Hampshire cup Quarter final and yet another home tie vs Grange Ath from the Bournemouth and Dorset league and last years Hampshire cup runners up, so it was due to be anything but a tough game.
Having a fully fit team after a couple injury scares to key players it was good to have them shake off there knocks ready for the game.
We started the brighter of the two teams pushing forward and winning concesive corners from great pressure from both wings, however it was a break away from a corner in just the 3rd min pushing both BK and Jack up for the corner it was headed clear and Grange swiftly broke up field finding themselves 3 v 2 Ryan miss judged his header and with BK doing all he could tracking back got court wrong side of there forward who cut inside the box crossing for a simple tap in by an un marked striker to completely put are pre match team talk down the pan.
That goal had different effects throughout the team it spurned some on however knocked the wind out of others, we pushed forward looking for the equliser with both Kieron and Alfie having shots saved, then after a great bit of link up play between Max and Cam down the right cam swung in a cross that was only half cleared but Alfie shot over from close range, we were creating chance after chance but just couldnt find the all important goal.
The wind was behind us so was interfering with us trying to play are passing game and as the game went on the tackles from the visitors started to get more physical and neadless to say un called for, first Olly was taken out hard in the box left in a heap on the floor yet the ref let play go on and then 5mins before the break Smithy was brought down with a two footed challenge but yet the ref failed to pull up the player for either tackle, when both players were lucky not to have broken bones.
We pushed and pushed looking for the next goal before the break and as time was ticking away Zack was played through by Kieron and brought down just inside the box PENALTY..Up stepped Zack and cool as you like slotted home in the 30th min to send us in level at 1-1 at the break.
Made one change at HT Sam replaced Ryan at right back.
We regrouped at HT a stiff talking to was all they needed as at times we had played almost like strangers in that first half even though we had 90% of possesion it was just not as free flowing as we are used to, but that was all down to Grange who did try making it a scrap more than a football game.
We started the second half alot better with Grange simply using the wind to hit it hard and high over are back line, however all there found was Billy alert and at his best, quick off his line clearing the danger and smothering the ball aswell as being forced to make a string of fine saves, we did have Billy to thank for keeping us in the game.
We knew if we could get an early goal in the second half that we could go on and win the tie and in the 37th min Cam lost his marker and slipped through Zack who calmly loffed the ball over the on rushing keeper into the back of an empty net to put us 2-1 ahead which was what we deserved.
Straight from scoring his and our second due to an injury picked up the previous day Zack was replaced by Joel who played his part in the second half using his pace to tear away from the back four, if he had a little bit more composure and kept his head up he could of found Kieron and Cam both free at the back post for a simple tap in however he choose to shot and was foiled by a great save from the keeper who was having a busy day, as Maz had already gone close three times previous in the second half after cutting inside and chosing to shot and not play across goal. It was getting nervy towards the end but in the 45th min it was settled Alfie split the defence with a pin point pass finding Kieron bursting in behind there back line to slot home in off the far post to make it 3-1 and give us the all important breathing space.
Jake replaced Alfie Josh replaced Kieron and Charlie replaced Ollie towards the end of the game.
We ended the game 3-1 victors after a very tough and physical game and luckely injury free to set up a Semi Final tie AWAY to Eastleigh Reds from the Southampton Tyro League, yet another hard tough game but if we do it atleast we can say we have done it the hard way beating top teams in vital games...
Man of the Match went to Billy he was awsome today so quick, agile and brave aswell as staying fully focoused on the game in front of him just keeps getting better and better.
Well done lads HAMPSHIRE SEMI FINALS here we come lets take the game by the scruff of the neck and book ourselves a CUP FINAL slot April the 22nd what a bday present that would be :?) UP THE HAWKS.....
