Thames Gateway 6 – 1 Aveley Academicals

The score line only tells half the story of this match; with that being the half relating to the first forty five minutes.  Actually the two halves are unrecognisable as being related to the same cold, dreary Sunday morning in February that so it’s probably best to treat them as separate events.

Half 1: Thames Gateway 5 – 0 Aveley Academicals

Shambolic just about sums it up, and I don’t think anyone who was involved would disagree with that assessment.  There can’t be any excuses, as the side that the Gaffa put out should have been strong enough to compete with any team in the Thurrock Sunday League – and has done on many occasions.

Subs: Eye-Ball, Terry

The Accies simply crumbled under the pressure exerted on them by a young, energetic side who wanted it more and could actually string a few passes together.  It’s hard to talk about our defending, because we didn’t really do any, as we either allowed the opposition a direct route to goal, or let them deliver and put away crosses and corners if not on the first attempt then on the second or third.  Clearances were either sliced back towards our own goal or hit against other men in blue.  In fact, our attempts to control the ball looked more like a clearance, and hardly a single pass went to its intended recipient – and that’s making a pretty wild assumption that the player passing it knew who he was trying to pass it to.

All this culminated in us being two nil down inside five minutes, four down in ten and five down within 20.  Personally, I felt physically sick watching on helplessly from the side line; I can’t think of many more painful experiences I’ve had to endure but I imagine those who have a friend who is a boxer experiences a similar feeling if they have to witness them getting beaten into a bloody pulp.  There was no blood spilt on this occasion, but the outcome was pretty much the same.

Having said all that, we did improve in the last 20 minutes of the half (or the opposition took their feet of the gas) and fashioned a few chances.  The best including a free kick from Lee which dropped just wide, a well struck volley from H which the keeper somehow spotted through a crowd of bodies and tipped over the bar, and a rasping drive from Bobby which unfortunately was straight at the keeper.

Half 2: Thames Gateway 1 – 1 Aveley Academicals

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and with the general consensus being that without making changes the game was as good as lost anyway, the Gaffa changed to a more attacking formation for the second half.  Blakey dropped into defence to form a three with Luke and Robin, and Terry came on for James to partner H up top – which was where Harry had been playing since his hamstring all but gave up the ghost five minutes into the game.

Whether it was the change in formation, or the realisation that we had nothing to lose, I cannot be sure, but the second half was infinitely better than the first.  The Accies started making and finding space on the ball, we looked more composed at the back, and passes started going to feet rather than away from them.  We even took the lead when a ball forward from Luke fell to H, who swivelled just outside the box and lift the ball into the far corner: 0-1.

Harry obviously thought he could score from anywhere now, but was soon brought back down to Earth as a similar effort had the wrong proportion of shin, and slid down his leg before flicking off his boot and well wide.

Such was the improvement in the second half that we definitely deserved to win it – and at least salvage some pride – but an awful decision from the referee saw him award a penalty (which was converted) for a foul by Blakey which was blatantly outside the box.  This was despite the huge crater that Blakely had left being inspected by the man in black, who was obviously still bitter about failing the forensic science entry exam: 1-1.

The lads kept battling to the end, but despite some late efforts from Liam as he looked to capitalise on the introduction of a substitute keeper (who wasn’t one), we just couldn’t rectify the damage done in the opening 10 minutes.  Still, the second half performance was enough to ease the pain induced by the first and we can at least go into the next game with our confidence somewhat replenished.

MoTM went to Harry, who battled on through injury, made a nuisance of himself upfront and deservedly got a goal for his efforts.  There was also a number of votes for Blakey, whose move to centre did a lot to restore some law and order to the defence (and there was a superbly timed tackle as well).  DoTD went to Lee, for squaring up to an opposition playing and telling him he was going to “end his life.”  A bit harsh that Lee, especially as his mum was probably watching.

So we know every week is going to be a battle now, as we move into the latter stages of the season, and injuries and availability really cause the squad to creak at the seams.  We’re going to need to show some resilience and grit, and I’m sure we’ll grind out some good results if we do.

