Marv-ellous Man of the Match but the toast is on Cheese…!
GSK travelled to Durrington Rec to meet Durrington RAFA in the Charity Cup without inspirational Captain, Brian Nicholas, so boss Darren Jeffery gave Baumers the armband for the afternoon.
In a slightly re-jigged back line in front of Wayner in goal, Hughesy was paired with Penfold at the heart of the defence with Cheese retaining the right back slot after impressing the previous week. Captain Baumfield occupied his usual left back position behind Hanksy on the left flank, with Stu Seager again operating on the right side of midfield. The 3 central-midfield positions were taken by Coxy, Marv and Leakie, with Fluff completing the line-up in the lone striker role.
GSK started brightly enough and began to stamp their authority by retaining possession well. Seags provided a natural outlet on the right with his pace and willingness to get in behind his full back as the visitors pushed on. Hanks, finding space on the left, also proved effective and produced 2 early crosses, which perhaps deserved more. Leakie was playing a more holding role in the centre of the park, and had to be alive to the constant threat from the impressive Durrington number 11. That allowed Coxy and Marv to drive forward, which they both did to great effect, with Fluff holding the ball up well to help build the attacks.
The deadlock was broken on 15 minutes when Marv showed great determination on the edge of the RAFA penalty area. After winning his tackle, he was back on his feet to burst into the box and tuck his left-footed effort into the bottom corner to give GSK a deserved lead.
With Hughesy marshalling the back line, Wayne was only called upon to make one save in the first 45 minutes with the GSK defence again aiming to keep a clean sheet. Baumers was able to get forward from left back, while Cheesey made numerous timely interceptions, which also enabled him to push forward and join the attacks.
In search of their second goal, GSK continued to push forward and were rewarded with a string of corners, which Seags delivered perfectly but Durrington defended well. Further half-chances fell to Fluff, Seags and a long-range effort from Hanks before Marv struck a killer blow on 38 minutes. Again driving forward, he was picked out by Hanks and Marv despatched a thunderbolt from 18 yards that was still picking up speed as it hit the back of the net.
Half-time: RAFA 0 GSK 2
Jeffery’s half-time team-talk was to ask for more of the same – particularly in terms of keeping possession, which GSK had done for long periods in the first half. Fluff began to drop a little deeper to collect the ball and was now tormenting the RAFA defence with his power, pace and close control. Coxy was linking sublimely with all around him and his hard work was rewarded on 65 minutes. Hanks – having switched to the right after Seags was replaced by LaRusso – cut inside and played Coxy in on the edge of the area. Instead of having a touch, Coxy simply drilled the ball first time on the run into the bottom corner, leaving the RAFA keeper motionless.
Penfold was now finding time and energy to get forward as GSK broke with pace. Another through ball from Hanks and a cheeky step-over from Coxy saw Penfold round the keeper, only to see his effort find the side netting from a narrowing angle. But it was to be another defender to stake a claim for goal of the season as Cheese found himself in space in the right back position. Striding forward and with no-one looking to close him down, he continued his journey towards the RAFA goal and unleashed what many might have thought was a speculative effort from 37 yards out. Despite the despairing dive from RAFA’s keeper, Cheesey’s wonder-strike rocketed into the top corner to wrap up a 4-0 victory.
Full-time: RAFA 0 GSK 4
A disciplined and hardworking performance from everyone ensured a solid victory and progression to the next round of the Cup. With the growing list of impressive goals, LaRusso will have his work cut out to pick a winner come the end of season do!
