Semi-final Issues Strike Again

That's now 4 semi-final defeats in as many years as Uni Strollers came from 2-0 down at half-time at a windswept Surrey Sports Park.

It is a boring old cliche but this was always going to be a game of two halves. It was very windy so it was like having an extra man for the team with the wind behind them.

First Half:

With the wind at our backs we dominated proceedings from the get go as Uni really struggled to exert themselves as an attacking force.

On 16 minutes we took the lead. Joey Stevens swung over a corner that Simon Grout met with a strong downward header to give us the lead.

Luca Mortellaro should have made it 2-0 a few minutes later, but he sliced wide after a neat move starting in midfield.

Just after the half hour mark we did double our lead as the same combination linked up again with Grouty, for want of a better word, knobbing in this time.

Grouty then set up Joey with some slick play, but their keeper made a fantastic one on one save.

There were other decent half-chances, but we went in at half-time two goals to the good. Was that enough, or was it par for the course with the support of the wind?

Second Half:

On 50 minutes Uni earned themselves a cheap penalty. Silvio Sorce's hands were in an unnatural position in the box and although he was close to the contact it was understandable the penalty was given. Their midfielder slotted home.

Our response was really good. Half-time sub Tom Frost headed over a fine chance from Joey's corner and Alex Zammit fired over from 6 yards out under pressure from their defender after Joey found him with a fine low cross.

Joey was next to go close after Charlie Elliott did well to get him in behind, but his curled effort went agonisingly wide of the upright.

Uni hit the crossbar with an audacious free kick from 45 yards right on the touchline.

With 20 minutes remaining Uni won themselves a free kick in a good shooting position. Their left back struck it well, but our wall was frankly pathetic, parting like the red sea leaving Ryan Pardo-Roques absolutely no chance in goal.

The rest of the game was end to end. Their keeper made a smart near post save to deny Joey's deflected effort and Silv saw his shot tipped away aswell.

At the other end Ryan palmed a header wide, whilst Uni's midfielder also dragged a great chance well wide.

Then on the cusp of injury time their left back swung over a good cross from deep and their right winger met it with a fine header that found the far corner to seal their comeback.

We forced a couple of set pieces, but time was short and our League Cup hopes were over.

Full time.

Well we should be sick of the sight of Uni Strollers this season. 3 games, two gutting, undeserved defeats at their ground and a further fully warranted loss at ours. There is little doubt who our bogey team has been in 16/17. Best of luck to them in the final.

Another 1/2 final loss, but this was not a case of us bottling it like last season at W&M. We dominated the first half, and more than held our own against the wind in the second half, but ultimately they were more clinical despite having less chances. Probably our best performance for a couple months and a harsh defeat, but that wont make us feel any better about it.

Usually when you lose a 1/2 final that's it, season over. However, that is not the case this time round. We have a tough Golden Jubilee Cup 3rd round game next week at home to Bisley and three league games to play. The easy thing would be for us to feel sorry for ourselves or we can show some guts and respond next week. It is up to us.

MoM: Grouty - two goals and a fine all round display. Mentions for Joey with his two assist and a lively performance, to Luca who had some great moments and to our defence who kept the league's top scorer very quiet.

Huge thanks to those who came to support. It was hugely appreciated.