Eye-Ball

Goal scoring chart

Palmers F.C. 1 -1 Aveley Academicals

January was not a good month to be an Accie, with three defeats, three cup knockouts and a long term injury to our Captain Fantastic.  It didn’t look like February was going to get any better, with our first opponents being the team who had humiliated us 6-0 earlier in the season.  If that wasn’t bad enough, Dale announced the night before the game that he was off to play with South Shell in Division Three, Bobby, Brian and James were absent and Lee was also struggling for fitness – and awaiting the imminent arrival of little Harry (naming subject to a certain player scoring a hat-trick).  So maybe we were due a healthy dollop of luck to top a performance that was bursting with heart, determination and pride, especially as the footballing gods were also ganging up against us by making us play out the last half hour with ten men.

It’s a credit to the players who have stayed loyal, despite not always getting the opportunities, that the Gaffa was still able to name two subs (although Luke A. turned out to be crocked as well), and also fitting that Terry and Scott in particular should be rewarded with a full 90 minutes.  Although I’m not sure Scott was quite as grateful as you might expect.  We were also boosted by the timely return of Tony, which gave us the opportunity to see the T’nT partnership in action as we tried our hand at 4-4-2.

Subs: Craig, Luke A.

Despite being outnumbered in the middle, Harry and Lee put in one hell of a shift to ensure the opposition didn’t have any more time on the ball than was necessary.  Liam and Scott pitched in to help by coming off their flanks when required, and Tony and Terry were a constant outlet and closed down the defenders to stop them from building from the back.  We were still a bit panicky in possession, with some players (yours truly being the main culprit) treating the ball like a hot potato that need to be discarded rather than a sweet orange that needed to be cherished (mmm… orange).

We could easily have gone behind during this opening period, but some resolute defending, including last ditch interventions from Blakey, Robin, Eye-Ball and Luke C., plus stout repelling of set pieces protected Lewis’s goal for the main part.  However, when we couldn’t prevent him being called into action, Lewis was more than capable of keeping the ball out of the net on his own.  His key first half contributions included diving to his left to tip a free-kick round the post, saving low at his near post with an outstretched left leg, and clawing the ball away when it appeared to have (almost) crossed the line.  With the defence playing a pretty good line, Craig was just as busy as the rest of us with the flag.  There was no way he could have told if the ball had fully crossed the line, and despite the whinging of the opposition groupies – who typically think offside is as easy to discern from the half way line as it is when in line with the back four some 25 yards away – he was honest with every decision and deserves credit for taking the flag when many take a step back.

There was nothing lucky about how we took an unexpected lead midway through the half; although the keeper cocked up when trying to clear under pressure from the left hand corner of the 18 yard box, it was brilliance from Tony to calmly collect the ball, take a touch inside and curl it, with his less favoured right foot, over the retreating keeper and intervening defenders and into the top right hand corner of the net: 0-1. 

After two games without a goal, this fine strike seemed to relieve a month of pressure as we started to play with more confidence and purpose.  We were threatening Palmer’s goal more, and their keeper had to be off his line quickly to deny Lee a chance on goal, and Terry did well to fashion an opening from Liam’s low cross but couldn’t get any power on an off-balanced shot.  Blakey had a goal-bound header fortuitously cleared and Luke C. was treating us to some of his marauding runs that have been missing in recent weeks.  Harry and Lee continued to play through the pain and seemed to be everywhere as, between them, they supported in attacks at one end and were making last ditch tackles at the other.  Palmers were still a danger in possession, but we made it to half time with no further incident (apart from the aforementioned offside-gate).

The half time team talk was a pretty pragmatic one; I don’t think we’d expected to be in the lead after the opening 45 minutes, and I’m not sure we expected to keep it up until the 90.  However, we were going to give it our best shot, and if lady luck was on our side you never know what might happen.

As it happened, there did seem to be some divine intervention, but we also worked hard enough to deserve the odd break or two.  Our opposition will be wondering how they didn’t win by a large margin, as they squandered chance after chance – which is in stark contrast to how clinical they were last time out.  They weren’t helped by Lewis being on top form, and being quick to collect any slightly over hit ball into the box – of which there were many.  However, they did find an equaliser as a result of an under hit goal kick which exposed the fact we were sitting too far up the pitch.  A Palmers midfielder was able to pick up the ball unchallenged and play it back over the top for the striker, who reacted quickest and slide the ball under Lewis: 1-1.

