BBOB went into this Cup semi final as the underdogs, Vista had beaten a below strength BBOB team earlier in the season and had some recent good results! Unfortunately for Vista, BBOB have improved vastly since their last encounter and have had some reasonable results in the last few weeks!
Vista started the game stronger and forced a few corners with their early possession, BBOB were able to deal with these but appeared to be stretched at the back. Vista seemed to rely on their long ball game which was starting to prove quite effective for them. However, against the run of play, central midfielder, Howard Lloyd (BBOB man of the match) picked up the ball in the middle of the park; beat two of the opposing players to find some space, before powering his shot beyond the stunned Vista keeper into the top of the net.
Vista seemed unfazed by this and continued to press BBOB with their long ball tactics, testing the BBOB defence. Goalkeeper Tom Jackson made some fine saves, which included palming the ball onto the cross bar, Vista hit the bar again shortly after this (and possibly once more?). Finally in the 37th minute, Vista equalised with a shot just inside the BBOB area, unsighted Tom Jackson was unable to react to it as the BBOB defence tried to close down the shot. 1-1 at half time.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first, with BBOB again camped in their own half, but this time the BBOB defence stood up well, the closest Vista came was hitting the post from close range early in the second half, a bit later on Tom Jackson tipped another Vista effort over the bar. BBOB struggled to sustain any real attacking play as the Vista defence appeared too strong.
Vista began to tire, as did BBOB, both teams made changes, BBOB replaced right midfielder Josh Staniforth (muscle pull) with Ben Wheatland & Alexi Shrimpton (cramp in both legs!!) with Craig Watson. With these changes BBOB appeared to make some attacking progress, forcing a couple corners and some other set pieces, but the dead ball delivery let the team down each time.
in the 89th minute, with both teams contemplating extra time and possibly a penalty shoot-out to decide the outcome, a BBOB attack was half cleared by Vista, Lee (Chief) Madigan played the ball to right back & captain Paul Barton on the edge of box. He took a touch, levelled himself and then unleashed a right foot shot across the keeper into the bottom left corner of the goal to put BBOB into their second cup final in three seasons!!
Vista had no response to this and appeared shell-shocked at the final whistle. It was obvious that the best team on the day had lost the game, but that is how football goes if you don't take your chances! BBOB fought hard for this result, and didn't give up, they did ride their luck though, let's hope this can continue in the remaining league games of the season and of course in the final!
