The actual game ended 1-1 after extra time and NWM Olymico won 4-3 on penalties.
Match report by Matt Court
Empal Cup fever hit Plumtree again this weekend, with an exciting tie against NWM Olympico who were sitting mid table in Division 2. A win today would have put Plumtree into the last 16 for an even more tempting tie against Arnold Cross Keys (top of Division 1)!!
Defensive casualties had left the management with a few problems to address, but upon suggestion to the team to go with an aggressive 3-5-2 formation, the boys were up for it. Chris P looked slightly concerned with the prospect of running up and down the wing all game following a night on the shandies!!
Plumtree started the game well, Olympico had some good players with a pace, but the formation was definitely was playing to our advantage. Unfortunately (as often it is) we went a goal behind after the ball was crossed long, Olympico's left back came flying in unmarked and slotted the ball into the corner of the net. Perhaps this displayed the risks of the formation being played. However, heads were not dropped and instead of Olympico taking the initiative, Plumtree upped their game. Paul T, Simon and Dunc were doing a great job in the middle of midfield, all putting in strong tackles to win the ball back to get the wingers and strikers into the game.
Plumtree's first chance came from a long clearance by Roscoe, flicked on by Omar to be chased down by Matt. Upon beating the defender to the ball and to be subsequently through on goal, Matt was hacked down just outside the area. The resulting free kick unfortunately came to nothing. The next noticeable chance involved a lovely move between Omar and Jonny Rowe, Jonny delivering a superb cross as he so often does, only to be headed just over by Matt. It wasn't long though before the ball was in the back of the net for a well earned equaliser. Again it was a good move through midfield that released Jonny on the right wing. His cross was once again met by Matt, and a strong header (on target this time) ended a great move.
For much of the second half we struggled to get going in the same strong vein of the 1st, but defensively we remained pretty strong. Roscoe was in great form and a made a number of saves throughout to keep us well in the game, including saving a penalty after a dodgy handball decision.
Extra time brought some fun in the shape of Toz on the floor being kicked repeatedly by one of their players. Handbags ensued as you can imagine. I say fun, Toz was still smiling anyway. Some more last ditch defending and a header from Muzzy that was cleared of the line, completed a very even game of cup football.
Our penalty luck of round one unfortunately wasn't with is this time, but the spirit displayed throughout the match was definitely there. I mentioned in last weeks report about our lack of passing and generally looking to play football on the floor, today was a complete turnaround. If we continue this form into the league I'm sure it will bring every success and more chances will be created.
MOM for me was Chris P. Everyone played well and defensively I have to mention Dino, CK, Paul Gray and Roscoe as they played out their skin for the Gladbach cause. But Chris P I think edged it this week for his tireless running up and down the left wing, supporting Dino defensively whilst being part of some good attacking moves.
By the way, those of you that were there are probably thinking "He hasn't mentioned the ref much?" Well...obviously he was shocking, had no control over the game and spoilt the game in many ways. But...he did provide me with my comedy moment of the day. Just before extra time was about to start, he finished his coffee from his flask, lit a fag and proceeded to put a lit fag in his pocket. Pure class!!!!! I'll leave you with that one.... Laters!!
