This weeks’ game was against the premiership side Alexandra in the Len Mahoney cup first round. For the first time in a while not only was the sun shinning at Budmouth on a newly cut pitch but the Belvedere turned up with more than 11 players! Dulston had returning to the side Terry Hoey and Dan Turner at the back, to hopefully add some stability and the much needed return of striker Hine and new signing Kevin Lowe hoping to add some killer instinct to the forward line that the belvedere had been lacking in recent matches.
With both sides not under any real pressure knowing that either loser will still progress to the Les Hallett cup the game got under way with an almost pre-season feel to it. The grass on the new pitch was still fairly long and this slowed the Belvederes passing rhythm down as passes were getting held up and not reaching their targets but they still seemed to grasp control of the game with their 5 in midfield. The first couple of chances came to J Rawlings who was unlucky with a couple of close attempts. Some neat play on the left wing involving Hine whipping a ball into the box led to a chance for young Leon Rawlings but he could only drag the ball wide. The Back four of the Belvedere seemed to be in control as well with Turner and Mercer both being dominant at the back and with Sowerby keeping the quick Alex striker Dean under control there was no immanent danger.
But it was again the opposition who managed to take advantage of Belvederes wasted chances, as they got a dubious free kick on the edge of the Belve area and it was drilled into the top corner leaving Jake with no chance.0-1.
Belvedere again going behind first in consecutive games now managed to keep there nerves and team spirit to get the equaliser they deserved shortly after the restart. Dave Sowerby (a contender for MOM) took a long throw straight into the box to midfielder Campbell-Bell who turned the marking defender to shoot at goal and with the help of a deflection found the back of the net.1-1.
The Belvedere who deservedly got themselves back level then threw it away, as a long ball to the back post was not properly dealt with by Tezza Hoey who could only head back across his own goal where the Alex strikers were waiting to smash home.1-2.
The start of the second half saw the Alex break away and rifle a shot against the bar which made the Belvedere wake up and all of a sudden gain the desire to want to win the match with some fierce tackling by Mercer and Ross-Mackensie the injection of passion showed the Alex they were still in a game and through a good passing move the Belvedere worked the ball to Kev Lowe inside the box who smashed home a shot into the top corner. 2-2
Dulston being able to finally bring on fresh legs made a change with the spritely Attree coming on for the tired young L.Rawlings. This had dividends straight away as he received the ball on the right wing and then found Hine inside the box and who with one move, a silky cushioned first touch he took the ball away from the defender and committed the keeper, then with the second dispatched to the back of the net, giving the Belvedere the lead for the first time. 3-2.
The Alex now had to up their game and with the belvedere still missing the half chances they were creating they got punished. When Ross-MacKensie had a heavy touch he was caught out in possession and the Alex pounced with a long ball over the top where the Alex striker Dean out paced the Belvedere back line and while Mercer did his best to make a last ditch tackle Dean went down and although the ref probably couldn’t see the challenge clearly he gave the penalty, and then it was 3-3.
Alex took the lead with five minutes to go after both sides pushed forward looking for the winner, a bit of a defensive error and scramble in the box led the ball falling to the Alex attacker finally putting the ball in the back of the Belves net.3-4.
With the last attack of the game Campbell-Bell pulled a cross back into the Alex box where J.Rawlings hit the bar with a neat volley, nearly taking the game to extra time but it wasnt to be for the Belve.
Overall the Belvedere played some good stuff on a heavy pitch but seemed more organised, and dominated the game but again were punished by not taking chances. But for once this could have worked in our favour as we now go on to play the Lounge FC in the Les Hallet Cup and if we play like we can they are beatable and then the draw has been kind for what could be the semi final against either Broadmayne or Weymouth Athletic, both teams we have beat twice in the league but we have to win these games first!!! So keep the effort going lads and keep working as a team none of us are pros or we wouldn’t be playing Sunday morning football so let's help each other reach another final!
