Old Challoners v Winchmore Hill FC
AFA Intermediate Cup; round 3
Team: Williams; Beill (Lancaster, 70), Weidner, Foster, Bevins R; Beauchamp, Bevins P, Croker (Daw, 60), Wickenden, Thomas; Fitch
Score: 4:2
Scorers: Weidner, Daw (2), Thomas
The 100% record at Fortress Eppo faced its sternest test this weekend against a very strong side in the AFA Intermediate Cup. This was a match that we were supposed to take a hiding in, Winchmore Hill are a very big club and are competing in a parallel league many divisions higher than our own. It was with this in mind that we took to the field determined to compete in all areas.
After the first 15 minutes things were not looking too good for us as we were trailing 1-0 to a really sloppy goal and generally looked second best all over the pitch (was this weeks warm up too vigorous?). Mid-way through the half though to a man we started to put a foot in and rattle a few cages proving that we were not intimidated and wouldn't be a push over. We started to find space, pass the ball creatively and created some efforts on goal but nothing to really test their keeper. Half time came and we went in 1-0 down but definitely not out.
A different looking Challoners took to the pitch for the second half and 5 minutes in we were level after some good work wide on the right involving Beauchamp and Tom the ball fizzed along the six-yard box eluding attackers and defenders alike until Weidner ghosted in from full back to calmly slot home at the far post. The match was now very evenly poised but Winchmore Hill took the lead again after a well worked corner routine with their player subtly rolling the ball out of the corner quadrant and another pretending to go across to take the kick but instead dribbling to the area and firing home. A sucker punch but sometimes you have to hold your hands up and credit the opposition for a great piece of invention that they had obviously practiced. Then the match turned in our favour as a Winchmore Hill player needlessly kicked out at Tom right under the nose of the referee resulting in him being sent for an early bath, a really foolish thing to do which really turned the game and landed his team mates up against it, Bevins Snr should take note this could have been the story last week after that horror challenge. We immediately responded by moving the ball quickly across the pitch and equalised through Daw who finished neatly at the far post after more good work down the right from Beauchamp. It was now all Challoners as we pushed for a winner but were unable to find one so the match went into extra time.
Against 10 men we really fancied ourselves and rightly so we were all over them but the first period ended as it had started 2-2. However in the second period we deservedly took the lead when more good work down the right ended when a Lancaster cross eluded the keeper and Tom hooked it in over the defender on the line and under the bar. With cramp setting in amongst the more unfit members of the side a sigh of relief was breathed as Whickenden dribbled from halfway inside his on half right down to the opposition's by-line where his effort was saved only for the poacher Daw to tap in his 4th goal in 2 games from midfield.
Man-Of-The-Match - James Beauchamp
THE LANCASTER VERDICT:
The best display of the season so far as the team really seem to be gelling resulted in a deserved 4-2 win. A tireless work ethic is definitely a key to success starting with the front two and filtering through the rest of the team epitomised by Beauchamp who worked his line tirelessly as well as popping up in central and even left sided positions regularly providing quality service.
Report by Nick Lancaster
Manager's comments
A thoroughly enjoyable game with both teams looking to play good football. The sending off was obviously pivotal but Challoner's were on top at that point and looked the more likely to win the game even though a goal down. The 2s showed tremendous character to drag themselves in to the game when everything appeared to be going wrong. Hard work and good football then saw us through to the next round. Good performances everywhere again. Stuart Weidner was solid in defence and always looked to get forward - deserved his goal. Rob Wickenden's run almost 2 hours in to the game showed unbelievable stamina, and Thomas and Fitch caused problems for the opposition defence for the entire second half. Manager's MoM this week, though, is James Beauchamp. Gave the opposition left back a torrid time with his pace and crossing. At the heart of everything Challoners did going forward.
