causing Burton problems during set pieces and Luke Smith confidently tidying up at the back. Finally Boots opened the scoring; Danny’s corner bounced around the area before Rowan managed to pop a header towards the back-post where Man of the Match Fletcher (marked by two men) was there to crash the ball into the net. Boots continued to press but no further goals came in the half, with Burton only coming close once when a header dribbled across the goalmouth but missed everyone.
With the wind now working against them, Boots had to concentrate on keeping the ball down in the second half as Neil’s goal-kicks were whipped back towards him, and the opposition began to take advantage as they brought on a big player to try and nullify Paul and Simon in the centre. From a corner Burton forced home the equaliser as a high curling ball was squeezed in at the back-post. From another corner they were given the opportunity to take the lead as Simon somehow fouled their attacker (using his backside!) and a spot-kick was awarded. The mis-kicked penalty went the opposite way to Neil, and ‘BJ’ were 2-1 up. Finally Boots began to string passes together and a well-worked move between Danny and Brett released Rowan down the right, who wrestled beyond his marker and whipped the ball across the face of the goal for Paul to prod home at the back-post. Burton were clearly rattled and Patto almost grabbed the winner when he half-volleyed Luke Turner’s corner narrowly wide, but finally the ref blew for 90 minutes.
Boots once again used the wind to push for the winner as Extra Time began. The best chance of the first half fell to Luke Turner who crashed a lobbed shot onto the bar, but the rebound fell just wide of Paul. In the second half Burton made Neil produce a number of good saves to keep them at bay and penalties looked inevitable. However, a controversial off-side decision denied Rowan a free-run on goal, before ‘BJ’ grabbed the winner as a free-kick from their right was tapped home in the 5 yard box.
Regardless of the result, it was a good team performance with plenty of fight, and everyone showed great commitment and stamina for the entire 120 minutes despite the draining conditions and some questionable refereeing decisions! I will now finish with the ‘Press Report’ from the EMPAL website. I hope Paul and Fletch enjoy their 5 minutes of fame! Oh, hang on…
"Burton Joyce B team took 120 minutes to beat Boots Wednesday 3-2 after extra time. Ending 2-2 after 90 minutes with Boots taking their isolated chances through Hatcher and Aldin whilst Roman Eason with a header and James Moon with a pen kept it all square. Sub Jake Shepherd came on and claimed the winner."
