The third cup tie in as many weeks saw the lads play Marston Saints at Carterton Town FC, knowing a draw would suffice, but wanting a win to keep the momentum running from last week.
A slow start to the game saw a midfield battle and little action at either end. After 5 minutes, Yatesy latched onto a Paul Hulme through ball, following a great win by Leggy. However, Yatesy’s effort was tame & easily saved by the keeper. Two minutes later & the home team were ahead, the number 12 finishing from close range although being 34 years young & not actually written on the match card, possibly should’ve been watching from the sidelines!
The equaliser nearly came straight from the next Don attack, Yatesy finding space in the area and squared it to Paulo who was under pressure but didn’t really get his shot away. Marston had the next chance when a shot from the edge of the box fizzed across the face of the goal. On 16 minutes Marston were 2-0 up, a long-range effort from the ineligible striker beat everybody and nestled in the far corner of the net.
Midway through the first half, Damo hit a free kick just wide of the upright, with the keeper stood watching. The Don got a deserved goal back on 27 minutes. Lyno played a good ball wide to Macca, who hit a decent cross into the danger area, Yatesy at the far post played it back into the path of Smithy who fired home from 18 yards, 2-1. Smithy very nearly doubled his tally when again Macca put a decent cross into the box, however, Smithy saw the keeper make a very good save to preserve Marston’s lead.
HALFTIME
The boys knew they could play better and most disappointingly was the fact the home side were first to every second ball.
The tempo from the lads was much better in the second half & five minutes in, Paulo was put through one on one. His early strike beat the keeper but agonisingly rolled outside the post. Five minutes later Ben Spencer met a corner in the box and but again his effort slide just wide. The pressure was building on the home team and on 55 minutes, Sutty rose well at another corner and yet again the chance went just wide.
Two minutes later & Sutty had a great opportunity, yet somehow the home side cleared it off the line, surely it was only a matter of time. Sure enough a minute later & Paulo found space wide on the left, his deep cross to the far post deceived everybody and dropped straight into the net. The Don Looked to go on and win the game, after 65 minutes a Ben Spencer effort crept just wide following a decent cross from Smithy. On 72 minutes, Smithy then had a good chance to put the boys in front but the home keeper made a cracking save to deny him.
However, with two minutes remaining, the home side very nearly snatched the win. A hard and low cross was put in from the right and the home striker nicked it at close range only to see Lee ‘the monk’ Ruddle have cat-like reactions and push the ball wide. Rumour has it, somebody behind the goal commented on how good the home keepers save was, Ruddle turned and said hold my beer!
Game finished 2-2 which see’s the lads progress to the knock out rounds. The chances we created in the second half should’ve seen us comfortably through and yet we are thankful to a game winning save at our end at the death.
Managers comments, stand in manager Lugsy was pleased with the effort from the lads, especially in the second half. Would like to see more of the chances we create taken but would be more concerned if we stop making them, very happy to see the team progress. However is looking forward to Martin returning form his scouting trip to Sweden, so Lugs can get back to his background roll of collecting fines.
Man of the Match: Damo, a great engine in the middle & celebrating becoming a dad this past week with a vintage display.
Dick of the Day: Lugsy, who doesn’t bring a ball to a football match!!
Next Match: Wedensday 31st October – Away v Old Hooky Vets
