Veteran keeper Tom Riley atoned for an earlier error with a stunning sudden death penalty save to see an edgy Clapham Alex into the quarter finals of the CLSSL Cup.
The wily old shot-stopper was at the heart of the action in a game of mixed fortunes for the Alex. With only 11 men on a brisk Clapham Common the former skipper stepped forward to don the legendary two left handed gloves, to be subjected for a day between the sticks. With a new look back 4 in front, one suspected this could prove a difficult afternoon for an Alex side against a team high on confidence and leading the division below.
The Alexandra started brightly though and with no little quality. Dominating possession, cutting through Junction with short incisive passing. Up front Mantell and Jamie bullied the Junction centre-backs while Goodman and Allcott pulled the strings in centre midfield.
The breakthrough came early, as a 10 pass team move found Goodman alone just in-side the of the box finishing with aplomb. 8 from 6 this season for the fleet footed trickster. The Alex will look back and wonder following the goal why they couldn’t kill the game off in a half where Junction could hardly get out of their half, but some dogged defending meant only a 1-0 lead going in to the second half.
The second half started in a similar vain to the first. Black, Minchin, Stroud and Sax composed at back. And the Alex dominating possession further up the pitch. It wasn’t long before the league was extended. A devastating set piece from Allcott found the glancing head of Mantell who buried the ball with composure. Game won? No.
A bit of complacency crept in as Alex felt the victory was surely in the bag. Their opponents to their credit got stuck and started winning more of ball. They also started going more direct, possibly suspecting the man in goal with two left handed gloves was maybe not the young Tafferel they originally suspected.
A fierce drive from the edge of the box brought a fine save from the understudy, just tipping the ball over the bar. Calls of ‘just catch-it, it was only waist high’ were exaggerated and unhelpful. The danger was seen away.
Junction’s persistence reaped rewards though. as a long cross come shot effectively lobbed the pint size stopper. Nerves set in as throughout the team as Junction just sent bomb after bomb into the box. Most were mopped by the back 4, but one ball into the corridor of uncertainty brought Riley into no-mans land where he was let floundering as the striker headed past him. Head in hands, full time 2-2.
Straight to penalties. Stroud uses the interval to ask Riley if he really wants to go in goal for them, and if he was sure it was a good idea. Boosting Riley’s confidence, as Stroud looked to snatch the gloves. Riley declines, and walks to the goal.
Both sides start the penalty shoot-out with deadly efficiency. Tiahan notably put daemons to bed from last year’s cup shoot-out as he cleanly slotted the ball home, a credit to his character. Both side were netting with confidence, both keepers well beaten. Until 10-9 sudden death. FC Junctions centre-back stood up having to score. Riley had worked out now you have to dive a little bit before they kick it, he stared back. He looked into defenders soul and saw fear, he saw bottom right. The kicker runsWith cat like reflexes, Riley sprang to his left full stretch, the penalty towards the corner was hard and true, But so was the hand that met it. The ball tipped away. Pandemonium.
An on rush of team mates, cheers, elation, but Riley on feels only confusion, bewilderment, was it really all over? Had time really slowed for those few seconds. Who knows, the team swamp him.
Alex walk away winners with a great story to tell. Tougher challenges await in a cup Alex crave and stronger performances will be needed. But who knows after that day, maybe anything is possible.
