Report

So the cup final starting line up was as followed. Keith in goal(wearing pink) Glen, Murray, JT and myself at the back. Matty, Kris, Andy and Jamie in midfield. Hummy and Christian up front.

We were all confident going into the game, spirits were high and a good warm up. We started steady, a good first touch was needed by all today, especially with the extremely slippery surface. We tried to settle and get the ball moving but our control when we received the ball was pretty awful. Monkwick enjoyed much more possession than us and looked most likely to score. It was Lexden who took the lead though, a free kick awarded just inside the Bayern half which I lofted towards the head of Matty, he bought it down and done well to score from such a tight angle. It was so important not to not concede straight away and we looked steady for 5-10 mins but then we entered probably the worst 10 mins of our season. Bayern Monkwick upped their game and put pressure on us, unfortunately we couldn’t cope. Bayern levelled from a corner, the ball ending up at the far post and nodded in. Minutes later too, silly fouls were being committed over the pitch and Monwick took the lead from one. Credit to the free kick taker who hit a brilliant free kick which left Keith motionless. 2-1.

Half time and we hoped that we could re group and do what we’ve done against Ramsey and also Monkwick in our last fixture against them. We started with our heads up and renewed confidence. We pushed higher up and passed the ball much better than the first half. The ball was reaching Matty and Jamie on the wings but we couldn’t retain the ball up front still. Nothing more of note apart from a few half hearted chances on goal and more possession . Whatever the reason today we just couldn’t get a grip of the game. Andy, Kris Christian and Hummy all not getting any luck with the ball. Paul Nicholson replaced Kris, Tebbs and Chris Major replacing JT and Christian. We kept running right till the end and credit to us for that but we were beaten by a much better team today. Well done to the lads in yellow who deservedly lifted the trophy. Similar to Liverpool we’re all sitting at home now thinking ‘what if?’ but we shouldn’t get too down about it. We’ve had a good first season in the prem with some outstanding results.

On behalf of the rest of the lads I'd like to show our gratitude to Andrzej and Keith for their efforts again this season. It can’t be easy organising a squad of 20 -25 each week and dealing with the disappointed lads who havent made the team/squad. Also thanks to Paul Bleck in his role as treasurer and Jon Walton as Chairman in their behind the scenes roles keeping the club steady. Long live Lexden. Lexden till I die! ;)

Also, be sure to visit www.richardblaxall.co.uk who was photographing there today, a good guy with a great eye for sports photography!

Martin