After a shaky start by Watton, Allenburys went 1 up after 5 mins with a very well taken goal from their Striker (Halsey I think) and continued to dominate for the first 20 mins of the match, putting the Watton defence in all sorts of trouble. We weathered the storm and got back into the game, and after a well worked throw in and a headed assist from Gillett, Wheeler capitalised and drew us level. Allenburys heads dropped and within 5 mins of drawing level Watton nudged ahead with a similarly worked approach from the opposite side of the pitch that saw A Mayson stab home from 10 yards and after very few more opportunities it stayed like that for the remainder of the half.
Allenburys came out strong in the second half and set about Watton with some well worked play, but for the concentration of Pearce in goal they could've been level as he thwarted their attackers in 2 separate 1 on 1 situations. But their persistance paid off as mid way through the 2nd half they equalised. Watton went all out to decide the game in the 90 by introducing 3 attacking players in Wills, Jolley and then Powell! But within 5 mins of coming on Powell was withdrawn after receiving an injury to his back, leaving watton down to 10 men for the last 5 mins of the 90. Within that time Watton had 3 or 4 set plays in the Allenburys half and Pearce ventured up the park in an attempt to nick a winner, but it was not to be and finished 2-2 at Full Time.
As Extra Time got underway the 10 men of Watton were tested time and time again with the post saving on 1 occasion, then they managed to get the breakthrough about mid way through the first half of Extra Time and the Watton side was visibly deflated, but managed to see it through to half time. The second half of Extra time started much like the First did with Allenburys making the extra man count, but as they started to get fatigued the 10 men of Watton started creating chance upon chance with Jolley coming close by rattling the bar. As the game was drawing to a close more and more opportunities came Wattons way with Pearce yet again marauding into the oppositions penalty box causing problems. Then with just 2 mins left on the clock and again from another corner the equaliser came as the ball ricochet about the box up popped Jolley to capitalise and take the tie to penalties.
With Pearce clearly distressed after his efforts to get on the score sheet he suffered an injury to his back and received treatment for a few mins, he was asked if he wanted to carry on as he was in quite a bit of pain, he confirmed he would and set him self to face the first penalty. Up stepped the taker from Allenburys and tried to place to the top left hand corner, but his effort was not accurate enough and Pearce saved with both hands pushing the ball to safety. Wattons first penalty taker was Robey who confidently side footed wide right of the goal! So we were still all square, Pen number 2 for Allenburys saw Pearce head in the wrong direction to his left but a trailing leg cleared the ball and give Watton the advantage yet again. It was the turn of Manarin to step up and with a sweet left foot sent the keeper in the opposite direction and give Watton a 1-0 lead. Allenburys needed to improve on their penalty taking techniques, and quickly, but as the 3rd taker stepped up there was an eerie silence as he blasted over the bar and the advantage swung hugely towards Watton, whose immense travelling support greeted with a roar. Up steps A Mayson with possibly one of the best penalties to be taken at the County Ground and with a flash of his right boot calmly planted the ball in the top right hand corner! 2-0 Watton after 3 penalties and Allenburys needed to get back on track with a goal or it was over. The 4th penalty taker took the slow long walk to the spot and placed the ball, everyone waited in anticipation to see where this was heading and with a short run up he lashed the ball almost straight down Pearce's throat, but with a quick hand he claimed he tipped it onto the bar and into the night sky, it was over and he had denied them on 3 out of 4 pens, truly an outstanding performance from him and the rest of all the players involved.
Allenburys played a massive part in an epic Final and deserve a lot of credit, fantastic group of guys with a great attitude, horrible way to settle it but there can be only one winner!
Also like to mention the Squad members not included on Friday, Ashley Wills, Mark Blacktin, Phil Siggins, James Grainger and Team Photographer Nick Jolley.
