Brereton Lion marched into the 4th round of the Lichfield Charity Cup with a convincing win against Lichfield division one side Hussey Arms. Manager Corrigan was able to name an unchanged side from last week’s thrilling Staffs cup win, with Matty Hackett named as the only sub.
A delayed start to the morning for the lion, with last night’s Christmas party taking an effect on most of the squad! The wrong kit was brought to the game and most players arrived late and bleary eyed. This resulted in no time for a Lion warm up and this played in a part in an early injury for new signing Danny Conroy. Only two minutes in and Conroy felt a sharp pain in his hamstring and had to be replaced. A big blow for the Lions singing superstar who had brought along his glamorous WAG to watch him in action. On came Italian winger Matty Hackett to take his place on the right wing.
It was obviuos after only five minutes that the Lion were going to be a class above the opposition. Hussey Arms tried to test Dan Cushen with some early hopeful long balls. The start of the game was a bit scrappy, with both sides trying to boss the midfield. Once again Lion had gym fanatic Jake Daley screening the defence with Sam Deeley alongside him. The usually placid Mr Deeley was trying his best to score a goal to make up for his “Rice throwing “tantrum the night before.
Cunningham and Hackett were switching flanks and scaring the home defence with their pace. The Lion opened the scoring when an accurate Cowlishaw free kick was met with a superb directional header from JR Dutton, 2in 2 for the number 9. The Lion looked strong whenever the ball was moved quickly, but perhaps they were guilty of trying too many “Hollywood” balls instead of keeping it simple. The Lion defence of Cockayne, Cushen, Southwell and Franklin were looking well up for it and were dealing well with any Hussey Arm attacks.
Goal number two for the Lion came on 35 minutes. Matty Hackett made a superb run in from the right flank, evading two meaty tackles before skilfully guiding his shot past the roly poly keeper. 2-0 and a superb individual goal for a player who has been rushed off his feet with work the last few weeks and unfortunately having to miss matches.
The Lion probably could, and should have had more goals before the half time whistle, with a few goalmouth scrambles.
HT 2-0, Manager Corrigan was still not overly happy, sensing that some players were doing just enough to win the match and not busting a gut like the week before.
The second half kicked off with The Lion always looking to play good football. Once again it was pleasing to see so many players showing for the ball and trying to play positive, attacking football on the deck. Jr Dutton spurned good chance to get his brace when a superb through ball from Deeley released him one on one; however much to his team mate’s surprise JR narrowly shot wide.
Hussey Arms had a few minor chances, with an effort against the woodwork and a goal line clearance, but overall they never really threatened, and when they did attack Dan Cushen was in top form and determined to get his first clean sheet in a while.
The Lion made it 3-0 on the hour when a very clever piece of work from Cunny allowed Cowlishaw the chance to run and shoot at goal. Cunny, with the refs permission but not known to anyone else (Not even Me!) rolled the free kick a yard, Cowlishaw , after a bollocking from Cunny, switched on to the plan and skilfully dribbled around a defender and smashed home a powerful shot from eighteen yards out. Centre back Ben Cushen claimed the goal was his but the “Dubious Goals Panel” ruled in favour of midfield maverick Cowlishaw.
Ben Cushen nearly got his “Own” goal when a real powerful header, accompanied by a growl, was headed downwards but the tubby keeper saved well.
Too be fair The Lion could be accused of taking their foot of the gas a bit at this point. The game was over but it would have been nice, and perhaps greedy, to ask for a few more goals. Cunningham and Hackett were coming in for some seriously bad tackles and the ref probably should have produced some yellow cards.
Massive credit to the lion though. A horrible pitch, a team full of hangovers and some absent players and still the Lion produced the goods!
MOM= (Man of the Match) Sam Cowlishaw for bossing the midfield, winning plenty of headers and providing a real goal threat. Credit to everyone though as two weeks in a row everyone has had solid games and worked as a team to get into the next round of these great cups.
Crimbo break now: Next game a charity match against The Veterans on the 30th December.
Massive thank you to Zoe Cowen for bringing Jam to football!
