Barrel
02-03-2008, 20:10
LONG SUTTON RESERVES 2
WHITTLESEY UNITED RESERVES 5
Whittlesey made it a hat-trick of semi-final sucesses as for the third sucessive Saturday they reached another Cup Final, this time at Long Sutton in the PFA Junior Cup.
We knew coming into this encounter we would have to be on our game as the home side top the Comination Division Two and have been in fine form this season.
We reverted back to our normal formation for this game and started the game well, both teams played out a first half where opportunities were at a premium. Paul Hibbins had the best effort for Whittlesey but was denied by a fine save from the home keeper and then the home side almost fortuitously took the lead when a cross come shot was caught in the swirling wind and tapped the crossbar. As the whistle was blown for half time both teams came off the pitch with a place in the final still very much up for grabs.
At half time we told the boys to step out of their comfort zone as they had played out the first 45 minutes looking comfortable but without any real cutting edge or panache.
The second half saw the lads start very slowly and 5 minutes after the re-start they fell a goal behind when Long Sutton's top goalscorer was played through on goal and he placed the ball beyond the oncoming Fletcher to make it 1-0.
This goal seemed to galvanise Whittlesey and they kicked into life, just moments later the scores were level when Hibbins netted a goal that oozed class, when a ball was pumped in the box, he majestically chested down and volleyed the ball into the top corner from 15 yards in one swift movement.
This seemed the catalyst for a Whittlesey side keen to attack and moments later it was 2-1, Baxter found space in the box and his shot was saved by the keeper but Adam Moore was on hand to bang home the rebound and put the visitors in the driving seat. At this point the Long Sutton side seemed bewildered and another 5 minutes later it was 3-1, with Hibbins again prodding home to increase our numerical advantage. Further headed goals from centre half, Mick Gale and forward Luke Quince made it 5-1. Long Sutton pressed on and claimed a consolation just moments from time when their forward pressed in the box to prod home. Soon after the referee blew his whistle with the final score 5-2 to Whittlesey.
So another win and another final to look forward to in April. If you had asked me three weeks ago i'd have said that i'd be happy to reach one final, to reach all three is a remarkable achievement and is testamant to the lads and all the people that have put so much hard work into this side over the past few years. The aim is now to win all three cups but it will be a challenge, whilst also concentrating on our league campaign that has been put on hold over the last few weeks but now needs to take precedent as this is our number one priority.
The next couple of months are going to be exciting and hectic i'm sure, with us still having to play another 18 games!!! All of the squad have played a vital role in getting us to the point we are now and they will ALL play a huge part in the remainder of the season. The hard work must continue and if we show the same commitment, focus, desire and workrate that we have during the course of the season so far i am confident that the lads will be picking up a trophy or two come April/May.
As always the old cliche 'one game at a time' starting with next week's trip to Fletton in what i am sure will be a tough encounter but hopefully another win.
COME ON!
Regards, Barrel
WHITTLESEY UNITED RESERVES 5
Whittlesey made it a hat-trick of semi-final sucesses as for the third sucessive Saturday they reached another Cup Final, this time at Long Sutton in the PFA Junior Cup.
We knew coming into this encounter we would have to be on our game as the home side top the Comination Division Two and have been in fine form this season.
We reverted back to our normal formation for this game and started the game well, both teams played out a first half where opportunities were at a premium. Paul Hibbins had the best effort for Whittlesey but was denied by a fine save from the home keeper and then the home side almost fortuitously took the lead when a cross come shot was caught in the swirling wind and tapped the crossbar. As the whistle was blown for half time both teams came off the pitch with a place in the final still very much up for grabs.
At half time we told the boys to step out of their comfort zone as they had played out the first 45 minutes looking comfortable but without any real cutting edge or panache.
The second half saw the lads start very slowly and 5 minutes after the re-start they fell a goal behind when Long Sutton's top goalscorer was played through on goal and he placed the ball beyond the oncoming Fletcher to make it 1-0.
This goal seemed to galvanise Whittlesey and they kicked into life, just moments later the scores were level when Hibbins netted a goal that oozed class, when a ball was pumped in the box, he majestically chested down and volleyed the ball into the top corner from 15 yards in one swift movement.
This seemed the catalyst for a Whittlesey side keen to attack and moments later it was 2-1, Baxter found space in the box and his shot was saved by the keeper but Adam Moore was on hand to bang home the rebound and put the visitors in the driving seat. At this point the Long Sutton side seemed bewildered and another 5 minutes later it was 3-1, with Hibbins again prodding home to increase our numerical advantage. Further headed goals from centre half, Mick Gale and forward Luke Quince made it 5-1. Long Sutton pressed on and claimed a consolation just moments from time when their forward pressed in the box to prod home. Soon after the referee blew his whistle with the final score 5-2 to Whittlesey.
So another win and another final to look forward to in April. If you had asked me three weeks ago i'd have said that i'd be happy to reach one final, to reach all three is a remarkable achievement and is testamant to the lads and all the people that have put so much hard work into this side over the past few years. The aim is now to win all three cups but it will be a challenge, whilst also concentrating on our league campaign that has been put on hold over the last few weeks but now needs to take precedent as this is our number one priority.
The next couple of months are going to be exciting and hectic i'm sure, with us still having to play another 18 games!!! All of the squad have played a vital role in getting us to the point we are now and they will ALL play a huge part in the remainder of the season. The hard work must continue and if we show the same commitment, focus, desire and workrate that we have during the course of the season so far i am confident that the lads will be picking up a trophy or two come April/May.
As always the old cliche 'one game at a time' starting with next week's trip to Fletton in what i am sure will be a tough encounter but hopefully another win.
COME ON!
Regards, Barrel