On a weekend of cup shocks the 1st XI were looking to add another chapter to their LOB Cup exploits when they hosted Mickleham Old Boxhillians on Saturday afternoon. Having not played a competitive fixture for some seven weeks the squad could be forgiven for being a bit rusty and the large 3G pitch would prove energy sapping. However, seeing as we are in the middle of the season there is little excuse for not doing your best to keep fit and be raring to go from the first whistle in a cup tie.
Therefore, the sluggish start came something as a shock as the OMs struggled to string more than three passes together and MOBs constantly found space in dangerous areas. The game was barely 10 minutes old when Dan Madden pulled off a brilliant point blank save after being exposed by his defence. Unfortunately no-one in a red and blue striped shirt reacted as the ball rebounded to the striker and his powerful shot could only be parried by Madden leaving the ball to spun over the goal line. This failed to wake the OMs, many of whom looked like they'd failed to shake off their New Year hangovers, and it wasn't long until the lead was doubled. The opposing left back was afforded too much time and space and his deep cross was spilled by Madden on the stretch. Again, only those in green reacted and the ball was easily bundled home from six yards. Suddenly the OMs sprang into life and began to test the MOB back line. Charlie Gifford pushed into a more advanced role, pulling defenders out of position, and Ayo Afolabi's introduction forced the opposition on to the back foot, but half-chances were all that was created as the half drew to a close.
A composed half-time chat prevented panic from setting in and the OMs went about their business calmly, safe in the knowledge that chances would come. When Afolabi picked up the ball midway in the opposition half he was forced to turn infield but manage to pick out Charlie Gifford's run and he made no mistake with a strike into the bottom corner to record his 20th goal of the season. The OMs began to get a stranglehold on the game; Alex Richardson and Leon Kirchhoff were winning the midfield battle and Will Gifford and Tom Chappell started to get some luck down the flanks. With 25 minutes remaining and the OMs in the ascendancy, the visitors took advantage of a tiring defence and restored their two goal advantage with ease. Finding themselves in this scenario would have been enough to make last year's 1st XI crumble but the 2012/13 edition has more resilience and seems to be getting a bit more luck too. It was a hopeful lob over the top which gave us a way back in to the game. The offside trap failed, and Afolabi, following the flight of the ball, got the faintest of touches with his head to divert the ball past the 'keeper. But the latter's momentum made him catch the striker and concede a soft penalty. Anywhere else on the pitch and it would be considered an infringement, so there can be few arguments over whether it was a foul. Will Murtagh took the honour of reducing the deficit from the spot; 2-3. Minutes later with MOB seemingly confident of progressing, Richardson released Charlie Gifford and his shot squirmed under the keeper. Gifford's 21st goal of the season levelled the tie and with only 20 minutes remaining on the pitch booking, the referee imposed an immediate penalty shoot-out to decide the winner.
The first penalty was the one that made the difference when Madden guessed correctly to save to his right. All remaining penalties were netted successfully (Murtagh, Afolabi, Peter Ford and Max Kufner for the OMs) giving Madden the task of putting us in the quarter finals. Nerves of steel from the LOB Cup captain saw us safely through (5-4) and we now await the outcome of next months Citigroup versus Fulham Compton Old Boys match. We are starting to approach the business end of the season and are very much involved on two fronts - the promotion race and of course the LOB Cup - a far cry from last season which fizzled out in the new year. The hard work and positive attitudes must continue.