Despite Palmers’ dominance, out of nowhere the Accies created a chance that could have made the last half hour even more frantic than it was.  With Palmers committing men forward in search of the winner, Eye-Ball read and intercepted a pass just inside our half.  The ball looped up in the air, and the rejuvenated left back (now over the frightening first 30 min display) gave chase, challenging the centre back in the air and forcing him into an under strength back pass which Tony was onto in a flash.  He raced clear and, as the keeper came out to close down the angle, chose to try and play it round him into the bottom corner from 18 yards.  Unfortunately Tony’s aim was out by a matter of centimetres, and the ball skimmed the outside of the post and went wide.

It may have seemed like our luck had run out, as soon after Harry had to join Lee (who had already been replaced by Craig) on the side line with an injury.  With Luke A. somehow injuring himself standing around we had to play out the last 20-30min with 10 men.  It was backs to the wall, with everyone getting stuck in.  The defence were obviously busy, but they were ably supported by the midfield.  Scott definitely hadn’t signed up for left wing-back duties, but worked his socks off and Liam took on the lead role in the middle of the park with both starting centre mids being side-lined.

We were fortunate that Palmers were finding the target harder to hit than the proverbial barn door, as balls were poked wide from eight yards, and headers were put over from six.  But when they did get the ball between the sticks either a brave block was made or Lewis got to display his full range of skills to pluck, punch, kick and gather the ball out of the air.

The last ten minutes seemed to last a life-time, but when the final whistle eventually game it felt like a victory, as we had something to show for our efforts when everything seemed to be against us.

It’s no surprise that Lewis picked up his first MoTM of the season; his performances have been consistently good for a number of weeks and although he possibly had more to do than usual on this occasion, he was well up to the challenge.  Robin and Blakey also received a number of votes, with a special mention for Rob, who thought he was going to only last half hour as he was struggling with a heavy cold.  However, with others having doubts over fitness he wasn’t about to let the side down – we’d expect nothing less. 

Dale’s absence and eleventh hour departure made him an easy target for DoTD – well he’s never had one so it was about time! However, there was no ill feeling or anger about his decision, which I think shows his former team mates (who remain his friends) realise that he had already done more for the club this season than had been expected.  With the knowledge that he would be away until late November in Benidorm, Dale could have easily waited until his return to sign for a club.  But he committed himself to the Accies and gave us more than the eight or so weeks we were expecting.  At times, as another double hat-trick was completed, it felt like Dale was playing below himself, but over four and a half seasons and 90 appearances he ignored numerous advances and showed outstanding commitment and loyalty to the club.  Much like cricket, it’s hard to compare the modern Accie player with those who played before the meticulous recording of stats began, but I think it’s safe to say that Dale deserves Club Legend status as the most prolific striker club has seen, and who knows where we’d be playing now without so many vital goals (and numerous assists).  So I’m sure everyone will join me in wishing Dale all the best for the future, and hopefully we’ll get the chance to shake hands and say thank you in person.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 12th February - Away @ William Edwards School v Thames Gateway

Dale’s record (since 2012/13):

Goal scoring chart:

With Dale now out of the running, for the first time since Liam got within one goal of top spot in 2013/14 we have a proper contest for the Golden Boot.  Tony will be looking to make the most of the games in which he can play, but with Foggy’s knee not looking like it’s going to allow him to play any time soon, Lee and Liam look like the bookies favourites.

Gateway 3 – 0 Aveley Academicals (Division 2 League Cup)

I want to write this match report about as much as any team in the Thurrock Sunday League want to play against our opposition.  It is a shame to tar the whole team with the same brush, as they undoubtedly have some good players – and are not all pond life – but even these individuals have to take some responsibility for the company they choose to keep.

So I’m afraid that I’m not willing to waste any more breath (or any more time than I need to) to describe this game other than is necessary to constitute a formal record that it did, in fact, take place.  If you weren’t there, and you want to know the finer details of this encounter, you’ll have to buy someone from the team a beer and I’m sure they’ll be happy to tell you all about it.  If you did something in the game that you had hoped would be mentioned, put it on a postcard and I’ll happily add it in.

