Goals; Chvojka, McGoohan
On a boggy away ground the 5th team succumbed to a 3-2 away defeat at the hands of Old Finchleians 6S. Missing both captain D. Howarth and Vice Captain Taylor – Jeater stood in as leader for the day. Despite the stand in skipper floating the idea of a Christmas tree formation – AP lined up in a 442, with Krefting and McGloglan the only changes to the line up from the previous week.
A slow start (something the side needs to sort out) from AP, not helped by the Southover slope, saw the home side go one up after 15 minutes after an opposition player was left unmarked at the back post after a speculative cross, and duly slipped the ball under Marshall.
A reaction was desperately needed, and full credit to the side, one was delivered. For the rest of the half AP played stylish football, looked far more resolute at the back and were rewarded with a goal after Chvojka was brought down in the area and the Czech striker converted the spot kick. 1-1.
In the second half AP started well, playing some neat football in parts. However, 15 minutes in Donnelly tangled with the opposition striker in his own box and the resulting penalty was converted by Old Finchelians. 2-1.
AP continued to press hard and 10 minutes later McGoohan with the ball on the left wing hit a right footed ‘cross’ just outside the oppositions area – instead of landing on the striker head as was intended, the ball ballooned over the stranded keeper and into the back of the net. McGoohan celebrated as though intended (who wouldn’t?). 2-2.
With the pitch getting worse by the minute, and both sides looking tired, the game descended into a scrappy affair. However, 15 minutes from the end AP gave the ball away in the middle of the pitch and seconds later were picking the ball out of the back of their own net after a swift exchange of passes from the opposition. ‘Offside’ called the AP defence, but the goal stood. 3-2.
For the final 15 minutes AP looked as though they might get a deserved equaliser – especially with substitute Sterling injecting some much needed pace into the side. In the dying seconds of the game AP were handed a lifeline – a freekick on the edge of the box was expertly delivered by Sulemajni – and McGoohan and Jeater sprung the offside trap. However both players proceeded to ‘cock it up big style’ and the ball was deflected wide from one yard out. Surely one for a Danny Baker DVD?
Team: Marshall, Kralik, Jeater (C), McGloglan, Krefting, McGoohan, Donnelly, Cumberbatch, Sulemanji, Chvojka (Sterling), McGahey (D. Howarth).
MOM: Kralik – a threat going forward and a solid second half defensive performance.
