Despite a run of unconvincing performances from Pegasus Reserves, there was an upbeat vibe amongst the lads during the warmup. This was refelected on the pitch as Pegasus started the game with a ferocious attitude. The tempo of the game was high, the football on display was of good quality and the pressure they applied to the visiting team was relentless. FC Peterborough barely had a chance to settle into the game before they were a goal down. Just 4 minutes were on the clock before Sinky sent a curling cross/shot into the box from a diagonal angle 25 yards out, this ran straight through the bodies in the box and trickled into the far corner past a confused keeper. 1-0. Straight after, Pegasus continued to bully their way through any yellow shirt that was in front of them. This paid off 3 minutes later when Ants lofted a cute pass to Vadim who ran onto the ball and sent a powerful strike 25/30 yards out, which had far too much on it and lobbed the helpless FC Peterborouogh keeper. 2-0. The pace of the game remained high with Pegasus creating the lions share of the chances. None of which amounted to goals and the HT score was 2-0.
Second Half an immediate change was needed as Andy Silley had to go work and he was replaced by debutant Jake Moynagh in central midfield. FC Peterborough began creating a few half chances which was expected but not enough to trouble an organized Pegasus defence. The game then turned feisty with hard challenges going in, tussles between opposing players and some verbal abuse here and there, all of which began to make it a proper cup tie. Arron McGinty was then replaced after picking up a soft yellow card which pleased the opposition who had somewhat materialised the refs decision with their constant nagging and off the ball foul play on him. A reaction was always going to be inevitable. Scott Brady was bought into the game as his replacement and went out on the left of the front 3. In the 70th minute FC Peterborough got a goal they maybe deserved after a little spell of pressure, a rebounded save fell into the path of their striker who tapped the ball in to make it 2-1. The final 20 minutes had nothing much to offer, Pegasus comfortably grinded the game out without any danger and deservedly go into the next round. Final score 2-1.
A fantastic performance and a great result from the lads. League form was put to one side and the match was played with great confidence from minute one. Big difference having Jonny back in the sticks, his commanding voice has been a miss. The back four worked hard all game to keep an 'in form' team to a limited amount of chances. The midfield complimented each other with Sinky sitting and quietly going about his work with the usual flair he brings, Ants was playing like a man possessed. Andy's First half graft was swapped for a big presence in Jake second half. And the front 3 worked extremely hard and didnt give the FC Peterborough defence a minutes peace all game.
MOM was probably the toughest decision all season. 2 players (Hoggy and Ants) equally as good as one another which is refelcted with their 9.5 out of 10 rating. Ants gave a complete midfield performance, covering every blade of grass. He was booked in the first half which could have affected his performance, but all it did was fire him up. He needed at least 3 pockets in his shorts to tuck away the FC Peterborough players who tried to get near him. Hoggy rolled back the years and literally hammered anybody that got near him. He won every ball he went for, taking the opposing players down with him. The deciding factor has to be a moment where Hoggy slid in for the ball which then bounced a few feet in the air, Hoggy then threw his face towards the ball knowing he could have had a volley to the head .. thankfully he didnt. MOM Hoggy.