Subs: Terry, Scott, Craig

All you really need to know is that we bounced back from a poor first half performance in which we conceded the three goals which ultimately lost us the game, and were able to walk off at the final whistle with our heads held high.  We did create some chances in the second half, and although if these had been converted a comeback may have been on, we were really playing for some pride and each other.  We got stuck in and can be proud of the courage and determination we displayed.

Votes for MoTM were split between Eye-Ball, Brian and Bobby.  Eye-Ball’s contribution was recognised for stepping into Robin’s massive shoes when he was forced off following a nasty blow to the head, thankfully with no lasting affects – although maybe we wouldn’t notice.  Brian finally seems to be over his hamstring injury and was back to his best as he threw himself into every challenge and chased every seemingly lost cause.  Bobby has received a number of votes over the past weeks, and finally (and deservedly) won the award as he led by example in the middle; fearlessly putting in tackles where others wouldn’t dream of going, running himself into the ground and displaying the terrier like determination that has made him such a popular and valued member of the squad.  Although the unmentionables he was hollering at himself following a wayward cross field pass suggests he is also his worst critic.

A special ‘unsung hero’ award has to go to Lewis, who single handedly kept the score line looking mildly respectable with some fine saves, including at least three one-on-ones.   DoTD went to Lee, for a comical display of Sunday morning brain malfunction, as he went searching high and low in the changing room for his socks, only to finally have it pointed out to him that he was wearing them.  At least he had plenty of people to lead him out to the pitch.

So the result of three tough games since Christmas is that we’re out of all the cups, and with it being unlikely that we will challenge for the league title we’ve really just got to go out every week, take each game as it comes and regardless of how it pans out just enjoy ourselves and give it our all.

Eye-Ball

Goal scoring chart

Aveley Academicals 0 – 4 Stanford Town (Ted Fairchild Cup 3rd round)

OK, so it would have been nice to have got revenge against a team we had ‘previous’ with from last season, but things have moved on, the result was pretty unimportant in the context of our season and we’ve got much bigger games in the league and league cup to come.  It was refreshing that the game was played in a competitive but good spirit, which just goes to show that neither club held a grudge or wanted a repeat of the last cup match between these sides.  Stanford are more than holding their own in Premier league, and provided us with another really tough test which was on par with the challenge posed by Hanningfield the previous week.  Whilst it’s hard not to be disappointed with the score line, the Accies never let their heads drop and kept battling right to the whistle.

With some key players missing through injury and unavailability, and with no risks being taken, others had the opportunity to stake their claim for a starting position.

Subs: Terry, James

Whilst we worked hard when we didn’t have the ball, the problem was that we got far too much practise at this particular discipline.  When we had the ball we really struggled; it just seemed that we were far too static and quiet in possession.  It’s hard to take a man seriously when he turns ups on a freezing cold, rainy Sunday morning to spectate wearing shorts and a knee length sleeping bag, but as he’s the club captain I suppose we should listen to him.  Foggy’s main observation was that we were not compact enough.  By which I think he means that when we had the ball, the man with it was isolated and lacking options – both obvious ones and the desire from team mates to make themselves available.  When we didn’t have it, the fact we were so spread out meant our opposition could easily find the room they wanted.  Passes were being rushed – and subsequently misplaced – or the ball was just being kicked away without any real target.  I know this all sounds really negative, but it’s only worth saying because people were mainly screaming insults at themselves, through the frustration that they expect much better of themselves.

We’ve had a tough run of games, and when mistakes are punished as harshly as they were this week and last, players can lose the confidence to try and keep hold of the ball.  But I think we’d all agree that no one is going to get on anyone’s back for trying to play the way we want to, and we can only get better by getting things wrong once in a while.  Each of Stanford’s four goals can be linked to individual or team errors, but you still need to take your hats off for the quality of the finishing.  For the first, we were too slow to close down the striker on the edge of the area, and he bent the ball into the far bottom corner.  The second saw the ball squirm under Luke C.’s foot on our right, which allowed the winger to take possession and make the opposite corner of the net bulge from just inside the box.   In the second half, Eye-Ball’s attempted pass to Bobby was intercepted on the half way line, and one pass later and the striker had glided past Brian and rolled the ball under Lewis.  The fourth came as tired legs couldn’t get the ball clear around a crowded penalty area, and as we were outnumbered our opposition were able to pass through us and walk the ball into the net.

