A Wazza Header takes the spoils in a Giant Killing Effort
The big moment had arrived and how fitting it was on a Wembley Cup Final Weekend. The Shooters had not played for 4 weeks and were up against a Rickmansworth St George team fresh from a 9 1 Mauling of Oxhey in the Stanley Rous cup the week before, and flying high in Division 2. This would be the biggest test of Shooters team spirit this season.
The sun was shinning, the pitch lovely and THE NETS WERE UP. Every one arrived fresh looking and ready for the challenge – if a few nerves knocking around.
Changed and ready for battle we took the field for our customary warm up led by Conway. Minds set and legs warm Glen set us up and we were shooting downhill first half – something we had not done for a long time.
The first half was well contested from the off with Shooters getting most of the play in the first 20 mins, battling, closing our men and winning 50 50s. Luke returning to left back took a knock but soldiered on.
With Danny Partnering Warren up front we looked strong and sharp up and created a few good chances. Warren working the last man well but just offside. Glen and Louis bossing the back 4 as ever we never really looked troubled. Sean and Matt the Midfield dynamo working well.
Rickamnsworth first chance came from a cross that Grifdon tipped over. Again we lifted our game and kept on battling – today would be one of them games that spirit was gonna get us through.
With Bavs taking a knock and sitting this one out I had some good voice on the sideline to help me out. Lee and Nick on the wings creating chances but more importantly battling back in defence.
We got to half time at 0 0 but knew we would have the sun and hill second half….. what were we made of….. 4 weeks off….. fitness….. passion…. WHO WANTED IT MOREThe second half started well and we lifted our game some great work from sean and matt in the middle releasingWarren for a long range effort – worth a punt.
Lee was working the flanks and had given his all 55 mins first substitute, Probert for Lee.
And what a substitution 2 mins later Probert took the ball down and got smashed. FREE KICK. Danny steps up with his sweet right foot and floats a delicious ball across just asking to be nailed……
Instead warren jumps like a salmon and glances a header into the bottom corner via the keepers right glove……… CUE pandemonium 1 0 Shooters 57 mins gone – even bavs was on the pitch (WE HAVE EVIDENCE MATE)
Time to keep tight for 10 mins and see off the attack WE DID JUST THAT
Luke took another knock so Hoody came on to Right Back and Conway went to Left Back, the defence didn’t look phased by the change SOLID
Danny howard had worked his socks of in midfield and up front (and out wide and tracking back at defensive corners) so took a break with 5 mins to go and was replaced with Creas who slotted into midfield to shore it up.
I have to make a small note for Hoody and Probert who had been on the bench for the last few weeks and got their chances this week. SUPERB – you came on in a big time game slotted straight into the groove and looked like you had never been away – TOUGH DECISIONS FOR ME NEXT GAME
There was time for one last chance with the ref signalling 2 mins to go glen missed a clearance (Pulling his groin hammy belly whatever) I don’t care because the ever dependable griff was there to mop up.The whistle came and we had done it… through to the Semi for the first time as Shooters…. A great effort from all and it was so pleasing to see how much it ment to all 20 of us after the game
Well done lads So proud to be your leader.
Its all about getting out there and doing wehat we know we can do…. Workrate and Passion will win you more than technical ability although we have this in abundance as well.Onwards and upwards to the Semi
