An already potentially tough game cup game against the side lying second in the table was made even harder by the unavailability of players through illness and injury. This meant that we had to use players who were either injured or suffering from the previous night excesses. Nevertheless they didn’t let us down and both Genty and Ollie can feel pleased with their contributions.
The game itself was a tight affair and though we shaded the first half in terms of possession and chances, Swan were always in the game and a half time score of nil - nil was probably a fair reflection of the half. We had had the better of the opening half hour without being too threatening and they had finished the half better.
At half time we spoke about keeping the ball moving, getting into wide positions and improving our delivery. It was also important that we maintained our tempo and concentration as we felt we would eventually score but at the same time we didn’t want to have start chasing the game.
We began the second half confidently but as the half progressed both Gary and myself began to feel uneasy as the chances were not falling and Swan were looking more confident and capable of catching us on the break. The unease was proven to be well founded when the open space down our left was exploited and a cross to our back post was forced home. This led to the Steve Harper show and within the space of a few minutes his free kick from way out on our left had nestled in the top corner, not sure whether it was a cross or even took a slight deflection but it counted and gave us the spark that was needed. Five minutes later good inter play between Millsy and Alun Evans led to Harps finishing off from close in. The hat-trick was reached with ten minutes remaining when he broke the off side trap and slotted the ball under the advancing keeper. The relief was evident and we felt comfortable that the game was now over. However, we proceeded to make the last five minutes interesting by conceding a second and almost giving them a third when we failed to clear a long ball but the Chimp rescued us with a good block at the forwards feet. At the other end though Harps completed a great twenty minutes with his fourth rifling home a shot which gave the keeper no chance.
All in all a good day despite the difficult circumstances and the most important objective of reaching the quarter finals achieved.
Team:
L.Baker
M.Wood
S.Hunter
A.Lindsey
I.Ward
L.Gent
G.Manser
O.Allman
A.Evans
M.Millins
Subs:
S.Harper (for Gent)
L.Ferris (for Evans)
T.Gent d.n.p.