| Steve Beard (24.10.07) |
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BRACKNELL TOWN 2 (1) |
MAIDENHEAD UNITED 1 (0) |
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We bowed out of the FA Youth Cup tonight to a
battling Bracknell side. The playing surface was always a problem for us as we like to pass and play neat football. The surface resembled a ploughed field yet saying that it wasn't that long ago when York Road was the same at this time of year. The football at times was not pretty to watch but it was a typical hand on heart FA cup match. With both teams unbeaten this season something had to give. As usual we started brightly and at a high tempo pushing Bracknell back. We had four good chances but failed to hammer home. Playing our usual 3-4-1-2 Bracknell found it hard to break us down. So, it was somewhat a surprise when Bracknell took the lead on 30 minutes when a comedy of errors allowed them to score. A poor clearance followed by a bobbling ball and a slip saw the Bracknell winger free down the left. His whipped in cross careered of our keeper the upright and post before being knocked in from close range. Just before the break we were forced to make a sub when left wing-back Raj Gill injured his knee. At half time we were forced to make our second sub when right wing-back Josh Waldron had to pull out with a badly bruised knee. As the game wore on Bracknell looked more likely to score as they hit us on the counter as we searched for an equaliser. Ryan Hazel missed a sitter from 6 yards which really should have been buried. As the game entered the final 10 minutes we bought on another forward and went 4 up front. This eventually paid off when we hit the equaliser in the 93rd minute with what we thought was the final throw in of the match. Xavier Ettienne launched a long throw into the box which was cleared into a melee of feet. Nathan Lishman picked up the loose ball and hammered into the net to equalise. A further 5 mins of overtime was played before the final whistle was blown. In extra time I changed the formation to 4-4-2 as we had five forwards on the field. The first half was pretty even with few chances. The second half was the same and looked to be going to penalties when we had a free kick given against us. We defended the free kick well but when we should have held the ball in midfield inexperience showed when the ball was pumped forward only to be returned double quick time as we were still clearing out. Some supporters say the linesman was not up to play and the ball was 5 yard offside others say it was ok, either way the winger dashed down the line and cut back to an unmarked forward to slot home. We nearly equalised in the dying minutes but the two goalbound shots careened of stuck out feet. Overall Bracknell deserved their win through their sheer battling qualities. Technically we were better but sometimes that counts for nothing, particularly on a poor pitch. Also one or two senior players let us down tonight through indiscipline and poor workrate. Excellent games was had by James Gisborne, Nathan Lishman, Lewis Gratton, Matt Stevenson and Jake Chance. Good luck to Bracknell in the next round. Next week we are in Cup action again when we host Loddon Valley in the Berks and Bucks Cup. As usual I will use this cup to blood our younger players and give experience to those on the fringe. |
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Magpies: Aaron O'Brien, Steve Deveral, Matt
Stevenson, Jake Chance, Raj Gill, Lewis Gratton, Sam Lock, Josh
Waldron, James Gisborne, Ryan Hazell, Nathan Lishman |