Starlands visited Chasetown for the return leg - knowing that Chasetown would be looking for revenge.
Starlands were lucky enough to kick off down the slope, and were hoping that they could manage to get some goals and boost their confidence before the difficult task of kicking up the slope.
Starlands got off to a great start and had a lot of the early pressure - but could not turn it into goals.
It was actually Ben K that was called into action first making a good early save.
Zak then played a lovely ball to Marcus who went on a mazy run the length of the pitch...and was only prevented from scoring goal of the season by a brave keeper.
Eventually it was a goalkeeping error that handed the first chance to Starlands Mr.Reliable...a poor goal kick went straight to Callum who ran straight back at the keeper and finished with confidence to make it 1-0
Chasetown then broke and Ben K made a top class save at the near post - to prevent what was a certain goal.
Another poor Chasetown goal kick again fell to Callum, but this time the keeper made ammends saving well on the line.
Just before half time Ben K made another fine save tipping it around the post.
Half time came - and the supporters were uncertain that a 1-0 lead would be enough kicking up hill.
Sure enough Chasetwon made it 1-1 with the striker allowed to run through the heart of the Starlands defence. Whether the slope took the ball or it was skill, there was a lack of tackling...the ball ran into the box and then just as BP was about to put in a tackle, the striker slid it past Ben k into the corner.
Starlands struck back with a corner being deflected into the goal by a Chasetwon player...COuld Starlands hang on?
The pitch was a little smaller than our home pitch - and it was noticeable that this helped the dubious fitness of our boys...It allowed the midfield to get up and down the pitch to help out in attack and defence. The back three of Zack, Marcus and BP were making some timely interceptions and setting up Oscar,Kieran,Luke and Callum in midfield to run forward. There was some nice interplay and Aran and Josh were trying to get the odd shot off to test the keeper.
Chasetown again broke away - and a bullet of a shot was saved by Ben K pushing it up....I thought he'd done enough to save it....I was wrong...and it went up and into the roof of the net....unlucky ! and unlucky for me too...as Ben K banned me from watching ! ;(
The remaining minutes of the match - were hard to comment on from the bushes!
However, with binoculars in hand...and lucky not to be reported as a dirty old man lurking in the bushes.....I think this is what happened...
Chasetown with confidence up and the slope on their side broke again,,,and scored a 3rd...but, it was ruled off-side by our NEW WINDOW CLEANER !...sorry linesman in the absence of Deano. Phew !...but a good call....and if Raj hadnt of flagged for off side...Our Army of Tea Ladies would have lynched him !!!!
A bit of MAGIC then won it for Starlands....Aran got the ball on the edge of the box, he turned and shot..it flew into the net 3-2 !!! Goooooooooooooooooooooooooal! ...and well deserved by Aran who has been unlucky not to cash in on the £5 a goal incentive before now ;)
The boys hung on in for the last 5 minutes...and stopped COREY the pacey No.7 from scoring..... A great result...a great effort from all the boys !...
Aran was awarded Managers Man of The Match...and Oscar & Aran shared the Parents Player award. Well Done.!
