QUICK FIRE CUP COMPETITION

An excellent Semi, Galaxy opened the scoring and with the all important first goal it meant the Elmhurst lads had to go for the win as the draw would send Galaxy smoothly through to the final. Elmhurst upped their game and took the match 2-1 in what was an excellent match between two good sides played at pace for the full 20 mins. Game of the night for me, not even enough time to make a note of the goal scorers. Well done to both teams – great match.

Comfortable win for ASD although the Inter boys kept the game tight for the opening ten minutes with a well organized man for man cover technique.Goals from Chris Bartholemew (4) and Sam (1)

On paper this game could have gone either way, with ASD the League Champions probably just the favorites at the local bookies up against a strong Elmhurst side. The opening quarter of the game was end to end stuff as both teams sought the all important “Goal-den” first goal that would mean they took the trophy in the event of a draw. With nothing to choose between the sides, as is often the case it was an error of judgement that led to the opener. Chris Bartholemew (who I think may well have been top scorer in the competition with 5 goals?) stuck out a toe in his own penalty area when playing the ball back to his Skipper and stand in keeper for the night Steve Brynn  thereby conceding a penalty which Dave Howells tucked away confidently to open the scoring on 7 minutes. Two minutes later ASD were level after a brilliant piece of play typical of the League champions and in every way deserved, Kev Gorman who was excellent all night went on a run and with great skill, good balance and strength under pressure from the Elmhurst defence, he was finally stopped and fouled close to shooting at goal, but to his credit and no great surprise given the ASD team ethic the game did not need to be stopped for a foul which would have resulted in Elmhurst re-grouping for the free kick. With the ball running loose and dropping kindly for Sam advantage was played which so often is of more use in the Jakemans league given the tight space and little opportunity to score from free kicks, Sam took the chance and slotted home the equalizer with great composure for a young lad on his debut. A thoroughly deserved result following Kevin’s great work and attitude/ understanding of the game. ASD were in the ascendancy now and knowing the draw would hand the Cup to Elmhurst they had to take the game to their opponents and on 13 minutes they took the lead somewhat fortuitously as a seemingly routine shot from the ever lively Chris Bartholemew was spilled by the Elmhurst keeper  2-1 to ASD. With seven minutes of play remaining and with both teams to end up playing an hour of football on the night, we entered the stage of the game where fitness/fatigue would play a part, Elmhurst were able to call upon their strength in depth and with a full squad available on the night, were able to rotate their squad well. For the next five minutes of play it was constant end to end stuff with some fantastic play evident on both sides, Elmhurst seeking to get back on terms were in awesome form and on 17 minutes they equalized through influential Skipper Dave Howells. A minute later on 18 minutes and they extended their lead when Jason Costello netted with a smart finish, Elmhurst really finishing strongly and fully deserving of the victory given their style of play all night.The final goal in the last minute of play would prove to be a fitting end to a great night of entertainment, Carlton “The Flair” Blair picked up the ball on the half way line and simply smashed an absolute belter of a drive past the ASD keeper into the top right hand corner or the net, a brilliant goal to end the night.

Bottom 2 Teams From Division 1 Plus Division 2 Teams ( 8 Teams )