Sundays game can best be described as a job well done. When we were drawn to play Dormansland away we new we faced a very difficult game and our only target was to get through to the next round. That we did with a performance that was not spectacular but which was solid, efficient and very professional. We knew that they had some key players who if kept quiet would leave us with a very good chance. Defensively we were excellent. Nick Coxon and Andy Lindsey were outstanding with Wardy and Gunny not far behind. They were, however, supported by the rest of the team through good closing down up front, an industrious midfield and an alert Chimp behind.
The first half was tight and of few chances. The best falling to Martin Millins early on but he shot tamely at the keeper. Thereafter both sides worked hard to limit opportunities and on a sloping pitch good passing movements were at a premium.
We played better football in the second half, were clearly the better side but too often wasted good possession but choosing difficult options. They became less of a threat as the game wore on and with their key players pushing further on it became easier for us to begin to find holes across the middle. Unfortunately we didn't make the most of our opportunities and except for a well struck effort from Peter Bukovec and several good blocks from their defence we failed to trouble their keeper. In between the Chimp had to be brave in going down at an advancing forwards feet and our only defensive lapse saw them head wide from a corner. Two minutes from the end, however, some good movement and short passing interplay enabled Gunny to break free down the left, cut inside and hit a shot that crashed against the bar. From the rebound the ball bounced up in the box and as Liam Gent stooped to nod home his head was met by a defenders boot. Liam was left poleaxed and the referee immediately awarded a penalty. After being left to sweat for several minutes as Liam received attention from Doctor Dan, Wardy went through his routine and then calmly despatched the ball into the roof of the net.
In the end a hard fought but thoroughly deserved victory.
Team:
L.Baker
A.Lindsey
M. Boorman
N.Coxon
I.Ward
P.Bukovec
M. Lester
G. Manser
M.Wood
A.Evans
M. Millins
Subs:
L.Gent (for Millins)
M.Lawrence (for Gent)
S.Hunter