Highgate Albion vs Gower Allstars - Sun 28th Sept - match report by Tim Medley

All Stars knocked Out of London Cup in Extra Time.

Paley – Chittenden – Glyn – Durrant- Capone- Hurly - Botterill - Warren – Blandy – Kelly- Medley - Klinger (Sub 70)

A morning kick off for the All Stars did not stop them giving their all in this epic match. On a huge pitch Highgate were opened up again and again in the first half hour that lead to two great chances for Kelly that he some how managed to put wide. Against the run of play Highgate scored a goal when their striker was clearly offside, Glyn and Durrant arguing with the ref did nothing to change his mind.

All Stars were not be phased and continued their constant attacks down both wings with Blandy and Hurly the closest seeing Hurly crossing from the left hand side that Medley got onto with a diving header only to see the shot lack pace. A cross/shot then came in from Warren, after a cleared corner, which Medley could only deflect wide. For his troubles Medley then took one for the team when the keepers miss-kick landed on his left testicle, nice. It was clear that Gower were on top and the equaliser came from Kelly with arguably his hardest chance, 1-1 with thirty minutes gone.

Highgate hit back five minutes later with a sloppy goal from our point of view which was only their second shot of the game. They then took the impetus and had Gower on the back foot until half time but could not break down a solid defence.

The second half saw a couple of half chances for Gower but with the team tiring in the heat the closing down decreased and attacks were at a minimum. Highgate had much of the possession but were unable to create any clear chances due to a solid back four. Hurly for Klinger provided fresh legs down the left hand side that lead to the second equaliser. Glyn passes through to Medley just inside the opponents half, he turns on the ball and drives down the left towards goal, with Klinger screaming for the ball inside and putting the defender in two minds Medley does what he does best and unleashes a left foot rocket from outside the box that the keeper could only get a finger two. 2-2 with ten minutes to go.

With neither team creating further chances extra time was played. The first half was dominated by Glyn as he cleared everything that Highgate through forward but at the other end chances were few and far between. It was clear that fatigue had taken its toll on the players first touch which lead to an even extra time in terms of possession and chances. Highgate scored two slick goals in the second half of extra time and the All Stars had no reply.

Overall it was clear we had the better of Highgate both man for man and in their team play but could not match their finishing or fitness. Each player showed they had the skill to compete and can feel proud of a performance that should have lead to a comfortable win.

MOM – Glyn, with Ossack out he took control with numerous clearances both in the air and along the ground which stopped the opposition attack again and again and gave Paley a fairly easy game (saving him for the penalties that never were).