We battled through to Quarter Finals with hard fought win over never say die Cobras.
First Quarter: Aaron, James, Harry, Josh, Elliott, Sam, Dylan SUB: Joseph
Started the game well and really should have been a couple up in the first four minutes. Dylan had three shots early on which were either saved or blocked by some desperate defending. It was constant pressure at the start of the match, and Josh & Elliott also went close, with Sam also causing plenty of problems for the cobra's. They gradually came into the game, as we paid the price for not taking our chances. Aaron though had little to do as James & Harry dealt well with the danger. 0-0 end of first.
Second Quarter - Joseph came on for Josh
Second quarter asked the boys to pass the ball a little more strongly and have greater voice, they took this on board, as we played some lovely passing football in this period. We were dominating play, but finding it hard to beat the super Cobras keeper, who made save after save. Prssure finally paid off when Elliott put a lovely long through ball for Dylan, who took his time and placed the ball into the net. Joseph, Elliott, Sam & Dylan were all now pressing well as a unit, and the second goal came this time, when after good work from Sam, Dylan passed to Joseph who finished from close range. Cobra's were now becoming a threat on the break, with the number 9 causing us pleanty of problems. Aaron had to make a couple of good brave saves, while Harry & James worked hard to keep them out. Just before the end of the second, we got the killer third goal, Joseph working hard and laying the ball inside to Elliott, who hit the ball sweetly giving the keeper no chance. End of 2nd quarter 3-0.
Third Quarter - Josh replaced Sam
Third quarter, started well another exquisite ball from Elliott to Dylan who again calmly beat the keeper. Chances continued to flow, with the keeper denying Joseph, Dylan and Elliott once again. At the back we had to scramble a number of times, as Cobras much to their credit never gave up and battled really hard. 4-0 end of third.
Fourth Quarter - Sam replaced Dylan. Dylan then came on for Josh, two minutes later Josh back on for James.
We lost out way in the quarter, switched off while the Cobra's stepped up the pace really well, and they were much the better side. A long ball was missed by James while Harry couldnt clear, and the quick Cobra striker took advantage, and beat Aaron. We were now on the back foot and Aaron was again called upon to make a couple of really brave challenges, and we had to scramble the ball away. First five inutes were all for Cobras, we started to get into the game, and again the keeper had to make good saves to keep Joseph and Dylan out. Final Score 4-1.
Not one of our best performances by a long way, still got to concentrate and battle for the full 50 minutes! Play to the whistle!!!!!!! We all stopped at one point appealing for hand ball rather than getting on with the game. Passing was always going to be the key for winning today, and all four goals came from nice passes, let the ball do the work lads! A win is a win though in the cup, so well done, did the job efficiently away from home!
Opposition Coach's MOM - Sam for his great runs down the flanks.
Our Coach's MOM - Harry - Outstanding at the back.
Going forward we caused problems all game, with Josh, Elliott, Joseph, Sam & Dylan combining well. While under pressure the back two and Aaron did really well.
Next match Blyth Spartans away - Meet 5.40 Cherry Tree, or 6.10 Dent Street Blyth NE24 3ED. Black & Gold strip.
