Gower 2’s lost a tightly fought cup quarter finals disparingly on penalties on a sunny morning game at Market road. First the facts Gowers lined up with Dan in goal, Dens-Treeno-Elliot-Sam at the back, Sumner-Jon-Wall-Fleshie in the midfield with Hill and Muffdog at front. We were up against a team 17 league places higher than us (out of a total of 26 teams overall in the three leagues). But this meant nothing, Gowers fear nothing but letting down their team-mates and this showed through in a gritty and often spiky encounter.
Virgin started well, running directly with pace and purpose. The defence took all that was thrown at them and slowly Jon and the Wall began to fight more effectively in the middle releasing the tireless Muffdog who was perched on their last man like a vulture on a carcass.
Steadily we turned the tables and were worthy of a 0-0 half time score line. This was largely down to boxing-clever across the back four and fantastic goal keeping from Dan. Sam was slide-tackling brilliantly, taking the ball and leaving more and more of his knees on the 3G surface. Dens covered well and Elliot made no mistakes in the unfamiliar centre back role. Treeno, as ever, was solid and forced Virgin into a series of wayward long rang efforts.
Second half and Diamond comes on for Hill. This presented Virgin with two speedy strikers, a partnership that should prove valuable while Diamond is in the country. Yet the half began sluggishly, good opposition work on the left ended in a cross being turned towards goal – brilliantly denied by Dan who was helpless to prevent an accurate finish on the rebound. 1-0 to Virgin.
Gower 2’s have come from behind in three of their previous five games, a testimony to their drive, determination and ability. Despite only having been formed less than two months ago the teams work rate, passion and level of understanding is truly phenomenal. We are a true team.
After twenty minutes of combative football that saw hard tackles from both teams, Nick came on for the ineffective Sumner and Henry for Fleshie. Then with 5 minutes left to play Jon pushed up to support Diamond and Muffdog, the results were immediate – Jon won the ball in the opposition's 25 yard area and played in Diamond who controlled and finished delicately from close range. Ecstasy, 1-1, full-time, penalties.
Diamond – placed it. 1-0 Gower
Dan gets a palm to the Virgin first effort that creeps in off the post.1-1
Muffdog – sent keeper the wrong way.2-1 – Virgin make it 2-2
Jon – hammers it 3-2, Virgin stay in it 3-3
The Wall steps up bravely but his shot is saved, then the Virgin striker misses to keep it at 3-3
Dens – trademark bullet 4-3, Virgin keep their cool 4-4
In sudden death Elliot places the ball down and his shot is saved, Virgin convert to win 4-5.
Bugger. Yet the team has yet to lose in open play and only just lost here to the holders of what is the Champions League of the Camden Musical League. We can be proud that we fought back again like men and that we know that we fear nothing having come a kick away from beating one of the best teams in the league.
Man of the Match: Dan – Brilliant shot stopping, oozed confidence allied to ability and was a key part of a very effective Gowers defence.
