THIS WAS A TYPICAL "CUP TIE" START TO FINISH!!
We knew before we kicked a ball that this was gona be a tough game against a team doing well in a league 2 divisions above us.
Taxi after last weeks performance decided to switch formation. He went for the 4-5-1 formation with Rooney up top on his own. This was to make sure we won the midfield battles, broke up play and held possession, and it worked a treat.
From kickoff everything we spoke about before the game seemed to be paying off. We pressed the ball well which gave Crofton no time to find their feet. Little Ben in goal for the first 20 minutes was nothing but a spectator, we were in total control.
Our clearest opening came in about the 25th minute when Darren done well down the right and put Rooney through on goal. Rooney had all the time in the world which i think worked against him, he tried a delicate chip over the advancing keeper but saw his effort go well over the bar!!
The break through came and it was a screamer from Big Dean. He controlled a long punt up pitch, turned the full back and let rip from about 25 yards. TOP CORNER, KEEPER NO CHANCE!! EXACTLY WHAT WE DESERVED!!!
This gave us something to build on, we had countless corners one after another but couldnt find the vital touch. Crofton never troubled Ben in goal until probably the last kick of the half. Their striker latched onto a long ball down by our corner flag, and picked out a peach of a cross. It landed on the head of their Captain 3 yards out. It was harder to miss but some how it went over!! TOTAL LET-OFF
The half time team talk for a change wasnt people pushing the blame to eachother but encouragement. We knew if we played the last 45 minutes as we were, we were gona progress in the cup.
The 2nd began as expected; Crofton came out all guns blazing, (MINUS THEIR CAPTAIN WHO MISSED THAT SITTER, HE GOT SUBBED!). Within the 1st minute their vice Captain had a shot from about 25 yards which smacked the cross bar head on. Don’t know if Ben would of got to it, but we will give him the benefit of the doubt.
The Ref was making it impossible for either team to play due to him being whistle happy. Managers and Captains from both teams had words with the Ref to no avail, except for Stocky going into the book again.
The game became abit static until Crofton got their chance. Wallis chopped down their striker in the box, PENALTY! Up stepped their stand in Captain, and swung his shot WIDE of the left hand post.
After our lucky escape we thought we might have had the luck with us to see the rest of the game out, but we didn’t. Crofton won a corner and while it was being taken we( including myself) were too busy arguing between each other, rather than marking. Their player ended up having a free header from 4 yards to make it 1-1. Gutted!!
We still had a chance to win the game, it was classic counter attacking. Wallis won a header in our own half, which Rooney ran onto. He ran their defender to the by-line and swung in a great cross, which Wallis met with a quality header. Unfortunately their keeper was more than equal to it!!
FINAL WHISTLE – EXTRA TIME REQUIRED
We knew before kickoff that Ben (keeper) wouldn’t be able to play extra time, so for the 1st time this season we would have to cope without him. Taxi made the decision to put Terry between the posts which raised a few eyebrows. Not only because he had never worn keeper gloves but because he was wearing a goalie top that looked more like a “boob tube” on him.
We thought we was going to struggle without Ben, but knew we had to keep the ball as far away from Terry as poss. We also knew we had to limit the amount of long range efforts as we weren’t too sure on his handling.
Terry done a great job as did the rest of the team, 1st time all season we controlled the whole game from MIDFIELD. So special credit to out 3 players in the centre!
FINAL WHISTLE – PENALTIES.
STATION CROFTON
1ST ROONEY = GOAL 1ST MISS (saved)
2ND WALLIS = MISS 2nd MISS (saved)
3rd BEN T = GOAL 3RD MISS (saved)
4th STOCKY = MISS 4TH GOAL
5TH BIG DEAN = WINNER
WE WON 3 – 1 ON PENALYTIES AFTER SOME HEROIC GOAL KEEPING! BRING ON PECKHAM IN THE NEXT ROUND!
