Semi-final time, and the Gowers stepped up to the challenge – even against what turned out to be a Camden Mixer full of their Premier league side players. We have played them many many times, and 75% of their team we did not recognise.
The first 20 mins, Mixer were on top. Our midfield struggled to cope with their 3-5-2 tactics, and although Mixer had most of the possession, no real chances were created - despite the presence of a rather large and skilful 6’5 big man upfront – this was due mainly to some perfect defending by Gladstone.
25 mins in, and the Allstars began to get into the game, with Kelly & Medley battling hard upfront with their powerful centre-backs. Duggan too began to find his feet, and spray the ball around which led to an opening via Durrant to Kelly, one-on-one, but was excellently saved by their keeper. The defender then handled the ball in the area on the floor, but no penalty was given.
A 2nd one-on-one arrived when a perfect through-ball found Selbie, splitting their 3-man defence, but again a goal wasn’t to be.
A pretty even 1st half 0-0.
2nd half and Gowers continued where they left off, passing the ball better, getting on top of their opposite numbers, and winning those crucial 50-50s.
With everything at stake, it was a tense match, and even-though the chances began to arrive, the Allstars struggled to finish them off.
Durrant blasted wide, Duggan missed a free-header, and Medley couldn’t finish after a powerful run.
70 mins in, and the pressure was increasing.
A couple of fine saves from free-kicks from Paley in goal (despite having dislocated the top of his finger in the warm-up) kept Gowers in it.
And our all-important goal came in the 75th minute, when a typical control, turn and run from Medley down the left channel, left his centre-back stranded, so he cut-in to the by-line and crossed hard.
The keeper parried and it fell to the poacher of all poachers, the main striking threat, yes you guessed it…..Sam Howard – who from 2 yards just tapped to home to give us the lead.
15 mins to go – and the Allstars had to hold on. Mixer pushed forward, with hope but no real effect, due mainly to the tenacity of Mitchell and Selbie in midfield and the strength and organisation of the back four – who prevented Paley from having any real saves from open play.
By this stage, Blandy had replaced Kelly, and with 5 mins to go, Medley had broken down the left yet again, and very unselfishly squared the ball to an unmarked Blandy, who needed only to pass the ball in – but somehow, hit the side netting and simultaneously won the miss of the season award – which can safely be awarded now, due to the extent and embarrassment of the miss. Nevermind, it happens – and luckily it mattered not, as the Allstars held on with class and determination and proved to the Camden League by beating Mixer first team, that they are a real and true threat to any team we play.
We now find ourselves in the final for the 2nd successive year running – with only one thing missing – the Gowers first trophy. No matter who we play, we have to win this cup. You all deserve it for the season you have had. And I’m sure I need not remind any of the team, that the treble is still firmly on – continuing this Sunday with Outback in the MA Cup Semi at home.
MOTM – Without question, Tom Gladstone, who literally had a flawless perfect performance at left back – he not only blocked every single oncoming threat from Mixer, but also turned their attack into our attack, putting Mixer on the back-foot and putting us on the front-foot.
Well done all of you – immensely proud….
