Despite an extremely close first half in which both Boots and a technical Charlton Arms side were restricted to long range shots, a lack of discipline and composure finally cost Boots any chance of a County Cup run as they lost 5-0 in a tetchy and disappointing game.
After a nervy start in which Hawrylak, SuBo and Brett successfully cleared everything thrown at them, Pete, Sicky and Patto, assisted by Chibbert and Rowan on the flanks, began to break down the Charlton Arms play, with Bally and Dean attempting to find space behind a jittery defence. In a half of very little flair, not helped by the extremely bouncy ball, both teams saw long distance efforts go wide, with very little penetration along the ground. Charlton Arms took the lead just before half time when a quick throw by the corner flag was crossed and converted before the Boots defenders could even say “Foul Throw!”
After the break Boots continued to work hard, but tension grew as a number of fouls and niggles went unpunished, and several Boots players began to lose their composure as frustration at bad decisions and misplaced passes grew. Charlton added a second from a header (that Simon flagged offside) before Pete, who had been winding up the referee throughout the game, was booked for cantankerously catching a through-ball on half-way. Rowan then conceded a penalty (and was subsequently booked) for a strong shoulder barge in the box, and Charlton extended their lead, although Phil was unlucky to see the ball squirm under him (and an attacker was 5 yards into the area by the time the ball was kicked, despite the referee warning the Boots players that the kick would be retaken if the spot kick was missed and anyone trespassed in the area). Pete then saw red as he knocked away another through-ball with his fist for his second yellow, before Griff’s 10 minute cameo ended with a straight red as he was caught late by a Charlton player, and then calmly reacted by trying to undress him whilst kicking him in the shoulder. Despite the clear disadvantage, Boots then created their best chances as Man of the Match SuBo and Patto both went close following goalmouth scrambles, while Phil made some excellent saves along the ground, but ultimately Charlton extended their lead as a beleaguered and ashamed Boots decided that they should concentrate on the EMPAL Cup instead...
