Old Challoners v Honorary Artilliary Company

Team: Raithatha, Weisz, Redders, Rogers, Walsh, Beauchamps, Lowes, Powellie, Fallon, Fuzz (Brown), Jimbo. Subs: Gardener

Score: 3:1
Scorers:- BBeauchamps, James (Bollox) Fuzz (2)

4 prawn sandwich eaters.

1 booking for each side

Cup fever gripped the Theatre of trees on a cold, crisp November afternoon as Challoners hosted the big guns of the Honorary Artilliary Company in the 2nd round. Buoyed from their ascension over the Church Challoners were back on track from their temporary blip whilst the Honorary Artilliary Company were sitting second in the premiership. The importance of the tie was not lost on the Amateur Football Combination; and with Colina retired there was only really one option to cope with the pressure into the void.

Although the 'Weisz Out' section of the crowd was once again heard at the ground the manager had clearly done his homework highlighting the 4-5-1 formation the HAC had been using in the past. With the team chomping at the bit the pre-match presentation for once did not have to feature complacency.

The first half saw Challoners playing downhill into their favoured half but the HAC started brightly looking to get the ball down and use the width of the pitch. It was a tight opening ten minutes with both teams looking to get the ball. The first real chance saw Fallon put through down the left but he shot wide under pressure.

The HAC used the width well and were threatening down the Challoners right using overlapping fullbacks and wingers to drag players out of position. This resulted in a few headed chances that fortunately fell straight into Sunils arms.

After good link up work down the right between Baker and Fuz; Fuz got behind the defence and spotted the late run of Bollox, squared the ball behind the defence and a cool finish from seven yards put Challoners 1-0 up.

A last ditch challenge from Rogers was timely and Sunil also stayed big to keep out a close rang effort to keep their striker at bay.

Challoners, who never looked comfortable defending corners conceded after loosing markers and a ginger man snuck in unmarked to head off the bounce.

Half time came quickly and although we were regrouping some tactical changes were made about man marking.

The second half saw Challoners taking control of the game a bit more and playing their own football. Not too many chances and the order of them all escapes me but Powell was put through but lifted the ball wide of the far post.

Powellie making a great last ditch challenge off a break from a corner which I had the pleasure of being ten yards behind the whole way up the pitch. Sunil also had two great saves including turning a header onto the post as the centre forward was ready to turn away and celebrate.

Challoners second came on 70 mins - Weisz pumped the ball to Jimbo who flicked it on to Fuzz on the right - Fuzz went passed their full back and crossed it to Jimbo who fired his shot across the goal for Fuzz to toe in.

The third came as Powellie put through Fuz with a header and he first beat the defence for pace and then beat the keeper rolling the ball into an empty net. This put the game out of reach and there was some frustration from the HAC as the game went on.

Massive performances throughout the team making motm very difficult to call in the end… 2 goal hero…I give you the one yard wonder…Fuz- - erasing last weeks comedy miss.

Man of the match - Fuzz