British Airways County Cup campaign came to a disappointing end after a semi-final defeat against 10-man Hounslow Post at a gusty Concorde Club on wednesday.
Expectation was high in the pre-match dressing room as BA looked to continue their good run of form with county cup glory. In a new Navy kit emblazoned with JST as the sponser, BA fielded an extremely strong starting 11. Barry replacing the injured Knox in goal, Macca, Twitch, Pig and the returning Sexton in defence, Ben, Scotch, Ranger, Browny and Steve Redding making up a 5-man midfield, and with Paul Leslie alone up front, BA had every right to feel confident. The opening twenty minutes began like a boxing match; both teams sparring against each other without gaining control of the game. BA's passing game did create chances for Leslie and Scotch who tested the keeper respectively but Postal held firm. With the wind blowing a gale and the Referee not allowing the game to flow both teams became frustrated with 2 bookings each in quick succession. It was evident the conditions were having a real effect on the game and chances would be hard to come by, but Postals first fine move of the game broke the deadlock. A long clearance from the keeper was met by the head of the Postal striker who's looping flick fell perfectly for his partner to run clear of the defence and fire confidently past the despairing Marchena. The first half action wasn't over though and with just a couple of minutes to go, Postal were reduced to 10 men; the centre midfielder shown a second yellow for a poorly timed tackle.
With some stern words from manager Healy at the halftime interval, every BA player went out knowing they needed to improve their game if they were to progress to the final. Postal knew that with a man short it would be a case of backs to the wall and counter attack when possible. This wasn't really the case though as BA continually failed to take advantage of the extra man. Poor passing and too many long balls allowed the Postal team to defend comfortably. Smith replaced Macca just before the hour mark and Pig switched to right back to allow him to push forward more but still BA failed to test the opposition keeper. A long range strike from Ranger as good as BA produced. With continuing frustration going forward, BA were punished with a second Postal goal of real class. The outstanding Postal striker skipping past a challenge before spotting Marchena of his line and firing a dipping shot into the net. Two nil down and BA were in real trouble. Pig moved up front to support the attack but BA's poor passing and movement still failed to trouble Postal. BA were handed a lifeline with 10 minutes to go, Hogan adjudged to have been pushed in the box and the referee not hesitating to point to the spot. Reddings stepped up confidently but could only watch as his penalty came back off the post and was cleared to safety. Healy knew they were beaten and could only watch in dismay as his team started 'pointing fingers' and blaming each others abilities. The final whistle came without further incident and Hounslow Postal had desevedly progressed to the final.
It was a very disappointing day for British Airways Midweek, not just the result, but the manner in which some players conducted themselves on the pitch. It can be accepted to be beaten if you play to your own ability but this was not the case. BA collectively and individually were not good enough on the day.
