After last week's hangover from winning the title Witham were back involved in another important game this time the cup semi final against Old Bramstonians who conquered local rivals Valley Green. Ahern was still missing through injury and Johnson had transportation problems but Jeffery still had a strong squad of 15 to choose from.
It was a nervous start from both sides which was expected in a cup semi final but it was obvious from the outset that the home side had a plan to frustrate Witham and pack out the midfield and counter when they won possession. On 7 minutes Murphy's attempted tackle was slightly mis-timed and the resulting free kick was buried into the top right hand corner of the net giving Cannock no chance. Witham upped there tempo and used the flanks alot more to gain space especially Whipps and Lawes down the left who created many chances with there clever play and penetrating runs. Yeo nearly equalised on 15 minutes when his free kick from 20 yards was well saved. Minutes later Witham nearly scored from a corner but it was cleared off the line. Mid way through the half some good build up from left to right found Stoneham inside the righthand side of the box but his shot went just wide. Bramstonians were still a threat and looked ready to extend there lead when there striker was found free on the right hand side of the box but Harry Stonehams well timed tackle ended the threat. On 33 minutes Galacticos equalised when the Whipps and Lawes combination realised Lawes inside the box and as he looked destined to shoot he pulled the ball back to Yeo who placed the ball home from 10 yards. Witham looked more dangerous and were winning numerous corners due to good build up play out wide but were nearly caught on the counter attack when the Bramstonians winger found space and ran in on goal but Cannock done enough to force his shot wide.
HALF TIME OLD BRAMSTONIANS 1 WITHAM GALACTICOS 1
The second half began similar to the first with Witham looking favourable to score but there opponents were ready and willing to break at any given opportunity. On 61 minutes the game changed when Orr's goalward shot was blocked by the hand of the defender and the penalty was given, the home team appealed immensly and eventually had a player sent off for dissent. Yeo stepped up and placed his shot to the keepers left giving him no chance as it rocketed in off the post. Witham now had a goal lead and an extra man and decided to ring the changes to freshen up the legs. On 70 minutes Yeo got his fourth hat trick in four weeks when he picked up Murphy's clever through ball and calmly finished to give Witham some breathing space. 6 minutes later Witham get there fourth when Lawes down the left beat his man and his cross along the 6 yard box was deflected in off the defender. Old Bramstonians got a lifeline straight after when there played danced around 4 defenders into the box and his shot took a deflection off Jackson and creped in. 4 minutes later it was game set and match when Lawes superb crossfield pass was taken down brilliantly by Panting and his clever finish from an angle was well deserved. On 84 minutes the rehabilitating Jack Stoneham got his 3rd goal of the season when Yeo broke away behind the defence and squared the ball to Stoneham to tap home.
FINAL SCORE OLD BRAMSTONIANS 2 WITHAM GALACTICOS 6
The double is on and its our 5th cup final in 4 years!. It was a well earned win today against well drilled opposition but we stayed focus and determined considering the early setback. Its encouraging to see the whole squad fighting for positions on the pitch and the subs coming off the bench to influence our final results. Our Captain and leading goalscorer Yeo completed his fourth hat trick in four weeks today which is no mean feat so hats off to him. Whipps again was terrorising the opponents with so many driving runs and excellent defending which he has now done for numerous weeks. Lawes again had a strong game grabbing a hat trick of assists and was a big threat down the left supported well by Whipps. Also pleasing to see Jack Stoneham and Jamie Adams working there way back to fitness with game time. Man of the match today was Harry Stoneham who now has 3 to his name, his performance today was exceptional with superb well timed tackles and clearances and his aerial presence to keep Bramstonians out. 12th April 2015 remember the date...its our chance to win the double and cap off a truly great season :)
