Southbank had a disappointing home following of one man, two birds and a picnic blanket for this John Lusted Cup semi-final against runaway Div 3 East leaders Palmer FC.

The game started evenly with Southbank battling well against some very talented individuals.  Despite being nutmegged on numerous occasions Andy Persaud and Neil Hankinson were working hard to stop the skilful Palmer midfield and the back four were limiting 40-goal marksman Gary Amor to speculative shots from distance.  Karl Lobato and Ben Neo were working hard on the flanks and Steve Woodrow and Charlie Cook were working equally hard up front, tracking back when necessary.

Palmer broke the deadlock on 25 minutes when the lively Amor swivelled on a half-chance in the box and drilled the ball into the bottom corner despite Harvey getting a hand to the ball.

Southbank battled back though and equalised 10 minutes later when Steve Woodrow passed to Neil Hankinson on the half way line after running the ball out of defence.  Neil looked up and played a 50 yard cross-field ball to the corner of the penalty area towards Ben Neo.  The cows in the next field cowered nervously as Ben shaped to hit a first-time volley but their fear was unfounded as Neo put the ball straight in the bottom corner.  What a way to equalise in a cup semi!  This was quite possibly the best goal I have ever seen in Sunday football.

The second half started with Palmer on top but for all their possession they were limited to one good chance that Harvey saved with his feet.  At the other end Southbank were getting no joy out of the huge Palmer centre back and the game seemed destined for extra time.

That was until 15 seconds from time when Amor picked the ball up 25 yards out and hit the ball early.  The ball took a slight deflection off Mike Tappern and sailed into the top corner with Harvey left helpless.

It was a cruel way to lose a semi-final.  Southbank had battled hard against an extremely good side and looked to have secured extra-time at least. 

But it wasn't to be.

Team: Harvey, Bigham, Edwards, Fitzpatrick, Tappern, Lobato, Persuad, Hankinson, Neo, Cook (Everest), Woodrow