The third and final leg in remarkable team hat trick of 1 - 0 winning performances saw Lee put one early hand on the cup with the rest of the team making sure that Heath couldn't snatch it back.
Sleepless nights and hours of debate led to a last minute shredding of the team sheet as we bravely took to the field 3 -4 - 3. On a pitch fully 10 meters wider than our home pitch and with free flowing, pacey opposition this was a huge leap of faith in the three man defence and we were rewarded by giant performances by Chippy (magnificent) Ryan and Joel.
The lack of a holding player/sweeper gave a stretched middle four few backward options and demanded that in possession they served a front three and that out of possession they stayed behind the ball. At times in the first period Dan and Harry were overwhelmed, always faced by an extra man and finding it difficult to get to the man and ball to get any meaningful tackles in, but the huge energy expended was critical as it allowed Jack and Ollie to carry the ball to Heath meaning that at the sharp end we were often deploying 4 against 4 as they linked in turn with Kim, Lee and Sam.
Not for the first time this season some our our approach play was pleasing on the eye but we struggled to convert any of the half chances that fell our way - rigid defending by Heath was a significant factor but a look at our goals record, stripped of freak results, suggests that when we dominate games or periods of games we sometimes lack a clinical cutting edge to put the opposition to bed.
As with the mid-week game v Elsenham (w 3-1) Sam and Lee were given freedom to switch roles around a centre forward (Kim) who was detailed to stay central and to occupy their two centre backs. Middway through the first period one such switch saw Lee roll back the years to ghost in at the back post, the ball seemed to hang in the air giving Lee too much time to decide whether to volley or head. These days Lee has trouble lifting his leg more than a foot off the floor so (thankfully) old age made his decision for him and as he headed home from close range.
Heath realised that we had sacrificed our talented midfield on the alter of a team victory and over loaded the central area but the adrenalin rush of the goal just gave us enough legs to reach the break with our lead in tact and to give us a chance of a Jaffa break. Unfortunately, the changing rooms must have been raided and the thieves targetted our Jaffas - Joe you were supposed to be keeping a lookout!
For the second period we reverted to 3-5-2 with Kyle on for Lee narrowing things down up top and dropping Kim behind Dan and Harry with license to break beyond with ball at feet. It took Heath sometime to realise that we had another body in midfield and we had a few spells of quality possesion. With Kyle and Sam dropping off, the play was condensed and this opened up space behind their high back four. Several times Kyle came within a whisker of captalising and his strength almost unhinged their defence. Sam's groin tightened as the game progressed but his quality with ball at feet was compensation for his restricted pace.
For long spells we were under the cosh but we set out our stall and as the game wore on our strength and determination came to the surface and we grew in stature on the back of some monumental tackles from every outfield player. It's always difficult picking out a MOM performance in a game which was a testament to our true team ethic, with "flair" players uting a game plan perfectly, midfielders working tirelessly to set up and preserve a slender lead and defenders doing what defenders do. There were some standout performances Chippy among them but by common agreement of the crowd, management and team mates Gary was Man of the Match and Man of the Moment. Handling, Distribution, Punching, Command of his Area - he ticked all the right boxes. Its never easy for a 'keeper to maintain top form over a full 90 minutes especially when the oposition is good quality, continually testing and probing but Gary's peformance was a reflection of the grit and determination in front of him - well done Gary.
One final word for the unused players. Bill and Chris - Chris had made a 150 mile journey to make the game, its a tough call leaving out one our finest footballers and last seasons Players' Player. Chris and Bill played huge roles in our reaching this final and their continued support and contribution is highly valued. We all know that this is a real squad - We are The Association.
