Another last minute goal conceded, but this time it consigned the 4s to thier first defeat in 9 games. To make matters worse, it was against, with all due respects to our opposition who deserved to win on the day, a pretty average team in the AFA Cup.
With a half time lead given to Meads by goals from George and Owen with the solitary reply from the Eagles, Meads were were placed to move into the quarter finals of the AFA cup with a 2-1 half time lead. Unfortunately, the worst half of football seen by the 4s this season was reserved for Saturday, and the Eagles came back with 2 second half goals to make it 3-2 and move into the QFs.
The game started very well for Meads, who flew out of the blocks and should have been 3 or 4 up inside the first 30 mins; Owen shot a bouncing ball wide when on goal, Roni saw his pass cum shot go past the post but also past George, endless corners and freekicks seemed to somehow just miss the post and a Meads body, George's shot was blocked when tommy's cross was diverted goalwards from 6 yards out and Owen's low drive from outside the box was well saved by the keeper low down to his right. These are just a selection of the chances that were created inside the first 30 minutes. If half of these had gone in the game would have been done and dusted by half time.
The goals that did come were from Owen first, when Tommy to play a nice ball to Owen, who was through on goal and his finish was cooly placed past the onrushing keeper with the ball bouncing into the empty net. 1-0. BB Eagles levelled 15 minutes later when thier striker was allowed to turn on the edge of the box and he played the winger in, in between centre back and full back, who crossed for someone to tap in from close range. Meads reply was immediate, a mix up on the half way line allowed Rasheed to attack the bouncing ball and his header was missed by keeper who came rushing out of the area, leaving George with the simple task of putting the ball into the empty net, 2-1.
Once the lead has been restored Meads began to play a bit too quickly, people were trying unnecessary passes rather than making the opposition work. Possession was not being retained for long periods, which was giving BB Eagles a chance on the counter attack. The back four were dealing well with the counter attacks although thier big striker was causing problems. Kev and Roni had put the stoppers on BB Eagles throughout the half, with Roni winning every header that he went in for and Kev dealing with any knock downs. Always available for the pass, they were perhaps under utilised as options in attack to retain possession.
I will be shot if i dont mention Rory's shot so here it is. After a set piece the ball was half cleared by the BB Eagles defence with the ball bouncing outside the corner of the area, Rory anticipated the ball from his right back position, 25 yards out, he smashed the boucing ball with dip and venom heading goalbound. Unfortunately for Rory and Meads, the keeper was on the side of the goal that his shot was struck and he parried his thunderous strike over the bar. (good enough description Rory??).
Half time and it was 2-1 and fairly comfortable, although aware that the next goal was vital. Unfortunately, what was to come was a terrible half of football from Meads point of view. Unable to keep the ball and sitting too deep, Eagles started to pile on the pressure. They flew out of the blocks and to their credit they did not let up and they seized thier opportunity. Meads were not helping themselves by trying to play in poor areas, losing possession deep in thier half. What was perhaps needed was a more territorial approach to the game to allow the defence some respite.
BB Eagles were putting pressure on but were wasting their opportunites, apart from a couple of headers that went wide and one that hit the post, their crosses were often wasteful. However, thier corners had been quality all day and eventually, having bragged before the game that we had not conceded directly from a corner all season, I was to be forced to eat my words, when they scored literally directly from a corner: the cross went straight in off the back post, 2-2.
With minutes left, Meads were again caught in possession in thier half and immediately, their midfielder shot from 40 yards, his strike was crisp and it sailed over Jake and into the top corner, 3-2 and cup hopes shattered with a minute to go.
There is no time for us to feel sorry for oursleves, our record for the season remains very strong, and we have only lost one game in 9. However, if we are to push on in the league and the remaining cup, we will need to show that we can deal with periods like Saturday, soak up the pressure and then reassert ourselves on the game. There is no reason why we cant, but now we have to show it.
MOM went to Tommy who ran his heart out all game and was always looking to talk to those around him. His ball to Owen for the opener was exquisite and he has shown, although it may not be his favoured position, he can play out wide with equal distinction.
