Report

The previous week at SutherlandParkhad seen vintage Burpham performance in the last league outing of the season, resulting in a win for the yellows. The 1^st team were determined to continue this form into their cup game against Lyne, extending the season and continue the dream of qualifying for the cup final.

The gaffer had an excellent squad of 14 and was delighted that Banksy had returned from injury to boost his options further.

After much deliberation with the skipper, decided on starting with a 433 formation with the following players: (From left to right) Leigh, Kingy, Stef, Pip, Toby, Sam, Banksy, Neil, Franksy, Fordie and Bill. Leaving Griggy, Ginge and Ryan on the bench.

Burpham started brightly, looking like a team who had taken confidence from the victory the previous week. This became apparent as the first half unfolded with the yellows creating many chances. Franksy, Fordie and Bill were in fine fettle working hard for each other and testing the Lyne defence, with the midfield bustling and not giving the opposition a moment on the ball. The break through came after 15 minutes when Toby delivered a corner from the right. He found Pip who used a knee to connect with the ball. It looped high and over the defender on the line who was unable to keep it out. 1 – 0 Burpham.

Burpham looked solid as a defensive unit and Lyne rarely troubled the Burpham goal. When they did Leigh was equal to it only once being called upon to tip the ball over the bar from a Lyne effort. The onslaught continued with Franksy causing all sorts of problems down the left and the Burpham full backs taking the opportunity to get forward to test the Lyne defence with some dangerous balls into the area.

The 2^nd goal came shortly before half time when Franksy made a jinking run into the penalty area. He got the better of the full back who brought him down, penalty to Burpham. The ever confident Lee Ford had no hesitation in claiming the spot kick and slotted the ball calmly into the right side of the net. 2 – 0 Burpham.

Half time.

The 2^nd half started and before very much happened at all, Neil went up for a header with their centre back from our goal kick. Both men clashed heads and hit the deck. Neither was in a great way from this incident; however Neil had claret pissing from the back of his head. After Dr Harper and Nurse Franks had assessed the situation they made the decision for the big man….he needed to come off. So a replacement came in the form of a Ginger man from Solihull. Nick came on, hopefully to be as inspirational as he has in previous weeks.

The game continued….however not as we would have liked. The razzamatazz of the 1^st half performance seemed to have gone and for much of the half the Burpham back 4 and Leigh were forced to defend resolutely. With Pip and Stef making some excellent tackles and Leigh making some smart saves. Even the introduction of the Burpham whippets Griggy and Ryan did change the format of the game. It became a big of a long ball fest, with Burpham being forced to clear their lines and the midfield struggling to take control of the game. Even the Mr Smith (the ref who likes to shower with us) uttered the words ‘If you’re not careful you could end up throwing this away.’ This statement rang true in the ears of the Burpham players who twice this season had drawn against Lyne after conceding a late goal. However as the old saying goes, cometh the hour, cometh the man.

After soaking up the Lyne attacks as a team, we managed to gain a free kick after Griggy had been brought down 5 yards or so outside the Lyne penalty area. As normal all 10 of the Burpham out-field players lined up around the ball, all insisting they were the man to take it. I think even Leigh shouted he’d have a pop if no one else wanted it. However the Skipper obviously felt this was his moment…..his perfect moment. As he stood over the ball he had images of the previous late Lyne goals going through his head. Just before he struck the ball I’m sure I heard him utter the words ‘Not on my shift’ as he struck the ball beautifully into the top right hand corner. 3 - 0 Burpham.

Shortly after the final whistle was blown and the celebrations began and the Chairman treated his players to a crate of San Miguel in the showers. Good times for all, looking forward to the next round!

MOM: Pip Newman - Again some fine performances, Sam, Stef and Banksy all had excellent games, with Leigh’s handling looking very good this week. Also there was a vintage performance from the chairman for 65 minutes, as old snake hips was back in town. However my right hand side defensive partner had a brilliant game. Apart from one shanked clearance, Pip did not put a foot wrong. Making tackle after tackle, block after block and scoring a goal. Well done Pip, this week’s man of the match. Congrats my lucky charm.