In the first half we rode our luck, and if it hadn’t been for the posts, some timely interceptions by Blakey and Brian, and a fine save from Lewis to prevent the ball flying into the top corner, our opposition could have been out of sight by half time.  As it was we were still in the game after the first 45 minutes, and if we had taken some of chances, and Stanford’s keeper had not been on such top form, the result may have been quite different.

The best chances of the first half included a near post header by Eye-Ball from Liam’s corner, which was directed towards goal but sailed way over the bar.  Eye-Ball was in the thick of it again as a pull back from Liam in the box unexpectedly turned into a one two with the full-back, and Liam was felled by the keeper on the bye-line.  Nothing was given, but on another day the referee could have pointed to the spot.  Then Dale warmed the keeper’s gloves from a tight angle when he volleyed Harry’s looping cross back across the goal.

Arguably our best chances came in the second half, and when Liam played the ball through for Dale, it appeared that we would be back in the game at 2-1 and chasing an equaliser.  However, Dale’s superb turn and first time shot with the outside of his right boot was only bettered by the keeper’s fine reactions to keep the ball out.  It that save was good, the save from Brian was out of this world.  The box was crowded, but Terry found another way to get the ball through to Brian, by lifting it over the defender. Brian let the ball bounce once before unleashing it high towards goal, but somehow the keeper got the slightest of touches to the ball and deflected it onto the crossbar and out for a corner.  There were also a couple of free kicks, the first of which Dale would like to forget as the ball was sliced well wide of the goal, and then Craig rattled the crossbar from a similar position.

So it wasn’t a great day at the office, but the character of all the players cannot be faulted.  In particular, James’s contribution as a late substitute deserves some attention, especially as it’s rare to earn a MoTM vote having been on the pitch for so little time.  He came on to play on the left side of midfield, and being unshackled from the responsibilities of defending looked to run the ball down the line at every opportunity.  He really should have scored as well, when Dale got the ball across into the box and James found himself with the ball right in front of goal.  Perhaps he should have leathered it first time, but instead he tried to take a touch, and now a little off balance he could only lift the ball harmlessly into the keeper’s hands.  He also put in some tempting crosses, and should have been rewarded with an assist when his measured cross to the back post was met by an unmarked Blakey.  You’d put your house on the big centre half at least finding the target from there, but the ball skimmed off his head and out for a goal kick.

When it came to voting for MoTM, this miss did not deter Blakey’s team mates from giving him the title, for a commanding display which included some great tackles when he looked to be second best in the race to win the ball.  The defence spent a lot of time chasing the ball back towards goal, and our two centre halves had to do the majority of the work, so it is fitting that one of them should get the award. It was a clean sweep for the back four, as Luke C. picked up the DoTD award. I think his below par performance stands out because he has been one of the Accies best and most consistent performers for a number of weeks.  However, when he kept getting out-foxed by a bouncing leather sphere – seemingly unaware of the shouts of “watch the bounce!” – his sudden fall from grace seemed inevitable.

So there isn’t much more to say, apart from that for the second week running the best team won which you can’t really argue with.  The challenge for us it to find the level – which is well within our reach – which would make us the rightful winners against the majority of the teams we are going to face.  It’s only minor things we need to put right, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the results when we do.

Eye-Ball

Next game – Sunday 22nd January – Away @ William Edwards School v Thames Gateway

Goal scoring chart

CORRECTION - I credited Luke A. with the assist for Terry's goal against Thames Gateway, but have been informed the final pass was from James. I'm sure the description is still accurate, and that the ball was 'sublime', and apologies to James for almost stripping him of his first notch on the goal scoring bedpost.

