Cup Fever was back, Matt 'The Cat' Court was back with Roscoe absent, and once again Plumtree assembled a strong squad to face Div 1 rivals Notts Athletic in the EMPAL cup.
The first 20 mins was a bit of a nervy affair coupled by two factors, 'The Cat' wasn't very cat like, and basically we hadn't got out of bed. It only took five mins for Matt to basically palm the ball into his own net following a looping cross (sorry boys!). This was followed by another goal from a corner that the cat nor any of the defense reached. Slowly but surely we woke up, even the cat pulled off a fine reaction save from Dino of all people when the ball was destined for the corner of the net. Another save from a Jon A downward header that was tipped over the bar queued Plumnree's turning point.
The defensive and midfield display of strength ensured we got control of the game and started to get the Div 1 side rattled. Firstly a lovely down the line ball from Paul G released Sam on his way and he converted cooly as he so often does. The equaliser came soon after and this was an absolute screamer from Sam. Following a cross that put their defense under pressure, a half hearted headed clearenace found it's way to Sam, and he basically took one touch and volleyed a swerving shot into the top corner. Unstoppable, take a bow son! Half Time.
The second half saw a few changes with the new 'Cat' Roman swapping with Matt, so he could hopefully do less damage outfield. Plumtree really took a hold of the game in the second half and soon took the lead. A long throw from Dean was superbly headed on by Toz, for Brando to tap in at the back post. To Notts Athletic credit they continued to press and soon got an equaliser from a set piece. Again, it wasn't long before a nice midfield move between Dean and Matt released Sam through to get his well deserved hatrick. Notts Athletic started to rely on set pieces and once again troubled the Plumtree defense and the game was tied at 4-4 at full time.
Now Plumtree are no strangers to extra time, penalties and generally a cup thriller, but today was different. We had the upper hand, looked focus and fitter than the oppoistion. This showed in a great extra time display scroing 3 goals with this time no come back. The first was from Matt who managed to score in the right goal this time, showing great composure to place the ball into the corner of the net after being released by Sam. The second once again came from a long throw in and Ryan headed on for Brando 'Fox in the Box' Hoyte to head home. The last predictably came from a long thrown in and again it was Ryan supplying the head on for Matt to smash the ball into the back of the net for his second and game over.
Great win boys, continuing to show this brilliant team spirit, and everyone playing their part. Some notable performances today, Leigh had a great game, Jon Aitkin coming back with a great defensive display against a tricky winger, Sam with a great hatrick but MOM was given to Dino. Colessel at the back today, well done mate.
