This week we were playing in the Craske Wells Memorial cup, the FA Cup equivalent of the Sevenoaks league. A cup in which any team from any division can enter. The draw pitted ourselves against Swanley Oaks from the league above.

With a depleted squad, we set off in the torrid conditions to Coldharbour Leisure Centre in Sidcup with 12 players. Suprisingly on arrival, the rain had ceased and the pitch wasn’t actually in too bad condition. This was to the delight of my side-kick, Dennis Leigh, who moaned most of the way that we shouldn’t be playing in the rain. (he would like the footy season condensed to August and September if possible)

The game got under way with the Rustics playing up the slope. It was a fairly even start, but as the game moved on, it was clear they had a couple of lively attackers. It was one of these who opened the scoring, after an unfortunate ricochet in the box, the ball fell to him and he made no mistake 1-0.

We didn’t panic however as we had won coming from behind the previous week. We began to force them back and Brad Moon hit a beauty from outside the box which cannoned off the bar. Elliot was also starting to give their full back a hard time. It was Elliot who assisted our equaliser. His firm shot could not be held by their keeper, who only managed to parry it to Brad who finished from close range. 1-1.

Other chances came and went and I felt we could have been leading at the break.

The second half was again fairly even, and it was a moment of quality that settled the tie. With about 15 mins to go, Stu Hunter chased a ball into the corner. He cut it back to Jeff Harrison who sent a peach of a cross to the back post, and their he was, Elliot (goal a game) Moon with a power header to seal the deal.
1-2 final score.

A real team effort though. Reiss Hazell had a faultless game in goal. He didn’t have to make any wonder saves, but he did the basics very well when called upon.

Jay Donoghue could have and should of put the game to bed, but squandered a couple of good opportunities, Jay has a lot of talent but needs to take more care when presented with chances.

Connor Knight again played well and although it was not the ideal game for him, due to their physicality, it was another good learning curve in his progress into adult football. Our back line was solid, Harry did what Harry does,  and in Richard Moss and Martin Goldsmith, we have signed some good players. Dan Rosier played centre mid with Connor and although not his preferred position, he did a good job for the team. Finally Franklyn Taylor made his debut and had a good 45mins.
We now move on to three important league fixtures, in which we hope to take our cup form into them.

Well done lads, the show goes on!