So let me explain, a Bantam is a type of chicken, and according to yourchickens.co.uk generally some of the Bantam's PROS are "Very Attractive, Easy Going, Easy to Handle and Attractive" it's CONS are "Can be Broody, Nervous, Prefers Free-Range environment" In 1880 William Cook of Orpington created "The Orpington Bantam" - What did this mean for us today, well nothing really but as they say "Every day is a school day"...

To the game, we had lost Harrison to a toe injury during the week ?? But had regained Luis Don back into the group after a few weeks in the physio's treatment room. Other than that we had an unchanged side and carried last weeks quarter final success with us. Our opposition also had a similar cup victory last week and should we both have a positive result in the upcoming semis then we would meet in the final.

Same message, start sharp, move the ball quickly, dominate the play. We did start sharp, and moved the ball quickly and perhaps should have taken the lead in the opening exchanges. However, a very tight offside decision went against us, the ball over the top found the Bantams forward who advanced on Ollie and slotted in. 0-1. Then Bantams just controlled the game, we couldn't get hold of the ball and when we did it got either punted forward aimlessly or the lads were trying some outrageous flicks and tricks easily collected by the home team. We were given a lifeline when Tom shot and the goalie spooned the effort into the path of Will R who controlled neatly and equalised. 1-1. This was very much against the run of play. But at least this was to give us some hope and renewed confidence. Our lads looked a little better now and from Tom's corner, the cross went unchallenged and Will R popped up to head the ball in from a few yards out. 2-1 - HT.

Second half we changed the shape slightly to try and control the midfield more. Bantams were neat in possession and had more desire to win 1st and 2nd balls. Their game plan did rely on feeding their big forward, good player but a foot taller than everyone else (including me). We have encountered players like this before (Shelton, Croydon etc..) but don't learn, put in a flipping challenge lads. We were lucky that the words "Banjo and cow's a*se" sprung to mind or we could have been in some trouble. Bantams did eventually get the equaliser though, Ollie got a hand to a shot but could only push it out, there was the Bantams forward to pounce on the lose ball. 2-2.

The drama of the second half wasn't over just yet, Bantams fed the ball down our left, their right midfielder collected and despatched neatly across Ollie into the far corner. 2-3. Now we have our own version of VAR - LeeAR. The ref gave the goal, but was invited to review his decision by Lee (at the LeeAR hub in Hoadley Park). Decision overturned "No Goal". Apparently this was the right decision but in true Wenger fashion - I didn't see it. CORRECTION 2-2 (LeeAR review - no goal)

All we deserved really. It just wasn't happening for the United boys today, the ball bobbled around in the midfield, we couldn't put in a meaningful challenge, our passing was definitely NOT on point and we rarely threatened their goal. But they were trying and sometimes you can try too hard.

Game 1 done - 2-2.

Now another tricky away fixture