The machine that is the Gower Allstars rolled onto to yet another final – this time the MA Cup final – after demolishing Outback, the 2nd best team in the whole league. After losing only once this season, Outback were firm favourites going into the semi-final at UCS fields – which worked to the Allstars benefit, utilising the element of surprise right from the outset.
The Allstars lined up with Paley in goal, Selbie, Ossack, Glyn and Milburn in defence, Durrant, Mitchell, Street and Blandy in midfield, with Kelly and Medley upfront.
On a glorious day, the game began ferociously with tackles flying in from both sides, with both teams wanting to take control. The first 15 mins was fairly even, Gowers defending well, and breaking quickly, and Outback trying to play through the middle with no real effect.
A couple of excellent early channel runs by Medley saw him “round” the Outback fullback, get to the by-line really effectively, but unfortunately his efforts came to nothing early doors.
Then it was Outbacks turn. An unusual mis-kick on a goal-kick from Ossack fell straight to their striker who was one-on-one with Paley who was very fast to come out and save the day.
After 20 mins, the Allstars settled and started playing football. Street began dominating his opposite number, and Blandy was up and down the left channel with great effect.
Chances began to arrive – one of which was finally converted. A long hanging free-kick from Milburn on the left (who was excellent throughout), found Durrant at the far post who headed down and across the keeper, to give us a 1-0 lead.
Outback responded quickly, by taking on the Allstars, player for player, and on some occasions made the Allstars tenacious attempts at tackles, look slightly cumbersome. The highlight for Outback of the first half came from a 25 yard strike that hit the bar and re-bounded to safety.
And the 1st half finished 1-0 Allstars.
Gowers knew they were in for a tough hard 2nd half.
It started with a high tempo – with Street and Mitchell tackling their hearts out, and the defence providing a brick-wall in front of Paley.
Outback had no way through.
Their heads dipped. Allstars belief grew – and the game began to swing in Allstars favour.
Blandy on the left had the better of his marker. Medley had his marker in his pocket – and it was these two who broke the dead-lock after 60 mins when a fine ball from Medley split the Outbacks defence and sent Blandy through one on one. He tried the lob as the keeper came out quickly, but it was well parried – and just as the keeper scrambled to retrieve the loose ball, Blandy sprinted his heart out and somehow managed to beat the keeper to it (eventhough he was two yards behind him) – after which he walloped home to give Allstars a 2-0 lead with 30 mins to go.
It was a crucial goal for Gowers – as we knew Outback were struggling to break the Allstars down.
Some class defending from Selbie and Ossack in the 2nd half kept any threats at bay, and soon after the 2nd came the 3rd, when a through-ball from Street found Medley down the middle – who sprinted away from his marker – to get into a one on one – he decided to round the keeper taking him wide – meanwhile a defender arrived on the line – but the sheer pace and elevation of the strike saw the defender helpless – bang, roof of the net.
3-0
20 mins to play – and the Gowers could relax a touch. Outback got niggly and mouthy, Gowers laughed.
Were it not for an inch perfect top-corner strike from 20 yards from Outback making it 3-1, Gowers would have kept a clean sheet.
Our nail in the coffin came when an Durrant “monster” throw, flew over all of the Outback defence to Medley, who slotted home from 12 yards – to make it a beautifully sounding 4-1 to Gower Allstars.
What a fantastic result. What a gladiator-esk performance by all the Allstars. This result and score was completely justified and could have been even more on reflection. This score-line will send shock-waves throughout the whole league – make no mistake about it – which stands us in great stead for next season.
MOTM = Robin Street. Whilst most of the plaudits go to the guys who score or create the goals, no one can deny the impact Streety had on this game – and all the games he plays in. He is immense and a nightmare to play against – and was the key to our victory yesterday. Well done.
Two finals now – next up in the MA Cup is the mighty Red Star Camden – NB I just learned that Tigers beat them in the Cup Final last year – so they are more than beatable.
Next up in the divisional cup is North London Crickets, who sneaked into the final (just) by beating the Phoenix – so we are on a mission now boys to teach them a lesson for us and for the Phoenix.
Both dates to be confirmed very shortly.
Superb stuff – no one could be prouder.
NB Training is cancelled this week (a) for a rest after a big two weeks for the club and (b) because of great Champions League games on
Also no match next Sunday as its Easter.
