Kingsclere are out of the league cup at the 1/4 final stage thanks to a 3-1 defeat away at Denmead. With two cancellations prior to this, the game got reversed and played the Hampshire FA Front Lawn facility in Havant on the 3G surface.

After making the long journey down, it was good to get a game in after a number of weeks off due to bad weather. This positive feeling soon evaporated when an early Denmead corner was converted as a dummy made by one player allowed the ball to go to the striker who found the top corner. Sloppy start for Kingsclere. After this the game settled in to a familiar pattern on a big pitch with Kingsclere letting Denmead having a lot of the ball at the back forcing them long, unaware this actually played in to their hands. For long periods in the first half Kingsclere were unable to get a foothold in the game and Denmead offered a serious threat going forward. Despite this the score stayed at 1-0 for a while and Kingsclere slowly grew in to the game. There were few chances for either side at this point but Clere almost equalised when Shawn Foster cannoned a header off the bar but the rebound falling to a Denmead player. Then shortly after Lee Hamilton had a chance to score when well placed but was unable to find a way past the impressive Denmead keeper.

Then just before half time a lapse in concentration all round gave the right sided midfielder too much time to thread a superb ball in behind the back four. Cameron Hickman in the Clere goal was unable to get there in time and the player round him. Steve Hanney managed to get back on the line really well but the attacker just squeezed the ball past him to make it 2-0.

Half time was much needed for Clere as the game plan wasn't working. A switch in system and style was implemented ready for the second half.

Now with instructions to press higher, Clere had a bit more joy and started to cause Denmead some problems. Firstly a Dean Stockwell chance was saved well and that followed a shot from Shawn Foster than again was well saved. Sam Hamilton this time had a shot from range but narrowly shot over. The counter attack was the biggest threat from Kingsclere and Hickman made two very good saves rushing off his line to keep the score at 2-0 and give Kingsclere half a chance.

More saves from the Denmead keeper kept Kingsclere at bay in a game that was stretched. Tempers started to raise as it was clear both teams wanted that win but the game never boiled over. Then with 10 minutes to go Clere were given a lifeline when Josh Stockwell won a free kick on the edge of the box. Sam Hamilton curled a great strike round the wall in to the bottom corner. Kingsclere kept pressing and pressing but unable to find that clear opportunity to get the equaliser.

With less than 1 minute left on the clock the Denmead winger jinked his way in to the Clere box, drew the foul and won a penalty which was dispatched right down the middle with the last kick of the game.

Score line didn't reflect the tight nature of the game however the sloppy first half and Denmead being far more clinical that Clere mean we go out of the cup at the last 8.

Up next away to Petersfield. Last game it was 5-2 Kingsclere.

Kingsclere Football Club

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