Match report by Matt Court
Where were you when.....Michael Owen scored his solo goal against Argentina....Psycho buried his penalty demons against Spain....Beckham scored a last minute free kick against Greece....all amazing football memories and another one has been added to the pile!!!
EMPAL Cup fever hit Plumtree this weekend in an exciting draw with FAT CAT's, a new team to Div 4 who were unbeaten this year. Back to the original red Plumtree colours, the team of 13 was assembled and when the pitch was finally found the stage was set. Confidence was high following a string of great of great results and with a strong side in force, what could go wrong??
The game started at a fanatical pace but unfortunately for Plumtree there was only one team in it. FAT CAT's showed us exactly why they were unbeaten this year with excellent passing and movement, significantly helped by Plumtree seemingly forgetting how to play football in basic terms!! After 5 minutes a speculative shot/cross from FAT CAT's resulting in the ball slipping through the keepers hands, 1-0, as the FAT CAT onslaught began. 2 more goals quickly followed as Plumtree found themselves 3-0 down after only 25 minutes.
Plumtree's day managed to somehow get worse as Matt sustained a groin injury after 30 mins, replaced by Martin for his debut outfield appearance this year. Leigh then took a bang on his toe, again unable to go, he was replaced by Simon on 35 mins...all subs used. Plumtree managed to gain a little bit more control on the game in the final 15 mins of the first half, creating a few chances but limited to long range.
Half time provided Plumtree's next challenge as Dino had to go to a Christening which left Plumtree with only 10 men. Pretty selfish of him as it wasn't his kid or his own christening, but to avoid the bar mitzvah style castration he would have received from his Mrs, we let him off!! With nothing to lose Paul T recommended we play 3 at the back and go for broke, I mean what more could go wrong?? So following another rousing team talk, 10 men Plumtree entered the field determined to not let the morning be a complete disaster.
Unfortunately spirits were further dampened when after a good Plumtree start, FAT CAT's scored another to go 4-0 up. Pressure now firmly on to stop a complete hammering, nervous Plumtree gave away a penalty which from the sideline seemed a fair challenge by Paul G. I'd like you to pause for a second and remind all those reading that Plumtree are currently 4-0 down, have 10 men and have just conceded a penalty. What you are about to read is not for the faint hearted!!!
Cue turning point....penalty save from Roscoe seems to somehow lift Plumtree spirits to a new level. With tackles being made with increased vigour and the sound of "CHRIS KAY's......." being heard from miles afar, Plumtree started to play some football. It wasn't long before a good move saw Martin pick the ball up on the left wing, deliver a fantastic cross to the back post which was superbly controlled by Jonny Rowe and then buried in the bottom corner. The comeback commences! A brave heart like defensive display, and the midfield battle being won, increased pressure was placed upon FAT CAT's and is was noticeable that their defence was starting to buckle. When Omar found himself in the box, he strongly shielded the ball only to be floored by the centre half to earn a penalty. He stepped up to take it himself, not before Toz has asked him 5 times "Are you sure you want it...," and brought lead back to 4-2.
It wasn't until Jonny Rowe scored his second of the game (4-3), again putting himself in a good position in the box and finishing coolly, that real belief was instilled that something could be got out of the game. By this point FAT CAT's were ragged, giving the ball away and playing like Plumtree in the first 20 minutes. Nothing should be taken away from Plumtree though, if it wasn't for their constant pressure and passion, the game would have already been over. Star man Jonny Rowe once again found himself in a good position on the left wing and shot towards goal and when Martin sat on FAT CAT's defender, the ball found it's way trickling into the back of the net, 4-4. The Istanbul like recovery was complete.
I think it's fair to say that in all my years playing for Plumtree, never have I seen such a team display, this was proper die for the Plumtree cause!!! This attitude continued to the final whistle and throughout extra time with Plumtree still the better side. However, tiring legs, people carrying knocks, penalties seemed on the cards for us spectators admiring this amazing game of football.
The final final whistle went and Plumtree regrouped to organise penalty takers. As always some showed willing, quite rightly some were not as willing, but the 10 were named in order, ready to go into final battle with the CAT's. What can only be described as a flawless penalty display, saw Pete, Toz, Martin and Omar put Plumtree 4-3 ahead with Paul Gray left to take the glory. Mr Cool stepped up and planted the ball in the back of net to finally confirm victory for Plumtree, 5-3 on penalties.
In the words of Mr Godfrey, the CAT's left without the cream!! A brilliant game to be part of and if we match half the spirit we showed here, we'll be league champions come May of next year. Who knows, maybe even EMPAL cup winners???!!!!
On a final note, bad news for Leigh, he has broken his toe in two places and could be out up to 8 weeks!!
