Kingsclere made the long trip down to Clanfield on a wet and windy afternoon to play in the league cup second round. Clanfield produced a good playing surface that was holding out well in the heavy rain and 'Clere welcomed the challenge of playing a team in the senior division. The driving wind and rain made it imperative that the ball was kept on the playing surface and credit to both sides as they looked to play football.

Kingsclere played the first half in to the wind and it took the first ten minutes for both sides to adjust to the conditions. Clanfield started the better of the two sides as created a few half chances but failed to test keeper Hickman in the Kingsclere goal. Kingsclere then started to create there own problems with some fantastic link up play in the final third between Josh Metcalf, Josh Stockwell, Will Fowler and Lee Hamilton. This led to L.Hamilton striking over from the edge of the area and the same from J.Metcalf.

Kingsclere had the best chance of the game on twenty minutes when the ball fell to Metcalf and his well struck shot was parried by the keeper in to the path of Hamilton who couldnt quite get his foot around it and missed a glorious chance to put Clere one up. Immediately from the goal kick Clanfield worked the ball well in to an attacking position and created a shooting chance. The striker took took a touch and finished with aplomb past a helpless Hickman.

Clere responded well by creating some half chances with Sam Hamilton, Stockwell and Metcalf all shooting over. The equaliser eventually came when Fowler recycled the ball well across the goal and Metcalf nodded home. Five minutes later Kingsclere took the lead when they won the ball high up the pitch, worked the ball in to a good area to Shawn Foster who scored a deflected effort from 25 yards. Kingsclere 2-1 up at half time.

The second half started with an immediate fightback from Clanfield. A deep cross from Clanfield's right hand side caused Kingsclere problems and some poor marking left the attacker with a free header that was guided home to equalise. Kingsclere continued to press high up the pitch, not allowing Clanfield any space or time on the ball. This proved pivotal when a sloppy pass gave Will Fowler the ball and he turned to shoot and guide the ball home from the edge of the box giving the keeper no chance. Shortly after Fowler won the ball high up the pitch and the Clanfield keeper made a superb save to keep them in the game.

With the game being played in these conditions it was always a possibility something could happen that would let Clanfield back in the game again and it happened with 15/20 minutes to go. Clere failed to clear the ball properly and a weak shot from range went under Hickman who really should have done better. 3-3.

Another great response from the lads give Kingsclere the lead again with what was easily the goal of the game and potentially a goal of the season contender from Josh Stockwell. A overhit cross from the right hand side found its was to Seb Challen who whipped it back in and Stockwell hit a volley, Paolo Di Canio esque, in to the bottom corner to give Clere the lead. A few minutes later the impressive Metcalf drew in the defender inside the box and won a penalty that Stockwell finished to give Clere a brilliant 5-3 win.

Both sides played some lovely football today and the game was a good battle. All the best to Clanfield.

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