Villains to Hero’s
Southbank won a pulsating game to reach the
first ever semi-final of the Tilehurst Charity
Cup game with a come from 3 goals down to win
4-3 all within 90 minutes against Misfits.
After 20 minutes any thoughts of
semi-finals looked extreme to say the least
and Misfits raced into a 3 goal lead, thanks
to some horrendous defending by Southbank.
However,
some awesome displays emerged after 30 minutes
as Southbank finally realised how to defend
and then attack. First Neil Healy forced a
great save from the keeper within the 6 yard
box and then Jonny Adey received a superb 30
yard cross-field pass from Wagner, controlled
it and rifled home into the top locker to give
the team some hope going into half-time.
Some
harsh words were said at half-time but the
belief remained within the team
and
that was evident so no changes were made and
the simple message was left,
a goal
will really put them back in the game and
Southbank entered into the 2nd half
with clear ambitions. They continued to press
and by now all 11 players were playing with
commitment and an intensity few can resist.
Several times Southbank threatened to open the
Misfits defence up, firstly with Dion’s
running power down the left and then Adey down
the right. However, the final pass seemed to
elude them along with good defending by
Misfits, the game ticked by.
Southbank’s second goal came following another
foul on Dion. Jamie Froude took this resulting
free kick level with the 18 yard line and it
travelled all the way through nestling in the
bottom corner without anybody touching it.
What a way to score your first goal for the
club. The wind was definitely with the Bank.
As 75
minutes approached, Southbank already had a
goal disallowed by their linesman, finally
drew level and for the constant pressure a
just reward. Jonny Adey put the finishing
touches to Southbank’s movement and pace to
record his second goal in only his first start
and bring the team level 3-3.
From
here on in there only appeared one winner but
twice Misfits were held at bay, firstly by
Steve Marshall one on one save and then great
defending by the now ‘sober’ Olly Bradbury,
who started on the bench due to the previous
night’s entertainment. A goal for them would
have probably killed Southbank’s stamina and
determination but it didn’t come.
Alex
Cooper had now been replaced by Luka and Tim
switched to right-back whilst Luka patrolled
central midfield with Wagner and ultimately,
this is where the game was won. With 2 minutes
to go, Southbank had a free-kick but it broke
down. With 1 minute to go Adey along with Dion
collected what must have been the 10th
foul against them. Right of the penalty box,
25 yards out, Dawson stood over the ball,
Southbank loaded the box.
The original plan to roll the front
post worked but Adey missed it as did the rest
of the players leaving Nes Skeete at the back
post to head home and seal an extraordinary
comeback for Southbank and kill Misfits there
and then.
No extra
time was needed the referee allowed for 2 more
minutes and despite confusion over whether to
play for the corner or not, Southbank had done
it….the Semi’s awaited. Who was man of the
match, that is difficult to be sure of.
Awesome displays came from all the players
post the 30 minute mark, with Skeete and
Froude instrumental in defence, Wagner and
Dawson exceptional in midfield and Archie
tireless up front. However for his two goals
and at times brilliance, Mr Adey collects that
award.
One more
step to overcome before a trip to Majeski can
be celebrated. A mighty task will be required
but the ambitions, desire and team spirit
within this group of players; I for one
believe they have a great opportunity to make
it, time will tell but for this performance
surely they deserve that chance.
Team
Marshall, Gull(Bradbury), Cooper(Kasonde),
Skeete, Froude, Dennie, Adey, Wagner, Dawson,
McKie, Healy
.