Hanningfield F.C. 3 - 2 Aveley Academicals (aet) (Essex Junior Cup Round 4)

Reflecting on this game brought back memories of more than one 120 minute cup game that I have reported on over the years.  In particular, my mind went back to the penalty lose in the third round of the 2012/13 Essex Junior Cup, when – on a freezing December morning – we sat huddled in an unheated porta cabin thinking that was no way the ref could let the game go ahead on a frozen pitch.  We perhaps didn’t take the competition quite so seriously back then (as the starting line up will testify) but we battled to come back from behind and only lost out when it came to penalties.  The report is well worth a read if only to give mention to one of the current squad choosing to jump ship (we knew he’d be back): http://aveleyaccies.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/dynamo-basildon-3-3-oaks-athletic-aet-5.html

Then there was the 240 minutes in two weeks in 2014/15, and like this game the first of these came at the worst possible time – straight after the Christmas break.  The first game saw us lose again on penalties against Lakeside, and I’d implore Luke A. (and everyone else for that matter) to read this report; especially the second paragraph: http://aveleyaccies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/lakeside-fc-4-4-clements-athletic-4-2.html (apologies to anyone with an Uncle Derek).   The following week it was the same stage of the Essex Cup as we reached this year, and although the game was quite different, the outcome was the same – a narrow 3-2 defeat with the scores level at 2-2 after 90: http://aveleyaccies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/valley-green-3-2-clements-athletic-aet.html

Last season we had the infamous grapefruit incident in Rochford, which is largely blamed for us going down 5-3 aet http://aveleyaccies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/rochford-sports-and-social-5-3-aveley.html, and in the same season we lost 3-2 aet against premiership opposition : http://aveleyaccies.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/staines-utd-3-2-aveley-academicals-aet.html

What all these games show is that, firstly we have a pretty poor record when games go to extra time (in fact the last time we won in a 120 minute game was the famous cup final of the double winning season 2011/12: http://aveleyaccies.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/oaks-athletic-2-0-wilburn-wanderers-aet.html) but also that this club is renowned for fighting to the bitter end, and I’m proud to say that nothing has changed.  However, with two more cup games in the next two weeks, I’d rather not beat our 240 minutes in two games record.

The Accies team bus (metaphorically speaking) rolled into East Hanningfield bright and early at about 9:30.  The signs were not good that we were in the right place, as apart from there being a couple of goalposts roughly 90 yards apart, there was very little other evidence to suggest we were in the right place – unless you wanted to compete in a trail race, walk a dog or attend the local church.  Still, I suppose we should have realised that life is taken at a more sedentary pace in the countryside, and at 10:05 we finally had access to the change rooms and confirmation that there was an opposition to play.  The referee seemed in no more of a rush and the game finally got underway, with the following line-up, at about 10:40.

Subs: Craig, Scott, Terry, Luke A.

We knew nothing about our opposition, but maybe took the old advice of ‘let’s take a look at them’ a little too seriously.  For the first 20 minutes there was only one team giving a lesson in how to play football, and it wasn’t the Accies.  When we didn’t have the ball we gave Hanningfield far too much respect, we were slow to react to their movement and tackles were weak and ineffective.  It was even worse when we did get the ball, as we couldn’t string one let alone two passes together, and kept putting ourselves back into trouble by not giving any options and being far too slow in moving the ball.  Credit to our opposition though, who gained our respect as being a good side, and on balance probably the team that deserved to win based on football alone.  They were all comfortable on the ball, and kept possession well.  When we had the ball they gave us very little time and space, and were hard and clinical in the challenge.  If they had taken more of the chances they created, they could have been home and dry within the 90 minutes.  So the fact that we stuck with them, and even nearly snatched the win at the death shows how tough and committed we were.  Having said all that whenever one of them had a flag in his hand, they were either completely inept at judging offside or were suffering from trigger-happy syndrome.

It’s no surprise that we conceded within the opening period of play, but it was still a little bit of a shock to do so within the first five minutes.  The right winger evaded all attempted challenges and swung in a peach of a delivery, and the striker rose above Luke C. to power the header into the far corner: 1-0.

It wasn’t all one way traffic, and Liam showed that we could trouble the goal at the other end as he broke into the box, and from a tight angle curled the ball just wide of the far post.  Still, it was against the run of play that the Accies found a spectacular equaliser.  A free kick was lifted into the box, and the defender’s attempted clearance only resulted in the ball looping into the air.  With the area still crowded, Foggy somehow found room to let the ball drop over his shoulder before swivelling and unleashing the sweetest of left foot volleys into the roof of the net: 1-1.

