Pembury opened the first of their three cup campaigns with a spirited performance against last year's President Cup winners.
During the opening exchanges it was impossible to tell which side were the Premier Division side and which was from Division One. We started well and were not overawed by the opposition. Ben Brooker was having his best 45 minutes of the season so far and terrorised their defence throughout the half. Matt Rice-Tucker was effective down our right as we continually isolated their ageing left-back. Something I have been reliably informed the Sunday First Team couldn't do a few weeks ago. Inside the opening ten minutes Ben Brooker was extremely unlucky to see his shot rebound off the inside of the post. However this merely delayed the opening goal, as more good work by Ben left Lewis Drury with the chance to notch his 2nd goal of the season. As with his first the celebration was over the top! The Pembury midfield and forwards were continuing to win us the majority of the ball and chances to extend our league went begging. Casuals were now starting to look dangerous with their quality forwards beginning to cause problems. On the half hour the centre forward scored when he managed to run thirty yards without a serious challenge being made, before he coolly slotted past Andy. Casuals were now playing with greater confidence and a great reaction save from Andy and a goal line clearance from Garry Knight kept the scores level. That said we continued to look very dangerous on the break and just before half-time we were denied a blatant penalty when Ben was clipped as he was about to shoot.
At half-time Ali Turner replaced the injured Kevin Waterman, for his first game since his recent knee injury. The second half was a different proposition however, as Casuals better players actually realised that we weren't going to roll over for them. Casuals dominated the half but with some resolute defending and sheer hard work from the whole side, we managed to keep the scores level. Tom Bowyer showed all of his never say die qualities, whilst dealing with the constant threat brought by their right winger. Mid-way through the half Casuals had a goal disallowed for off-side, before Ben again hit the post. Finally the constant pressure paid off, when Casuals took the lead. It looked bleak for us at this point, as tired legs came into play. However we dug in again, in an attempt to force extra time. Unfortunately no more chances came our way and we once again had to be content with a defeat.
Another great performance against a side with half a dozen very good players. Defensively we won't come up against many better forward lines. If we can take this performance into this weekend's league game I am confident we can start a winning run.
Team:
A.Whittaker
T.Bowyer
S.Waterman
G.Knight
J.Austin
M.Rice-Tucker
T.Gent
K.Waterman
R.Taylor
B.Brooker
L.Drury
Subs:
A.Turner (for K.Waterman)