Today’s semi-final was played on a small bumpy Rusthall pitch, which we believed would be to our advantage, as it would probably enable us to close down the opposition more effectively than we did a couple of weeks ago at Woodside. The management team decided to alter our tactics from those used throughout the season. The plan was to get the ball forward at the earliest opportunity and work off of any knock downs won by Mark Wyles.
As expected Rusthall had the better of the early exchanges, although we were very sound defensively with the back four easily dealing with any high balls thrown at us, either by soundly winning the header or letting the ball sail through to Lee. Rusthall were also using at every opportunity a long throw-in, however good organisation defensively resulted in us winning every header. The only real attempts we had in this opening period were a couple of free-kicks mid way in their half. Unfortunately on a day when we needed to utilise every set piece, we wasted both opportunities. Matt was then replaced by Mark Wood, having twisted his ankle when chasing a pass. Neither side was looking like breaking the other down, so it was becoming ever more likely that a mistake by either side would lead to the opening goal. Unfortunately for us we made the mistake! Once again we were well set to defend a free kick given just inside their half. The free kick was hit diagonally and Rob Cornish misjudged the flight of the ball and their left midfield player ran in behind Rob, to control the ball and finish well, leaving Lee with no chance. The disappointment throughout the side was clear to see, as we had given away a soft goal, having worked extremely hard for 25 minutes. Our heads didn’t drop though and Rob almost made amends 10 minutes later. He collected a ball wide on the left and having advanced mid way into their half, sent over a superb cross. This was met 10 yards out by Mark Wyles, who is one of our stronger players in the air. However when he needed to meet the ball on the full, Mark could only glance the ball wide.
At half time the team were praised for doing everything that they were asked of before the game. The only improvement required was for us to start winning more of the 2nd balls. The team were also given licence to play a little more football this half.
We started the 2nd half really well and within 10 minutes were level. An excellent free kick from Ross was met powerfully by Mark, who made no mistake when given a 2nd headed opportunity. Rusthall were now rattled and constantly complaining to the referee. However we were unable to capitalise on this, as time and time again we were caught offside. Rusthall then began to come back into the game. But once again whilst they had the better of possession, they were not causing us too many problems defensively. With about 20 minutes to go the referee gave a very soft free kick against Tom. The resultant kick was knocked into our 6 yard box, where having initially gathered the ball, Lee was unable to keep hold of it and spilled the ball at the feet of a Rusthall player, who smashed it home to give them the lead again. Lewis was then introduced as we pushed more men on, in an attempt to force extra time. Rusthall almost had a 3rd when a 25 yard shot was well saved by Lee, who then made an even better save to keep out the rebound. In centre midfield Kevin having an excellent game, continued to lead by example and worked tirelessly to win us the ball. Our last chance came when another free kick was met by a Pembury head in the box. This time however the keeper did well when Tom tried to flick the ball over him.
Whilst not the most technically proficient performance, the team worked extremely hard and with a little more luck could have got the result we wanted. We limited a team who ripped us apart a couple of weeks ago, to long throw-ins and free kicks. Unfortunately tight semi finals are often decided by mistakes and today this was our undoing.
Team:
L.Thomson
T.Bowyer
T.Crouch
A.Lindsey
R.Cornish
M.Rice-Tucker
K.Waterman
I.Crouch
R.Taylor
B.Brooker
M.Wyles
Subs:
M.Wood (for M.Rice-Tucker)
L.Drury (for I.Crouch)
J.Austin