Report

With the pitches in Knutsford being waterlogged, we flipped this cup tie to Barnton, and played on our "normal" pitch for the first time in quite a while, having used the cricket pitch recently.
We'd worked in training on getting in behind the opposition defence, and it worked like a dream - Aaron L scoring a 10 minute hat-trick, each goal set-up by Hayden and Harv getting down the wings and pulling the ball back to where Aaron was waiting.  
Unfortunately though, for once our defence was nowhere near as tight as it normally is, and we conceded a couple of goals. But a great volley from Paul from a corner and a tidy finish from Harv meant that the score at half-time was 5-2.
In the 2nd half normal service was resumed in our defence and we went back to looking like the solid unit we've become. And as we relaxed and played some great football so the goals went in - 2 from Rio, 2 more for Harv, 1 for Paul, 1 for Cian, and, probably the pick, a shot from outside the box from Cal.  
Well done too to Tatton who showed good spirit and kept going right to the end.

So overall a decent performance. Fair play to our defence, including Ed, they've been the foundation of our success this season, so I guess they're allowed a slight wobble.
And hopefully that 10 minute spell when we were at sixes and sevens just reinforces to all the players the importance of the two C's when defending : COMMUNICATION and COMPOSURE!
Further up the field, we needed to pass the ball better, especially in the 1st half, but well done to all the players for taking the ideas from training and putting them into practice in the match.

In the other quarter-finals, Sandbach United Eagles beat Egerton 3-1, Congleton beat Middlewich 7-2, and Davenham had already beaten Vale 3-2 the previous week.
I think the draw for the semis is Davenham v Barnton and Congleton v Sandbach United Eagles, but this hasn't been confirmed yet.  

Champagne Moment

Well, of all our TWELVE goals, going back to the point about COMMUNICATION and COMPOSURE!. Callum's goal was the epitome of both, as He got himself into a good position, and with dead calm COMPOSURE, he caressed the ball into the bottom right of the goal, even though 2 defenders were rushing in to make a challenge.
Excellent goal Callum, worth the entry money... now the fans will expect this every week. no pressure!!!.

Man Of The Match

This may seem odd, as he scored 2 last week and didn't get the nod, and didn't score any this week - but the award goes to Hayden. His crossing in the 1st half was fantastic, I can't remember a single wasted pass : well done Hayden.
Hayden was run close by Harv and Rio, who both had another great game - keep up the good work guys!

Training

Is as normal this week : 7-8.15 at Weaverham on Thursday - wrap up warm, it's going to be a cold one!

Saturday

We're due to be away vs Davenham in the League, but looking at the forecast I'd say there's got to be a big question mark as to whether the game will go ahead : I'll keep you posted as soon as I hear anything.

MCDFA Cup Final

Has been confirmed for Sunday 25th March vs Sandbach United Eagles at Middlewich Town FC, kick off 10.30.
Different opponents, but same venue as last season's Albert Steele Final - lets make sure we right that wrong :-)

See you at training,
John.