In the bright autumn sunshine, Crossblades travelled to the home of GRFC in Sutton Benger. Fielding a strong side, Crossblades felt they were in with a good chance of causing an upset in this WG Par Trophy match and were the worthy winners thanks to a well taken goal from striker Carl Jacobi.
Never seeming to be able to play 4-4-2, Crossblades opted for the 3-5-1 formation. I can't honestly say if this works or not, but it sure as hell confuses the opposition. I think the shortcomings of this formation are some what hidden with the middle of the pitch flooded with Crossblades players. Luckilly, the pace of the wingbacks is also a bonus, with Will Wright and Pete North both doing great jobs.
The early exchanges were quite messy for both teams, neither side able to dictate the pace of the game or create many chances. If anything Crossblades were the better side to start with. Will Wright made good attacks down the left flank early on, feeding both Jacobi and Gilbert and regularly beating his man for pace.
Ben Owers has settled well in to his new role as a defensive midfielder, and after linking well with Tim Chilton, he went on a mazy run cutting through the middle of the GRFC Defence with the attempt at goal nearly beating the keeper.
The centre back trio of Chris Neate, Liam Matthews and Chris Walker really stepped up to the mark in this game. Commanding in the air, solid in the tackle, they played the ball out of defence well, enabling Chilton and Booth to have more freedom in the midfield. A few half chances were created, but the keeper never really tested. Since moving to winback position, Pete North's game has gone from strength to strength, and midway through the first half his hard work earned him several opportunities at goal.
Half time came, and the Blades's players sensed a cup upset. GRFC were not creating chances, and if it wasnt for their inspirational captain, they would have been out of this game already.
The second half started much the same as the first, both teams not wanting to commit players forward. The previously uncalled upon Hampshire, made 2 fine saves in the second half and made some good solid clearances from corners. (always a problem area for the Blades).
Owers continued to breal up the play and with Wright pressing forward the game began to open up a little. After Booth winning the ball in the middle, and Will Wright beating his man, the ball fell to Chilton. A fantastic run from Jacobi split the defence, Chilton found him with a neat pass and Jacobi expertly slotted home past the helpless GRFC keeper.
The game never really opened up after this, Crossblades had several half chances and GRFC applied considerable pressure with little trouble caused for Hampshire.
With the winbacks having run hard all game long, Crossblades got a little lazy in defending the flanks towards the end of the game, but after a 5 minute spell of slopiness, the Blades were back on their game.
A tense finish ensued, and Crossblades held firm and pulled off a cup upset against a GRFC side a division about.
This victory was owed much to the Blades defence who had an outstanding game.
