This week saw the turn of the Midlands Conference Cup for UEA BUCS 2s. After 2 consecutive victories in the league the 2s were looking to translate this form into the cup as they knew they'd face a sterner test in the shape of Bedford 2s; who domestically share the same league as UEA 1st team. Jacki rather reluctantly let skipper Williams take a squad of 18 to Bedford, concerned that Rugby 2s and Women’s Football may not have the required squad amounts for their respective fixtures. Her concerns were realised in the shape of two old boys who unfortunately featured in a larger role than what was required of them for the remainder of UEA FCs time in Bedford. More to follow.
UEA started rather sloppily and were pegged back quite early on due to some intricate play from their number 10, resulting in multiple corners which defensively the team had to deal with. UEA began to get back into the game more as the first half went on, exploiting their dog shit left back through slick combination play spearheaded by Willerton, Graham and Hastings down the right hand side. Unfortunately for UEA, chances in the first half were few and far between with Bedford 2s applying most of the pressure, with a resulting corner leading to a headed goal at the back post.
1-0 Bedford.
Early on the game had a cup match feel to it with strong, often reckless challenges at times flying in as ever from Altay and Williams in the right side of defence. Compounded by the pressure of the strong Bedford home support, and the somewhat ill-advised abuse from the ever so slightly inebriated UEA FC die hards on the sidelines, it was clear that the ref was going to struggle to keep hold of this one. Alas the game continued with UEA’s frustrations with the referee reflecting in some of their play, creating few chances going forward. After a few strong challenges went in from both sides and a few words were uttered by the usually ever so quaint Hastings, the referee decided to flash a yellow for a supposed late challenge by the UEA centre midfielder. Shortly after, UEA lost Hastings to injury after a technique malfunction in what we can only assume was an attempted half volley, seeing a lot of Polhill playfields contacted, but very little ball. This meant the new face of #Tuesdays Edward Dodman was given an earlier interruption to his hangover than expected, and slotted in behind Nelson up top.
Half time came and the U’s knew they were still very much in this game, but they knew improvement was needed in all areas of the pitch. Some say it was the motivational words the lads shared at half time, some say it was the swig of Frosty Jacks Luke Graham had on the sly, whatever it was UEA came out a different side the second half with a new sense of purpose. With a slight rotation of formation with Dryden coming on for the injured Nelson up top, the U’s started looking a real threat going forward. Potter and Dryden were pushing further and further into Bedfords half with some naughty diagonal balls from Graham and Hargreaves in the middle of the park allowing the pacey wingers to get in behind the Bedford back line. Despite our greater threat from open play, it was from a corner which provided UEA with their much deserved equaliser. In a series of good deliveries, Potter managed to find the head of an unlikely source in Michael Dryden, who got across his man climbing highest to divert the ball into the far corner of the net.
1-1
The tension was palpable on and off the pitch in the last 15 minutes of the match with both sets of fans becoming increasingly restless, and for some, increasingly boozy. The poor ref was coming close to breaking point, even threatening to abandon the game if the torrents of abuse he was receiving from the sidelines continued. One new friend the ref won’t be taking away from the game is that of UEA’s Taylor Hastings. After a few more words were shared between the two, the ref reached into his back pocket and brandished the red card; fortunately by the time the two met again in Tescos, half a bottle of Rose had cooled the UEA man down a tad. UEA maintained their focus and kept battling to the end of the 90 with impressive work rates from all the boys, in particular Graham, who managed to shed the criticisms from the Bedford home support having previously been labelled ‘sweaty geez’ and ‘unable to last the half’.
Full time: 1-1
Extra time beckoned and the unwelcomed prospect was realised as both sides remained relatively compact at the back and the ever reliable Kibbey in goal pulling off some fantastic reaction saves. Bedford dealt a crushing blow going 2-1 up early on capitalising on some sloppy UEA defending. However, the UEA school spirit was evident once again as the boys kept fighting until the very last seconds. Once again another in swinging corner from Potter sparked mayhem in the heart of the Bedford penalty area allowing Willerton to rise highest at the back post nodding in a last gasp equaliser inevitably prompting jubilation from the entire UEA outfit.
Penalties: 3-0 Bedford.
Less said the better.
Gutting to go out of the cup so early, but the 2s can take a lot out of this game, especially their second half performance in which if replicated, will put the boys right up the higher end of the table come Spring.
