April Fools Day but The Junction were in no mood for piss taking . With a spring in our step and ready for battle , Baz walked in the dressing room with a seventeen player selection problem, every man jack ready to take on the Lions of Punjab in the Roberts Cup Quarter Final. Our visitors bought with them a top of the league status and a dazzling reputation as outright Division Two leaders and clear Cup favourites . One problem for them.....THIS IS HYDES RD and (in the words of their manager) ' they were outclassed player for player and tactically' as we gave them a good drubbing and sent em off with tails between their legs . Not many changes...Toony slotted in at left back and Squizz was given a start despite his previous no-show. This meant we had our strongest bench for ages which paid off later in the game. We were at the Punjab from the start ..harassing and pressing their dodgy defence . A through ball from Squizz released Colin who displayed exquisite finishing to lob the keeper. 1-0. As their lino bummed everyone off with his hyperactive right arm , the ref Mr Tony Lloyd soon sussed his game and basically over ruled him when Colin Plant again broke through and rounded the keeper to slot in from a tight angle . 2-0 at home I know but the visitors in fairness began to show why they are winning their division . Colin was upended in the box and we could have made it 3 only for Andy to fluff the peno . They played some good stuff led by an excellent striker who peeled off superbly to spray the ball well. We defended like fury for the last 15 minutes of the half as we blocked crosses , put in last minute tackles and dragged the Squirrel into midfield to protect our interval advantage , Brilliant stuff. Baz and Ken (and Hickers) pressed home the need not to panic at half time and relax a little but the Punjab were having none of it and continued to show their quality . We were more than up for it however and always loked likely to hit back . Although they had a fair amount of possession , Casso was brilliant today and gathered the few direct attempts they had with steady assurance (do those words really apply to the Gingerly challenged one) . Things looked rocky when Colin pulled a hamstring , but the tireless Gaz Wilkes joined Squizz up front and Mitchell took up a right midfield stance . As the game went on , our two goal advantage looked enough but young Lawley had other ideas .... Gaz Holder slotted a neat ball to Mitches feet; the sixteen year old chav looked up and fired an absolutely unstoppable screamer from 30 yards to spark a massive pitch invasion and seal the game . The Sikhs were sick ! ..they looked down and out after giving their all .... we bombed them at this stage and young Mitch skipped down the wing to put Gaz Wilkes in for a deserved goal after his performance . To the Punjab credit they did fight back .By now Deano and Grant had replaced a knackered Andy and Coop who had both played their part in the victory . The visitors had nothing to lose and managed a consolation after a goalmouth scramble . As the game seemed to peter out for ages , the final whistle completed a very proud morning for Baz ..one of the best ever considering the reputation and staus of our visitors in the Wolverhampton League hierarchy . No doubt this result will send a few shock waves in Dingle Land !....Despite a few moans about Hydes from the Punjab , they were very gracious in losing and also complimentary of our counter attacking and effort . With the semi final two weeks away , Baz was much more relaxed in the afternoon drinking session as he and some of the players did a tour of Darlo to exercise bragging rights (in a very humble way of course ) . Whatever happens now lads we have had a great couple of seasons so far and our decision to opt in to the Wolvo league looks to be a wise move as a few Sandwell teams follow suit . Next week we leave Easter Sunday free and play an unusual Saturday morning friendly against Church League Champions elect "All Saints" at Hydes . No pressure to play lads if u are carrying a knock or have work ..I will text to see who can make it in the week .
