The 4s moved into the next round of the AFA cup with an extremely comfortable 8-1 victory over a Mill Hill Village side that played their football in the bottom division of the AFC. The scoreline really should have been in double finishes but there were some sitters missed, most notably Matt from about 3 yards out.
The game could not have got off to a better start with Owen scoring directly from a freekick after a mazy run from the indomitable James. The freekick was struck nicely in to the bottom corner with the keeper being left with no chance. With the oppositions defence being cut open, nearly at will, the goals were indoubtedly going to keep coming.
The problem I have is now recollecting the order of the goals, which I blame on Saturday night. I think the next goal was scored by Andy after a low cross from Ash. Thats two for Andy now this season and none for Jon, better get those scoring boots on Jon. The third was a good team move finished emphatically by Owen, who smashed his finish in off the post from a tight angle. Chances continued to flow with Roni missing one from about 6 yards after some more good work from James on the right. Matt also managed to skew a left footed shot wide when put through.
The 4th goal was from Ash who tapped in after James crossed from the right. Ash tried to tempt the defender in by hitting his shot with no pace and a skuff but the defender could only smash the ball into the net when sliding in. Before Ash's 4th Mill Hill had got one back when Jon attempted a cushioned header to Dave at left back but his header went astray and their striker pounced to lob jake.
With the game near enough sewn up Meads played some great football with the ball being moved about with consumate ease. The passing, on the whole, was crisp and quick, giving an already tiring opposition the run around. With players supporting each other well there was always an option on and it seemed like Owen, Matt and Andy had the freedom of the middle of the pitch. Half time came and went with Meads looking to further pile on the misery.
At the beginning of the 2nd half Owen had a chance to bag his hat trick when put through by Matt but his attempted lob was the only blotch on an otherwise excellent performance. The ball bobbled and his attempt to lob resulted in the ball rolling out for a goal kick having got about a metre in the air. The 5th goal came from a corner with their striker heading powerfully home, unfortunately it was past his own goalkeeper. Owen was to get his hattrick in the end though with an absolute thunderbolt from 25 yards out. His right footed strike left the keeper with absolutely no chance as it cannoned in off the underside of the bar.
Adam then got himself on the scoresheet with yet another assist from James, who had carried the ball from inside his own half to the byline before crossing for Adam, who finished nicely. The 8th goal was another from Owen after Dave Ryan played the ball in between the centre backs for Owen to open his body up and curl the ball in to the far corner. There were other chances to push the goal tally beyond the 8 but Matt contrived to miss from 3 yards, Sam bobbled one into the keepers arms when put through and had a well struck shot saved by the keeper.
Overall it was a good team performance, with a special mention for James, who despite getting 6 MOM votes, still didnt take home the MOM award. With 4 assists to his name he was a constant threat down the right hand side and never stopped running until his game was brought to a premature end by injury.
MOM went to Owen for his 4 goals, which as Ash noted after the game, all seemed to be scored with ridiculous ease, though he should maybe stay away from lobs for a while!! Back to league next week with a tough away game against Old Salvos, if we play like this again the points will be ours.
