(14-Dec-13) vs Crookham Rovers Scorpions (A): 1-3

Well the 4th round of the cup, known to some as the quarter finals, known to most as the 4th round, was always going to be an exciting game. ……………………………………. We approached the game with some trepidation. What transpired was a great game of football against a nice complimentary bunch who put up a good game.
The game began with both defences coming under early pressure until Charlie Beeson broke down the right wing and played another of his perfectly weighted unselfish square balls into the path of the oncoming Charlie Morris, who slid down low to place the ball, at serious pace, underneath the keeper into the goal. A cracking finish made possibly by another of the excellent Beeson getting-wide specials! The goal epitomised Charlie Morris’s entire game – full of energy, drive, desire and the thirst to win.
The second goal was a centre forward classic. Noah kept the pressure on the goalkeeper and defence and pounced upon a goalkeeper spillage to tuck the ball into the bottom left. Noah’s brilliant form up front continues and he also applied some excellent pressure down the left wing in the second half.
The third goal. Well, Max ST took one for the team! He was launched into the air during a great attacking move down the left wing, which saw his legs taken from underneath him, him fly through the air, skid his face along the blue touchline and smash, face first, into the middle-flag. He was left looking like William Wallace and his heart was just as brave (anyone else feel nauseous?). Needless to say, we were awarded a free-kick and Noah stepped up. The free kick fell nicely to Max I, who shot from distance, troubling the keeper and causing a deflection that fell to Jack. Then time seemed to stop. Would it be Jack’s first goal? The goalkeeper came rushing out to meet the ball, Jack stood firm, composed and bang…placed that ball with the inside of his left foot directly underneath the diving goalkeeper into the back of the net! PITCH INVASION!!! – It was a truly great moment for everyone who witnessed it. A fabulous finish from a highly deserving player. A great reaction from all of his teammates and all the supporters. And a slightly annoyed look from his father, who realised he was now down £100 (of course that’s not true – the annoyed look part that is)!
During the game they scored at some point but can’t really remember what happened and it’s best not to dwell on it J.
It was a hard fought game against a good opposition who had some very good players. One of them nearly left with one less leg following quite a hard challenge from our Euan J. Our defence, Euan, Toddy and Olly, were yet again superb, displaying ever-improving communication and a real team spirit, an excellent understanding of their roles. Oscar was as impressive as he is every week, making saves us mere mortals can only dream about and the opposition will see over and over in their nightmares. Impi and Ryan were solid in midfield, with Max playing some fantastic passes out to both wings and linking up well with his midfield pairing, Ryan. Ryan showed yet again why it doesn’t matter what time you turn up J you can still be everywhere at once, winning that ball, and getting in front of opposing players. Rowan had another good spell, starting to show the Saturday crowds what we all know he is capable of from witnessing his crunching tackles and string finishes at training.
Congratulations to Jack for MoM and again for an excellently taken goal! Special mention again to Charlie M who was seriously impressive from start to finish!
All the lads continue to take control of their own destinies on the football pitch and it’s a real pleasure to watch them each week. Don’t eat too much over Xmas boys (do as I say, not as I do J)!

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