This goal did wonders for our morale and confidence, and the next 15 minutes saw the Accies on the front foot. Suddenly we were finding space, and the energy to exploit it.  One argument would be that we should have raised the pace more, and those off the ball could have done more to make the runs that would allow the man with the ball to move it quicker.  Having said that, this was the first game in three weeks and fitness and sharpness were always going to be an issue. 

Dale worked tirelessly up top, but was being closely marshalled by an experienced and well drilled back four.  However, he always finds a way to create a chance or two, and had his best during this good spell in the first half.  He evaded the defender inside the box on the left and shot low and hard, with the keeper being lucky to block with his rear end, when the ball could have easily squirmed under him.

The scores were level at half time, and despite the obvious disappointment with the first 20 minutes we were really pleased with how we finished the half.  The main criticism was that we were allowing the play to get stretched too much, by sitting too deep.  Although we tried to rectify this in the second half, when we lost possession we had a tendency to drop deeper and deeper.  It didn’t help that we spent much of the second half camped on the edge to our area, as we tried desperately to win back the ball from a team who were very good at keeping it.  Because of this when it was won back we couldn’t get far with it before losing it again. 

Perhaps if we hadn’t allowed such a big gap to develop between our defence and midfield following a goal kick, Luke A.’s misjudgement in our half with his back to goal wouldn’t have proved so costly.  Having only recently entered the fray it’s no surprise he hadn’t quite got up to the speed of the game, and even less surprising that – by his own admission – a freshly poured pint of milk was spotted turning in the village hall by the time he’d rotated the 90 degrees towards his namesake and intended recipient.  Luke’s pocket was duly picked, and before we knew it the striker was fed the ball on the edge of the box and finished first time into the bottom corner: 2-1.

The response of the boys was superb; Luke was picked up, dusted down and we went back to the business of getting back in the game.  We all knew it could have happened to any of us, and probably had a various points in the game.  We just weren’t punished as harshly.   

We knew we weren’t firing on all cylinders in this game, and that a little bit of magic might be needed to keep our cup dreams alive.  When Liam was tripped when seemingly through on goal, the defender was spared a red card, the foul was deemed to have been committed just outside the box, and Hanningfield’s 6 ft 6 plus striker plonked himself the end of the wall we could be forgiven for thinking all our fairy dust had been used up on Foggy’s first half strike.   However, it turned out Lee had been keeping a little in reserved, as he lined up the free kick and curled it over and around the wall, leaving the keeper rooted to the spot as the ball dipped under the bar and into the opposite top corner.  The crowd (Harry and friends) went wild and cries of “We’ve got ‘enry!” could be heard reverberating around the field (pitch would be an exaggeration): 2-2.

With the opposition stunned, we then came agonisingly close on two occasions to grabbing victory at the death.  First Tony, who wanted more than most to win the Junior Cup to put alongside his Essex Senior Cup medal, found himself in the box with a sight at goal on his favoured and lethal left foot.  Unfortunately he got the dosage wrong on this occasion and the ball flew high into the trees.  Then Lee bulldozed his way into the box before having us all hold our breath as a harmless looking attempt caught everyone out and drifted agonisingly just wide.

And so it was that we would have to wait at least another 30 minutes to find out who would progress to the quarter final.  The first 15 minutes of extra time came and went, with our only real chance being an effort from Terry that was comfortably saved at the keeper’s near post.  Then, early in the fourth period, after another sustained period of possession, Hanningfield’s giant striker – who you’d put your money on being on the end of crosses – got to the bye line and delivered a peach of a delivery which was powered home by his diving team mate at the back post.  Luke C. did all he could to get there first, but momentum and bulk were on the side of his opposite number: 3-2.

With ten minutes left the Accies piled bodies forward, with Craig looking the most likely to create a goal for us.  Either with his testing crosses or through neat interchanges with Dale on the right.  Frustratingly nothing in the box would fall for us, and even when Blakely got on the end of a cross there were too many bodies blocking the ball’s route to goal.  Dale did manage to get a couple of shots away following the good work with Craig, but the angle was just too tight.

