DCS continued their run of going out in the 1st round of the Berks & Bucks cup after suffering a 3-1 defeat to a competitive Morale Madrid.
DC started the game brightly and played some beautiful football. Ide had the beating of his full back and made regular runs to the by-line but the team lacked end product. Tom Wilson tried to equal his wonder strike from last week but was denied by the post. Our goal game from a route one kick by Lee Johnson to our striker Jonny Clifford who showed great strength to hold off and turn his marker. With options to his right and left the defender was in knots and Jonny continued to score an impressive solo goal to the bottom right of the keeper.
Morale Madrid didn't have many chances but Lee Johnson showed great reactions to tip the ball over the bar after a goal mouth scramble. Chris Hutchings picked up the first card of the season after a series of 'tough' challenges gave the ref little choice.
At HT we came in 1 up but given our dominance it was less than we had hoped.
In the 2nd half Morale Madrid put more players up top and saw more of the ball than they had in the first. A long ball into our box was met with a fantastic header that left Lee Johnson with no hope, 1-1.
With the game at a draw we pressed on and had a few efforts saved by the Madrid keeper. Josh Courage hit the crossbar with a great long range effort and we all struggled to find the back of the net. Whilst looking for the winner Josh Courage suffered a terrible injury after clashing with a Morale Madrid defender that was twice his size. Without any complaint Josh sat on the pitch explaining to his team mates that he had broken his collar bone! It will be a great loss to the Steamer's midfield for a couple of months.
Moments later Madrid took the lead with a spectacular effort that smashed the top right of the DC goal.
We pressed for an equaliser with our best chance falling to Sam Hall who skyed it from a few yards. He was later quoted as saying 'it was harder to miss'.
Whilst looking for the equaliser DCS conceded the killer blow with a long ball over the top for Johnson to be left one on one. 1-3.
We can take a lot out of periods of that game, especially in the 1st half. We looked composed on the ball and dominated possession. When we turn these periods into goals we will get the wins we deserve. You have to score more than once to win a Sunday morning game.
