A lack of composure in front of goal and a terrible refereeing error cost the 8s their place in the SAL cup for this season.
A closely fought match was decided by a well worked second half winner for the visitors, as we squandered our chances to take the game into extra time. In general the game was scrappy, with the 8s struggling to keep possession and giving the ball away in some promising positions. The visitors rarely threatened, although Jamie Roberts made his customary brilliant save from a curling attempt that was heading for the top corner. Otherwise it was us that had the majority of the chances.
James Broome competed excellently as usual, and Jack Parsons played some good stuff in midfield, but we couldn’t find an equaliser despite bombarding the opposition in the later stages of the game. George Waldrum worked his socks off up front but it wasn’t enough to get us the goal we needed. George, Steve Payne, Adam Jenkins and Olly Tolcher all tested the TSB Goalkeeper and both Jack Parsons and Jon Gallaway hit the woodwork. We tried our hardest to get back in the game without showing enough quality to score.
In the dying moments of the game another ball into the TSB box was fumbled by their keeper and Jack was on hand to put the ball into their net. The 8s celebrated, no TSB player complained, but UNBELIEVABLY the referee ruled out the goal for a foul against their goalkeeper. Incredible decision. Final whistle. Cup run over. The referre later admitted to some of our lads that he’d got the decision wrong and was apologetic. Not a great consolation.
Overall the 8s didn’t deserve to lose this match, but we need to find our composure and goal scoring feet again if we are to get some more results. As ever, our attitude was good which is something we need to take into this weekend’s game against the league leaders. Our league record is good so the lads are all looking forward to getting stuck into them.
MOM – Jack Parsons – Passed it well and unlucky not to equalise.
