Teamstats win 3-2 on Penalties....
A wonderful and spirited team performance saw Teamstats through to the Hove and Worthing cup final to be played in March.
The mood of the side was buoyant and focused when we arrived at the ground and this focus meant that we went into the game with the sort of confidence that we needed in order to progress. I think that some recent disappointing semi-final performances meant that we came into this one knowing that only a win would be good enough and it’s this sort of attitude that will put us in good stead for the rest of the season.
The team talk was very much focused on us giving them something to think about and this was the case from the outset. We not only got forward, but looked very comfortable at the back with us creating most of the chances. We were winning the midfield battle which was always going to be crucial in this one with Al, Bell, Coyne and Daryl all doing their fair share of attacking and defending. Rich had their dangerous number 11 in his pocket and Chinders, Stevo and Pad were all working very well as a unit, meaning that apart from a couple of back passes, Danny Long didn't have much to do. Terry and Loft were working hard up front, but due to the ball being in the middle of the park for most of the first half didn't have many chances, however when either did get possession, I did feel we looked dangerous on the break.
Half time 0-0 - The team talk was simple, we could win this game. We were playing a good side at their own game and we were mentally and physically on top. The final was still up for grabs....
We started the second half lively, with Coyne really getting the game by the scruff of the neck much to the dismay of their players, manager (who later spat at Coyney, nice!) and supporters. We looked dangerous and a goal finally came when Coyney picked up the ball on the right, drifted in field and smashed the ball into the top corner with his left peg, super goal, brilliant celebration, although I did think that his vain was going to pop out of his head.
Naturally, Hikers then tried to take the game to us, changing to a 4-3-3, however the back 4 were still snuffing out everything, with Bell and Al supporting in the midfield. We then had opportunities to counter, with our pace, with Daryl twice getting through but failing to add to our goal from difficult angles. Coyne then gifted Terry a great chance to seal the victory with a class cross, Terry shaped well but got too much on it, unlucky.
Then from out of nowhere and probably their first chance in the box came a bit of a mix up with defenders and the keeper going for the ball which resulted in a tap in for them. I was naturally worried about the timing of this goal, however we kept our heads up and soaked up their pressure resulting in extra time. In the past our heads would have gone down at this point, but we still had the belief.
Jeeves was on at this point for Terry and added some fresh legs up front given the fact that they were still playing 4-3-3 we still had the chance of a counter. Danny also came on for the injured Stevo and immediately slowed the game down by getting his foot on the ball. Our defense were still on top, with mom Pad dominating in the air and on the floor against a player much faster than himself. This goes to show when we keep our shape and do not throw ourselves at every challenge we are hard to break down and we must take this into the next few games.
We were very disciplined in extra time, with Loft helping the midfield, Al and Bell covering the back 4 and Coyney, Danny, Rich, Pad and Chinders all soaking up everything they had to throw at us. We still had the better of the chances on the counter and this was intelligent play from us with little need for instructions from me on the side lines. I loved it and long may it continue!
Chinders got sent off for a second yellow on 86 minutes, although it could have been straight red anyway, much to his satisfaction as he was well and truly shattered. I have never seen him cover so much ground. We may see the skinny Chinders from the old photo’s soon if he carries on like this. There were a few more chances at either end, but none telling and the game went into penalties.
The penalties were always going to be a lottery, but thanks to Loft, Bell, Danny G (top corner, did anyone see that Pen? And he didn't want to take one) and Danny Long who nearly saved all of their pens that were on target we progressed to the final.
I can honestly say that during this game I have never witnessed such team spirit and determination from any team I have been involved in with you lot for 10 years. We worked hard for each other and got each other going for the whole game. We all knew we had it in us and we are now in a final because of it.
Thanks for all your hard work lads, I’m proud of you all….
Cheers, G. Affa
