After possibly the longest match ever, we somehow find ourselves out the cup that has been so good to us in past seasons.  It was through no lack of effort or performance from the lads who completely dominated the 2nd half of the game with a top performance that should breed confidence for the rest of the season.  The miserly Coleshill defence were made to look very ordinary at times with slick play and pacey movement that we see week in week out on the training ground.

 

Selection threw up a few surprises as James made his full debut in between the sticks.  This lad has an attitude 2nd to none.  He is the complete team player and I have nothing but praise for the way that James had conducted himself since pre-season started in July.  That aside, he made several fine saves, brave blocks and solid interventions that contributed to a good performance all round.

 

Matty started on the wing with a much improved performance.  Matt has all of the credentials to be as good as any winger around and today he showed it with several surging runs through midfield, clever passes and a great goal threat.

 

Graham earned a start upfront and once again looked as good as anything on the pitch.

 

We did manage to give Coleshill a head start.  Kev made an uncharacteristic error which was put away.  We responded well, particularly at the back as our midfield struggled to get to grips with things.

 

We began to create chances of our own.  Ben, managed to squeeze a shot wide from close distance and then a great run by Matt led to another chance for Ben who shot wide.  Coleshill’s pace on the counter was a threat and our re-jigged back four saw Ross taking command at the back.

 

Our best chance fell to Ross who smashed a left foot shot against the bar, Mikes headed rebound was cleared off the line as we built the pressure.  James finished the half as he started it with brave punches and a super one handed save low to his right.

 

The 2nd half saw Pete, Brett, Dyl + Dayle all enter the fray.  We started quite slowly but then we kicked into overdrive as our midfield took control.  Rob and Graham were at the helm and Matt and Dylan offered great pace and options out wide.  A great combination of Dyl going around the outside and Matt cutting in onto his right foot.  Gray and Rob didn’t miss place a single pass and Mark and Ross, eagerly assisted by Pete and Dayle were holding the fort at the other end.

 

Eventually the goal came.  Ben fed Matt in the box and he surprised us all by smashing us level.

 

Minutes later Dyl’s shot was saved.  Brett was next to have a chance and the Matt’s crisp volley flew inches over the bar.  We were well on top.

 

We got the goal about 10 minutes before the end.  Ben latched onto a rare mistake at the back for Coleshill and his pace took him away from the defenders. The finish was never in doubt and I couldn’t think of anybody I would have rather have had in that position.  Ben punched the air as you could see his delight with his 1st goal against Premiership opposition after years of banging them in, in the lower leagues.  I am sure there are plenty more to come.

 

Coleshill pressed us back as our legs tired and eventually a deflected shot took us into extra time.

 

There were no real chances during the half hour as both teams looked tired.  The game did have a nasty incident that saw a two footed tackle on Matty go unpunished, and Robbo sent off in the mêlée.

 

Penalties would be the decider and we eventually went down 10-9.

 

Put that 2nd half display in the memory as we carved open a very good side on numerous occasions.  The whole squad contributed to this game with so many players having to fill into positions they had not done before.

 

The Men of the match for me were James, Graham, Ross and Matt (until the incident).  I could have easily names many others.

 

Well done chaps -  that big win is just around the corner.

 

Steve

 

Grady

 

Bissell          O’Neill       Williams (M)         Foster          

 

Halloran            Foley            Coyne        Barber

 

Hill                 Williams (B)  

 

 

Subs

 

Palmer

Ryan

Mcloughlin

Yarrington

Stokes

Downes