Corinthians v Stambridge
1(1) v 2(2)
Edgar, M
Walton Cup Final
03.05.11
It was said that last nights final would be a white wash and a football lesson to be handed out by Stambridge. Not by anyone inside the club and now looking back not by anyone outside of it either. To lose a cup final is painful but to lose it being the best team and the team creating the most opportunities was a slight relief. A bittersweet pill, 60 minuets of domination against an Olympian league team and we were the better side. Over 90 minuets all that separated us from them was a wonder goal by Stambridge.
We were sluggish again to react from set pieces and throw-ons. This ultimately cost us the game. The second goal was direct from a throw which beat all our players cold and Stubbs smashed a wonder strike into the top corner. Hmmmmmph, a corker might be the description.
I’ll change focus now as I don’t want to detract any more from our game play, and our attacking spirit. We had 3 off the line, 3 over the bar, and a host of other opportunities that broke down with the last pass or a last ditch tackle from the over worked Stambridge defence. The referee wasn’t to blame for us losing nor for us not getting opportunity in all honesty that was down to hard work from a good Stambridge team and lady luck on the night.
My own personal thoughts on the whole matter are very simple; the game had no real loser. The match had to produce one……..great attitudes and personal performances provided a great advert to the brand of football we can and have been producing this year. We have been up and down in form and we have looked like a cup side for large periods of the year but the last few games have produced enough evidence to say with very few changes next year we should be back in this type of prestige game.
Our next opponents have been found out then, and we can look forward to having a good away day at Stambridge’s ground with no pressure and the knowledge that were just as good as them individually and produce a more pure football style than their direct agricultural approach. We need to close down Stubbs a bit quicker, like we did in the second half. We need to be as committed and as focused to produce the urgency that provided our goal. Finally we need to make sure we have a good account of ourselves so we deny Stambridge the Premiership league title.
Two final games 4 points at stake and 2 league places a possible reward, lets finish the year in the form were in and use it as a spring board for next years campaign. It will be a hard game Stambridge have a good record and know how to play. Yet we have learned their style and I feel we can capitalise with the right attitude and drive.
Lets all get our heads on and lets now push on to get the place we deserve as a minimum for your efforts and your hard work. The start of a good side is in the consistency of performance, attendance and attitude. I feel that this should never be questioned because if it is where does your heart lie. I know the guys out there tonight played with some, the challenge is there for everyone now.
One mention from me is the attitude the bench showed from the first minuet to the last, a complete delight and perfect in every way. Special thanks to Matt for his team attitude and efforts.
Name
Rating
Scored
Mom
Karl
7.5
Bit slow getting to first, sod all you could do about the second, brilliant in the second half.
Ewan
7.5
Fell asleep a couple of times on the throws but mainly had their dangerous winger in your pocket
Neil
7.5
Strong won your header and played the ball simple. What more can you do. Good performance
Billy
7.5
Never lost anything from first moment to the last, even when sacrificed kicked every ball from the bench
Charlie
7.5
Impressive forward, backwards and sideways can’t remember a bad thing mate.
Parker
7.5
Frustrated the opponent’s midfield and created like always, unlucky not to score twice, sacrificed for fresh legs…
Kemp
7.5
Midfield to start centre to finish, just like the advert did ‘everything it says on the tin’
Sam
7.5
Started well gave Stubbs a bit to much room got hold of him in end, but no where near him when he scored the goal.
Luke
7.5
Held up play, tried to create was kicked and harried. Never stopped trying.
Mike
7.5
x
Offered width, and created well, scored and set up a great second half.
Frost
7.5
Involved with most of the forward play, created Mikes goal when you cut in.
Lee b
7
Came on late to offer legs and energy, one half chance that keeper saved on the line
Andy
6
Got on at the end, didn’t get a kick…..but your attitude was fantastic
Dan H
7
Brought on to change the midfield and get our passing game started again, effective but booked for a late tackle.
