Suffolk Junior Cup 1st Round 17/10/09Pot Black F.C- 2
Oxford Arms- 2 A.E.T
(P.B won 7-6 on pens)
Match Overview- With rumours circulating that Oxford would be playing a scratch team with many off to Newmarket this weekend, maybe this caused as a distraction for the Pot Black starting eleven who failed to raise their game to even a fraction of their league encounter.
On the other hand an arguably weaker Oxford produced a fantastic team performance which put to shame their opponents lacklustre nervous display, and were unlucky not to go into the interval more than 1-0 up.
Ian Wilson's intro before the break proved pivotal for the unwell Rob Cooper, as he snatched an equaliser after 50mins when he placed home a Paul Taylor pass.
One welcome inclusion to the starting eleven was Scotty 'Too Hotty' Reynolds after 5 mths out who successfully came through an hour at left back, being replaced by Darren Laws, with Richi Reeder taking over for Adam Bird.
Oxford rightfully took the lead after more indecision in the Pot Black ranks saw the Oxford Captain fire past Kev Sherwood from 6 yards, who for once was unable to rescue his side after a string of outstanding saves.
Fortune favoured L'Orange after a Kev Sherwood kick caused problems at the other end as the Oxford centre half stretched his neck incredibly to hinder Ian Wilson from pouncing only to see his header go past his own keeper.
L'Orange should have twice taken the lead after a panic in the opposing box as Gav Hunt's header hit a Oxford hand on it's way into the net, only to have play and celebrations stopped for a penalty, which Paul Taylor struck powerfully and confidently only to see the small keeper palm away unbelievably (mirroring his simply brilliant performance).
Extra Time was quite honestly a non-event with both sides tiring and both keepers keeping their teams in the competition.
Penalties were a slightly more interesting affair with Pot Black having 1 saved and 1 missed, and Oxford having 1 saved, 1 missed and 1 hitting the woodwork. But the final word came down to Kev Sherwood who dropped to his right to grasp the ball and passage into the next round.
As a footnote to this performance, we all know that it was far beyond what is expected and that we can not blame individuals everyone was equal on the day, we did not talk, play, pass, work or fight like a team! Desire and passion were missing! This must be dealt with! If we do this again WE WILL LOSE! Do not let it happen again.
Goals- Ian Wilson & O.G. Pens- Willo, Reeder, P.T, Lawsey, Rosey, Vinny, Kev, Boydie, Crab.
G.H. Windows & Doors M.O.M- Kev Sherwood, a string of great saves as well as the winning penalty save, and on top of that, one of the Oxford Arms players approached me to say he "...Never realised how good Kev was, he was bloody brilliant!"
