Football

The Wix Cup - Thursday 6 October 2011

St John Fisher 1 Abbey 1

From the offset this was always going to be a tough game : Abbey always produce sides with a combination of flair and organisation.

The first six minutes were a bit nervy for both sides as each team came close to scoring with Abbey having the better of the chances. Then half-way through the first half disaster struck with the wind causing the ball to bounce deceptively ; a wrong- footed defence allowing an Abbey striker to put the ball beyond Finn. With their tails up, Abbey surged forward and Finn was kept busy in goal but was supported with some staunch defending from Will and James. Meanwhile, Michael as lone striker, was not being able to get a clear shooting opportunity amongst a very tight Abbey defence:. Giuseppe and Alex were pinned down in a tough mid field battle. A change of tactics was needed and just before half time Alex moved forward to support Michael.

The second half saw a rejuvenated SJF with Alex and Michael making twisting runs forward and putting the opposition under pressure. Not that the reds had it all their own way: Abbey always looked threatening on the counter attack. But Chris , Cian and Ritchie all provided good defensive cover while Joe, as captain, held things together in midfield.

A piece of skill by Michael and Alex is put through with a half chance which hits the Abbey woodwork (sic) and goes harmlessly for a goal kick. Another piece of skill from Michael and Alex is unleashed again but this time Alex is brought down with a mistimed tackle from behind - penalty!

Alex shoots but hits that post again. It looks like it's not going to be our day.. The clock is ticking......

Two minutes to go - Chris ; to Joe; to Michael who releases a deft pass to Alex. Alex cuts inside and shoots.....GOALLLLLLLL.

SJF kept their heads and saw out a last minute corner just before the final whistle.

The replay is at The Abbey in November (date TBA).