A close call for the Saints today but they eventually ran out winners in the SPL Senior Plate after a penalty shoot out. Kevin recaps on a very nervy Cup tie;
"This was the first match for longer than I can remember... and it had to be a Cup match against a side whose league position mirrored ours in, and in full knowledge of what happened last time in the Cup against opposition from a lower division!!!
This time, however, even though we looked rusty, we still moved the ball well and were camped in Rushmoor’s half for most of the first 40 minutes and created a number of chances to open the scoring through Tom R, Nathan, Julien and Alex M but we either pulled the shot, shot at the 'keeper or were a little wayward. Then we got a shock as for the first time Rushmoor spilt our defence and as is typical in Cup football they got one chance... one goal!
Frustration began to set in - Seb was raiding down the right (after Jamie came off injured), Julien down the left, Alex, Mike and Nathan were pulling the strings in midfield and still we could find no way through. Chris, Ben, Martin and Matt were really comfortable in defence and Josh had little to do.
The second half had more of the same - waves of pressure and still no return. Connor had come on for Nathan and had a cracking shot that hit the post but rolled to safety. Joe R - on for Chris - had a couple of efforts on goal but with no luck and with time running out it looked like it was just not going to our day. Still though the boys kept plugging away and creating chances and Rushmoor just kept sticking a leg in the way or a chest in the way or the 'keeper making fine saves. Finally, with just eight minutes to go Tom was played in and this time kept his shot low and gave the 'keeper no chance. 1-1 and extra time.
In extra time the play began to slow down but I think we still looked the stronger and so it was again we wasted good efforts and only had one scare when Josh stood up to the shot and turned it round the post. Towards the end we were camped in their penalty box, taking corner after corner but we still could not force the winner, so it was on to penalties to decide the result.
First up Alex M who stuck his away with his usual aplomb even though it brushed the post. 1-0 Saints
Rushmoor then scored giving Josh no chance 1-1
Up stepped Tom R who lashed his in 2-1 Saints
Rushmoor again but this time Josh got both hands to it and turned it away 2-1
Matt Burton then took a great penalty giving 'keeper no chance 3-1
Rushmoor again and again Josh saved. Still 3-1 Saints
Mike D up next but he slipped and his shot went wide. 3-1
Finally Rushmoor with the "must score" penalty but Josh completed a goalkeepers "hat trick" with a marvellous save and it was final result 3-1 Saints.
Overall a bit laboured today but under the circumstances of not having played or trained it was a fine performance and good result."
Man of The Match - Josh Betts
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