Sunday 21st January 2007
Kickoff 10.0am.
Challenge Cup
Why does the weather save up the
worst for Sunday mornings? The high winds and torrential
rain greeted everyone first thing and there were doubts
whether the match would be on. However to everyones
relief, thanks to the efforts of the groundsman (again)
and Andy the match was on. The boys were in upbeat mood
despite the weather. Appley Bridge kicked off with the
wind behind them, and soon had our defence under
pressure,using the wind to their advantage. They played
some neat passing football and Tommo had to be alert
right from the start. Slowly, our front runners got
their act together and started to string some decent
passes together, with Barney going close on a number of
occasions. Following a through pass from Bradley, Barney
turned two defenders and hit a low ball into the bottom
corner, 1-0. The goal made the Appley players more
determined with them going close a few times. As a
result of their sustained pressure and following a
“free for all” in the box they duly prodded home, 1-1,
game on .
Liam went on one of his runs going
past 1 player but got “clipped” by another (which earned
a 9 out of ten for the dive according to a spectator
poll) anyway the resulting freekick from Ronaldo ……sorry
Liam, went past the post.
Each team kept pushing forward with
both midfields working hard,creating chances at both
ends. Finally Liam took a through pass from Barney,
crossed the ball to Robert who shot home (great
celebration by the way Robert) 2-1. The goal didn’t
deter Appley who continued to push forward, but both
Matty and Kyle held firm.
The usual half time pep talk from
Andy seemed to have done the trick again, with the boys
right from the kick off getting their passing game
going,. Some great efforts going close from all the
front players. Appley weren’t finished though, and Matty
and Kyle had to be on their toes. Following one of
Appleys attacks Kyle was injured ( nothing to do with
last nights curry I hasten to add) and Nicky
substituted. Given the amount of running Barney had done
Andy decided to give him a breather and brought on Ryan.
Appley saw this as a chance and upped their pressure,
Matty and Bradley combining well to keep them at bay
(just). Bradley cut out a through pass , passed to Liam
just inside his own half who took the pass ,went past
one player and headed for goal pursued by 2 defenders,
outpaced them, went round the advancing keeper and
stroked the ball home, 3-1, game over…………..or was it?
Appley piled on even more pressure, Andy decided then we
needed some fresh legs and brought on Dan for Robert.
The Appley midfield kept piling forward and Tommo
produced a number of fine saves, but eventually their
efforts paid off, slotting home a fine effort,3-2.
In the final minutes Appley gained a
number of corners and a number of close shaves resulted,
but the boys held on, and are in the hat for the next
round.
A great game from both teams, very
open and fair, again a credit to everyone concerned.
