G&S went in to their first ever cup final, in only their 2nd season, at a rough & ready Thamesmead Town against seasoned campaigners Bostall. Rovers knew having pipped them to the title last season & having edged them out for promotion this season, revenge would be uppermost on their minds!
The game started cageily with both teams sounding each other out. The first 'chance' fell to the oppo as they saw a corner clip the bar - well left Deano!
More midfield battling ensued, well marshalled by George & Jay admirably stopping all movement towards the blues danger area!
The game burst in to life on 31 when Rich ignored team orders to take an outswinging corner form the right (Robbie's job)! All was forgiven however as the beautifully flighted ball beat all, for Shaun to rise to head downwards & in to the roof of the net for 1-0!!
Time to hold on, but only 3 minutes later it was 1-1 when sloppy defending saw an unmarked equaliser!
G&S could have buckled, but the equaliser was not deserved as they had bossed the game. The response was magnificent & a brilliant move to make it 2-1! Deji picked the ball up deep & put Adam in wide. He totally skinned the left back, pushing it past & running on with real pace! His cross was superb but flicked away to John who steadied himself from 16 yards to volley home. The man on the line couldn't stop it & deflected it in.
Half time came & the big team talk.
The response was what everyone had wanted & waited for. With only 3 minutes of the 2nd half gone Rovers turned the screw. From another 'Beckham-esque' Rich free kick, the meleee was hard to follow as chance after chance was cleared, before Shaun toe ended on to the bar & Deji finished but was offside!
Bostall never recovered from this & only 2 minutes later yet another inswinging free kick from Rich was buried by Shaun with header number 2! 3-1!
50 minutes & it was Robbies turn to whip in a free kick from the right. John's trademark heading ability saw him glance it home for 4-1. G&S Dreamland!
On 60 Deji was set free & the 'lethal weapon' was so unlucky to see his chip just fly wide. Rovers were on fire!
Only 3 minutes later & the pressure saw Bostall crumble as a flailing hand from yet another well worked Rovers set piece, saw a panicking defender give away a needless penalty. Robbie stepped up to kill the game, but was unlucky to see his bobble hit the post. A small blemish on a great game from the young man.
This lifted Bostall slightly and Deano was brought in to action to make a fine diving stop, turning it round the post. 1 of 3 world class saves from 'Cat Junior'!
Only 10 minutes left & Dario, on as a sub for fresh legs, along with Arran & Ant, was set free, he mullered his defender to square for Deji who shot awkwardly. It wasn't going to be his day.
With 7 minutes left Bostall pulled an undeserved goal back for 4-2, but the back four, marshalled by Captain Luca, & ably assisted by Adam & Luke who also had solid performances with big headed clearances, held firm.
The ref missed quite a lot near the end, as violent challenges were skillfully avoided by all the boys as frustration saw the cup heading only 1 way!!
The boys in sky blue played til the end & wholly warranted the title of Win Jones Bowl Divisonal Cup Winners 2011. BRING IT ON!!
The whistle blew & the celebrations ensued (too vociferous for the Bostall manager for some reason - what do you do when you win a cup?!). Totally mental scenes & then the presentation, with Luca lifting the trophy as he had said he would - back to Lyn & Mario's for a nice little BBQ celebration - WHAT A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone did their jobs today & gave 100% to the cause. VERY narrowly edging it with what he has deserved for his efforts, assists today & services to the club was Rich.
Here's to 2011/2012!! PS - John was 'happy that we won the cup' - STOP PRESS!
