We all rock up at Monkton Lane ahead of the Aldershot Cup against a team 2 divisions above us. Gaffer Smith makes 5 changes from the Rushmoor game with the Old Campainer Mark Thomas, Pacey & Davie G making their 1st appearances of the season. We also welcome the return of Ricki Mapp and Mr Home-alone himself, Kev Mcallister in what is an attack minded 4-4-2.
But things don't start off as planned as a long ball is missed by Farmer and the Farnham striker slots the ball beyond Ricky to make it 1-0. Things are made even worse when from a corner their big defender gets above Dave to power a header into the top corner to make it 2-0.
We manage to create a few chances with the gaffer going close with an effort which is saved by the keeper.
The only up points in the driving rain is the Farnham striker tripping over the ball whilst in the area. Twice. (Looks like our trained sniper earnt his money.)
Things just aren't going our way when a farnham free-kick is blocked by Ricky, only for 4 strikers to bear down on goal to slot it in. 3-0
Pacey is having to drop deep to pick up the ball to try and get the attack going with him, Dave & little Ricki pushing and probing for an opening.
Alas things happen to sum up our 1st half. A mis-hit clearance by Taff goes straight to their striker on the 6yd box. His 1st effort is blocked, only for his team-maye to slide it home. 4-0
The 2nd half gets under way in the best possible fashion. The ball from centre is played back to Dave, who then pings it out to Ricki Mapp, who's cross finds Mike Walker who brings it under control and smashes it into the bottom corner 4-1
A free-kick by Skipper Donoghue is missed by everyone but is turned behind by the Farnham keeper. The ball is cleared from the resulting corner only as far as Dave who lines up the volley and..... shanks it straight to Taff who's 1st time volley dips, dives and floats - in off the post from all of 22yrds 4-2 game on
Dave & Mart are now controlling the midfield, Mike & Joe are causing a nuisance for the back 4 and the 2 wide boys are driving at the full backs.
The chances are coming thick & fast with Mike blazing over the bar from close range. 2 soon becomes 3 when Ricki Mapp seeing the keeper slightly off his line, bends it into the top corner from 20yds. 4-3
With confidence flying, we soon equalise when Ricki again, cuts across the area and drives the ball into the keepers bottom left corner, 4-4. Joe comes close to getting himself on the scoresheet when he robs the centre half only to see his shot saved by the keeper.
Gaffer Smith rings the changes by bringing off himself and Kev for Manning & Jeff. Our joy is soon short-lived when 2 quick Farnham goals on the counter put us 6-4 behind. The last change sees Rossi Sensini replace farmer with Boro going with 3 at the back.
The comeback continues when a shot by Manning is parried into the path of Mike W who despatches the ball into the corner. 6-5. Another gilt edged chance is missed when a cross from the right finds Jeff who with the goal gaping, can only send the ball fizzing over the bar.
With everyone pushing forward, the final whistle goes to bring to an end a pulsating cup game.
We need to forget about the 1st half and concentrate on the 2nd half which was a complete contrast. we were like a completely different team. Just to take 2nd half into every game and we can achieve something this season. Bring on AFC Stella in the hants cup
