The Magic exited the Kent Cup in disappointing circumstances, an injury to their keeper casting a dark shadow over what was already a sombre day remembering the death of an opposition player at Black Lion Leisure centre earlier in the week. That, having observed the oppositions request for a minutes applause and showing our committment to playing good, fair competetive football we were ultimately perhaps undone by an act of violence made this a bitter pill to swallow.
Injuries and absences meant the Magic started with a fairly scratch defence containing only one regular but that seemed to matter little as they took an early lead. Winning a free kick, Uche swung the ball in and a poor defensive clearance fell immediately at the feet of Joe who had only to compose himself and slot it home.
Having maybe scored a little early Magic conceded possession and faced a barrage of long balls, especially from the keeper whose kicks seemed to reach the edge of our area. The team held firm however and restricted Rifleman to half chances before half time. In fact the best chance fell to Magic, a long punt upfield leaving Mike walker clar but failing to convert.
Rifleman put The Magic under more pressure in the second half but the whole team held firm and we seemed confident of holding onto our lead until the 65th minute. We had rode our luck a few times clearing off the line, and battling to clear the abll but a team header was easily saved by Jack grabbing the ball to his chest as he fell to the floor. I was closet and clearly saw what was possibly the worst purposeful challenge I have had the misfortune to see in 25 years of adult football. Clearly with no chance of making a challenge and having not started, a red mist seemed to descend and the Rifleman player came and attacked the ball. The fact he kicked the ball meant the injury was not as bad but the force rocked Jack's head that he was knocked unconcious and medical attention was required. A yellow card seemed hardly justice as Jack was taken to Gillingham Hospital in an ambulance for checks.
After a 45 minute delay the game commenced again and continued as before with Rifleman pumping long balls from all angles to test Magic's resolve and numerous corners were defended before a poor decision gave Rifleman the chance they needed. A long throw came into the box and as the forward backed in I tried not to challenge too hard but was unjustly penalised and a penalty awarded. It was dispatched with ease to draw Rifleman level.
Within 5 minutes Rifleman took the lead, The Magic finally conceding after a succession of corners. Swung to the far post we lost a runner and he was allowed a free header which was expertly placed above the defender on the post.
A goal behind, Magic suddenly opened up and produced their best attacking football since the early minutes. Two chances went begging before another strange referring decision went against us. A foul in the Rifleman area, described by the ref as being pulled back, only warranted an indirect free kick and from this promising position Magic wasted their chance. There was still time for Austin to be put through to put the game into extra time but he was unable to convert and Magic suffered their second defeat in as many Cup games this season.
A moral victory for the new team in my mind, and the fact that Jack is safe and healthy and will be back after a short recupperation is all that matters.
