The 4s began their quest for another cup victory with a trip to Slough on Saturday against Phoenix Old Boys 3rd team. Arriving in plenty of time the 4s were able to prepare for what was a massive game to have first up. The preparation proved crucial as Meads flew out of the blocks and never looked back in a game that resulted in a very comfortable 4-1 victory. Goals from Andy, Eric and Owen x2 ensured that passage through to the next round was assured.
The day had started badly with two players crying off but the team didn't allow that to distract them from the job at hand. Starting the game brightly Meads passed the ball very well on a rain slicked surface and were patient in their build up, happy to move the ball from side to side. The central midfield 3 of Andy, Owen and Matt were being afforded a lot of space and this allowed Meads to control the game from the middle with most 2nd balls dropping to Meads players. Down the flanks Ash and Alex were troubling their full backs with trickery and directness respectively, however in the early stages few clear cut chances were presenting themselves; Matt fired a ball over the bar from the edge of the area after a lay off and Owen dragged a shot wide from a similar position. Despite not getting the goal their play deserved, Meads continued to probe and more chances came and went; Roni saw a header fly just past the post and some goal mouth scrambles were cleared eventually by Phoenix.
Despite Meads' continued pressure the small pitch meant that the back four could not turn off and they certainly didn't with Eric and Jon providing a centre back masterclass to those that cared to watch. They were being ably backed up by the ever reliable Dave and Rory (who isn't allowed, due to his faith, to throw the ball a short distance at a throw in). Both full backs were providing support for the wingers and were generally untroubled by their opposite numbers.The half seemed to fly and finished with the scores level at 0-0.
The message was a simple one at half time, continue to do what we had done and the goal will come, and it did within minutes of the restart from an unlikley source. Having seen his brother grab the headlines with his goalscoring exploits last season, Andy decided to show what he could do when given the opportunity in front of goal and he certainly did not disappoint. As a cross came in Andy found himself in space on the edge of the box. He controlled the ball with his chest and as the ball bounced back up he volleyed the ball home into the top corner, leaving the keeper with no chance. 1-0. The goal perhaps settled us a little too much as immediately after we scored they pegged us back with a nice bit of control and a shot from the edge of the box that skidded off the surface and past Simon. 1-1. Simon had been called in as Jake was away and he was authoritative all day, commanding the back 4 and keeping everyone organised throughout the match. He dealt comfortably with the little pressure Phoenix could muster.
With the scores level Meads continued to press and control the game with Owen finding pockets of space from which to instigate attacks. With 25 minutes to go George came on for Alex and although he didn't score his presence did enough. Within minutes Meads had taken a 3-1 lead. First, Roni played the ball inside the full back for Matt to run on to and he crossed low to Owen at the near post who, after a slight tangle with defender, prodded the ball home from a couple of yards. The third started with some typical build up play between the comedy duo of Ash'n'Dave and resulted in a lovely cross being nicely converted by Owen at the far post with a composed finish.
There was still time for Eric to get a goal as he bundled in a close range effort after another superb corner from Ash, the result being put past all doubt. The scoreline now far more reflective of the overall dominance of Meads. Owen still had time to fire a screamer past the right hand top corner from the opposite edge of the box but it remained at 4-1 and everyone can be very pleased with the team performance.
MOM went to Andy for a colossal performance in the middle of the park. With the cryoffs requiring a big shake up, Andy stepped into the midfield 3 with ease and was quality throughout; breaking down attacks, winning headers and moving the ball along with simplicity and composure he fully deserved the 8 votes he recieved.
The rollercoaster ride starts again...
