The Sperm marched onwards and upwards in League Cup competition after a tremendous team performance saw them into the Last 16. Sheffield Thursbray came into the game with confidence, leading their league competition and having played in the semi-finals of the BOI cup last season. They did not expect to come up against such steely defensive play and confident passing in the midfield.
Tottenham were down by one at the break, and if history is anything to go by, the stats would claim they were headed for defeat. But this was the cup. And the Sperm love the cup. A rousing half time rally by the men in white, in which communication was the main objective, led to two quickfire goals that stunned Thursbray. McCarthy battled in midfield to win an attacking header and sent it out wide, where that man Crowley netted his 12th of the season, with McCarthy adding his 12th assist.
Not to be outdone, Moragahan continued his comeback with another goal, five minutes after the equalizer, with a stunning scramble in the box. Moraghan didnt give up and bundled the ball into the net to give the boys with fertile nutsacks the lead.
The defensive performance was rock solid, save for a goal from distance in the first half and a shot that hit the post. Those were from lacklustre pressing, which was completely eradicated in the second half, with men coming from everywhere to block down challenges. The second goal was well taken, and was the only smear on an otherwise solid performance. Browne, Ryan, Power and Hardy all held a strong line and threw themselves into challenges. No threats from set pieces was the result of careful positioning and tacitcal prowess. Midfield was packed and they did themselves proud, with an interesting pairing between McCarthy and Liddy, who bossed the centre of the field, coming back to defend and pushing forward when asked. McDonnell returned from a one game hiatus and showed us exactly what he can bring to the team with brilliant hold up play and an amazing workrate. Gallen and Lynch also entered the fray, with Lynch proving his attitude and fitness have improved and the Gallen made sure the other team knew he was there to stop them getting forward at all costs. The wide men once again proved vital to our style of play, Delany and Quirke making some dazzling runs up the byline, with good tracking back. Crowley and Moraghan proved immense up front, winning headers and taking the ball past strong defenders. They deserved their goals. McCooey came on and showed he's not just a goalscoring menace with a strong showing on the right wing.
The real hero however, was that man Alan Byrne. Several important catches in the first half, plenty of blocks and fantastic control of his box saw the team through to the next round. He couldnt be faulted for the first goal or the second, and saved the game with a fantatic stop in the last 5 minutes. This is all before he saved the first penalty in the shoot out, and put the next player off with some Jerzy Dudek like moves.
Moragahan, Quirke, Power and McCarthy all scored their penalties. They were never going to miss them.
Onward in the cup Sperm, fertilize that well lined womb and make us proud.
