Wotton Rovers AFC

Wotton made the trip away to Plock Court today to face opponents Quedgley Wanderers in the Stroud League Cup Semi Final. Wotton having not kicked a ball for 3 weeks were eager to get this game underway and blow out the cobwebs. Rovers had battled through 3 previously tough rounds to earn their place in this semi, leaving a trail of destruction of Afc Pheonix, Glos Constabulary and Wickwar along the way.

It was in blustery conditions that this Sunday cup fixture got underway. Wotton were soon in control and cruising through the home side. Quedgley had started slowly letting rovers dominate and begin making chances. In form striker Simon Jackson came close on more than one occasion. The game still poised at 0 0 and with Wotton having the wind behind them the visitors wanted to claim something from their long spells in possession. The dead lock was broken when Tay Jones swang the ball in which was met by the head of full back Steve Bennett who directed it low into the net.

This was the wake up call Quedgley needed as they began to get back into the game, if it wasn’t for a superb point blank save from Wottons keeper Alan Thomas from a miss hit off Rovers left back Shaun Buckley it would have been 1 a piece. Wotton went in at half time 1 nil but knew they would have a battle in the second half against the strong wind straight down their throats.

Second half was very different from the first, Quedgley had nothing to lose, so threw everything at Wotton, pinning them back in their own half. Wottons solid back 4 were holding strong against alot of pressure, but for how long...

Now was the time for Wotton to bring on some fresh legs in the form of Paul Bleaken and Nick Bird, this began to make a difference to the game but rovers still found themselves camped in their own half. Quedgley were shortly rewarded for their pressure after a wonder strike from 25yds flew into the net giving Thomas no chance.

At 1 all this game looked as if it would be decided with another penalty shoot out, but as the last couple of minutes ticked away the ball was cleared from the rovers box falling to substitute Bleaken on the half way line, after skilfully beating the last defender Bleaken slotted the ball past the out rushing keeper and into the back of the net, breaking all Quedgley hearts and bringing ecstasy to the Wotton team and travelling fans. Shortly after, the final whistle blow and saw Wotton progress to the first final the club had seen in many years.

Wotton management team commented after " We are so proud of all our players today, we knew this would be a tough fixture but the team that wanted it the most would get the reward and that today was us. We are looking forward to the final but must concentrate on the league for now.