Scorer: Olly Tolcher
A long trip to the impressive Poly ground ended in a close cup defeat for the 8’s. Missing a number of first team regulars the 8s got off to a good start as David Potter’s cross shot was followed up by Olly Tolcher for a 1-0 lead within ten minutes. Not used to scoring first this season, the 8s took their foot off the gas and a mistake from their player manager allowed Poly to level the scores soon after.
Further chances fell to both teams but the Poly no.9 was allowed to complete a first half hatrick after further hesitant defending and a clear offside decision going in his favour. 3-1 down at half time, the 8s brought a change of tactics and a better attitude into the second half and dominated possession and created numerous chances to get back in the match.
Dudmish and Payne got forward well from full back with James Broome covering them well with a typically battling performance. Chances for Jack Parsons, Nigel Bagley, Crofty and both Tolcher’s went begging, and despite lots of positive football the 8s couldn’t find a way back in to the tie. Even goalkeeper Roberts did his bit to push the team forward, delivering dangerous balls into the Poly area, and at one stage going on a dribble into their half, before getting a nose bleed.
If Emlyn Robbins had been given the opportunities to finish as well in the match as he did in the warm up this could have ended up a convincing 8s victory.
Overall a slighty unlucky defeat. The 8s were punished for some poor early defending and couldn’t recover in time to stay in the cup. Some good passing and possession from the boys, with a hatful of near misses. As always our effort and battling spirit was good.
MOM – Will Dudmish. Got forward well and showed composure on the ball from right back. Worked hard defensively to
