The Blacks played their first ever cup game on a pitch that was just declared fit after the overnight frost and a delayed start. We knew that this would be a tough game becuase Lancon are doing well in their league and we were certainly not dissapointed.
 
With Aarbaaz unfit, Luke took the goalkeepers gloves and Jack D partnered Ben in defence with Matthew coming into the right side of midfield. Right from the start both teams looked like they wanted to play passing football and it was end to end stuff. Jack and Dylan were working really hard in midfield and it was from them that Euxton managed to move the ball upfield and a fantastic pass gave Matthew time inside the box and he dispatched a great shot into the bottom corner. Lancon were not down hearted and came at Euxton hard .Good interceptions from Ben and Dylan at vital moments kept them out. But it was end to end stuff with Euxton creating chances for Daniel and Jack H that we couldn't quite convert.  Both teams had the opportunity from a free kick before half time. First Jack H struck one for Euxton that crashed off the bar with the keeper beaten. Then moments later Lancon hit a great strike heading for the top corner before Luke pulled off a great save to push it over the bar. It was rellay important moment. We still had chances when the ball flew across the Lancon goal without anyone able to apply the touch needed to score.
 
At half time the Blacks were reminded that they had played uphill in the first half and had just edged a close contest. We knew that the vital goal would be the next one - either way it was going to change the shape of the game. Suitably charged up, the Blacks started the second half like they had the first and started to get on top. Chances came and went from a combination of good saves and a little bad luck and it was tense because Lancon attacked hard and forced a number of corners themselves. Luke made two more good saves and Aedan, brought on in defence, and Ben both made great blocks to stop other goal bound shots. Increasingly though Lancon were being forced back and attacking on the break. Half way through the half an Euxton attack was cleared to the halfway line and Ben picked it up on the right. He beat one Lancon player and drew the defender before hitting the ball into the box were it was only half cleared to Jack H who hit a firm drive into the net. That goal took the pressure of Euxton and forced Lancon to push two up front which enabled the Jack , Daniel and Dylan triangle to make more use of space and created two more chances to put icing on the cake.
When the final whistle blew Euxton knew that they had been in a real hard game and certainly Lancon are the best visiting side we have seen down at Euxton this year (from either Blacks or Orange's league) . The Euxton players deserve fantastic credit for the way they have matured as a side. They are learning the right things and have established a real team attitude working hard for each other.
 
As usual there were a number of contenders for man of the match but the deserved winner was Luke who went into goal at short notice and made a number of good saves at critical moments that kept us ahead. Well Done Luke