The referee’s final whistle was bitter sweet, as although it signalled the end of our Essex Cup run for another year, it also ended the pain the suffering that we were all putting ourselves through.  In doing so a number of injuries were sustained, with the most serious seeming to be Foggy (knee) and Dale (ankle).  Lee also didn’t quite make the 120 despite being willing to come back on when Dale went down.  Hopefully everyone will make a speedy recovery, as we have many more big challenges ahead.

The post match debrief was a positive one; we accepted that we’d given our all, but that the best team (on the day at least) had won, and you can’t ask more than that.  There was a lot of pride on show, and it was definitely a day to be proud to be an Accie.

It isn’t surprising that there were a number of players nominated for MoTM, and in fact it’s not often that I feel I need to say a little bit about every single player’s contribution:

Lewis – solid between the sticks, and always an outlet when we needed to start again from the back.  Claimed and held everything that came into his six yard box.

James – wore his heart on his sleeve.  Threw himself into every challenge and never stopped running.

Luke C. – after a shaky start, grew in confidence.  Made a vital clearance off the line in the second half.

Blakely – had to dig deeper than most having only just returned after 8 weeks out.  A leader at the back and put in some massive tackles.

Eye-Ball – deployed at centre back again and stuck to his task to sweep up pretty much anything that was played in behind. Just edged it for MoTM.

Liam – was up and down all game.  Had a pretty tough time against a very good full back but won the free kick that took the game to extra time.

Foggy – right in the middle of the titanic midfield battle.  Took it upon himself to galvanise the team and try and raise the tempo and keep morale high.  Scored possibly the goal of the season so far.

Lee – always patient on the ball and looked to move the play to where the space was (which was easier said than done).  Scored a blinding free kick and nearly snatched a winner at the death.

Bobby – an absolute terrier. Chased down everything and put his body on the line for his team.  Deserves the respect and frequent MoTM votes he is accumulating from his team mates.

Tony – really came into the game following Foggy’s goal when he was particularly affective at turning insdie onto his left and finding Dale and Liam in attacking positions.  Would have been gutted not to bury his chance near the end.

Dale – fed off scraps for most of the game, but this didn’t stop him working his socks off.  Kept the defence on their toes, and warmed the keeper’s hands, but rarely had a clear enough sight of goal.

Craig – showed his quality when he came on, and added a bit of creativity which had been lacking.  His crosses at the end gave us hope, but luck wasn’t on our side on this occasion.

Luke A. – recovered from ‘that mistake’ and gave all he had to the cause.  Kept close tabs on their midfield general (who also happened to be ginger) and added much needed protection to the back four.  Insisted on receiving the DoTD award – which says a lot about the character of the man – without much support for this from the rest of the team.

Scott – made himself very popular with the Accies fan club (but not so much with the opposition) with a brilliant ‘reducer’ minutes after coming on.  Never shy of a challenge, and right in the mix as at the end as we tried to find an equaliser.

Terry – made a nuisance of himself and always tried to be an option as we moved into the final third.  Had one sight at goal, but the keeper was equal to it.

Harry – even when he’s just on the side line you can’t help but feel like he is right in the thick of the action.  Celebrated and cheered every challenge and neat bit of skill, and roused our small but dedicated following.

Those of us who have been around the club for a number of years know that the attitude, quality and commitment has changed a lot and frequently over the years, as so many different combinations of players have passed through revolving doors of your average Sunday league team.  Historically, when the attitude and commitment have been brilliant, we’ve not been a great team in terms of footballing ability.  But when we’ve had a quality side, collectively we haven’t always been prepared to stand up for each other and fight for the team – especially when we’ve had our backs against the wall.  However, I can honestly say that I’ve seen enough to think the current squad can be the best we’ve had (at least in my 11 seasons) across all three of these attributes, with attitude being by far the most important.  OK, so we might have to exclude training when talking about commitment, but no team is perfect.  So keep turning up, keep giving it everything when you get your chance, keep going down the boozer, keep getting to training if you can, keep doing it for your team mates, keep calm and UP THE ACCIES!

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 15th January @ home v Stanford Town - Ted Fairchild Cup

Goal scoring chart

Lee’s goal moves him to the top of the chart, but with Dale announcing earlier in the week that he has extended his contract to the end of the season we know he’ll be going all out to make it five golden boots in a row.