After a difficult start to the new season Sporting 87 were in cup action this week away at Division 5 Elmswell. Manager Ginn used the match as an opportunity to give some game time to players who hadn't featured a great deal in recent weeks. So into the starting 11 came Lovejoy, Nolan and after his superb finish the previous week Herrera kept his place up front. Sporting started brightly however found themselves a goal down, against the run of play, when a through ball split the Sporting rear-guard the Elmswell number 9 made no mistake finishing with aplomb. However Sporting have shown a superb attitude all season and when Stebbings delivery from the right-back area was spilt by the Elmswell 'keeper Herrera showed excellent predatory instincts to stroke the loose ball home. Sporting were looking a real threat with Manning showing superb energy from left back to terrorise the Elmswell defence. Sporting were not to have it all their own way though, and Goalkeeper Page produced a wonder save, clawing the ball out of the top corner when the ball seemed to have gone beyond him. 1-1 at the break and Sporting were sniffing an upset. Smith replaced the injured Stebbings at half time and within 5 minutes showed his class with a delightful through-ball for Bailey to run onto to. Still with the 'keeper to beat Bailey showed the prowess that brought him 30 goals last season with a lovely dinked finish. 2-1. Taylor and Honeyball were commanding the back line and with the ever dangerous Wiseman providing an outlet Sporting were looking like adding to their lead, and it was Wiseman who came closest to extending the advantage when he pounced on a loose ball only to see his shot come back off the bar. Elmswell remained a threat and when the tall centre forward for once escaped the attentions of his marker at a corner Elmswell were level. Ginn brought on Krogh to provide further energy to Sporting's attack in order to replace Nolan, who along with Lovejoy had battled hard in the midfield. This seemed to pin Elmswell back and when Herrera released Bailey Sporting found themselves infront again. Sporting were able to hold on for the win without much alarm for a first victory of the season and to set up a round 3 clash with Division 4, Cedars Park Reserves. The managers relief was just about audible at the final whistle having shouted himself horse during the match. Man of the Match was shared between: Manning, Wiseman and Herrera
