|
The fourth XI had the same run of results to get to this year's semi-final as they had done last year - lost none, won none, played none. The fact that this is a fourth XI cup and there are only 6 fourth XI's in the whole league structure meant that we received a bye straight to the semi finals.
The match kicked off on a cold Saturday afternoon and Wulfs obviously didn't fancy it from the start. Part complacency at playing a side two divisions below us and part laziness from still feelings the after-effects of Christmas led to Wulfs being second to almost everything.
It wasn't long before Wulfs fell behind. Some sloppy marking and failure to clear the lines led to a saved shot from Ashley Brown falling to an unmarked player two yards out for a simple tap-in.
The half was overshadowed by some shocking refereeing and linesman decisions. This briefly rallied Wulfs into putting some work in and things started to get a little better before half time with most joy coming from the flanks.
After a half time rocket from Gary Dimmack, Wulfs started the second half brighter with Sam Cole looking dangerous down the right channel. Wulfs had a few chances but couldn't find the breakthrough with Nick Ling and Mike Garner coming close with long-range drives.
One highlight of the second half was the small disagreement Andy Skedgel had with Silhill's big centre back - Skedge had the final laugh in the matter when on one of his surging runs from the back he nut-megged the aforementioned defender and shouted, "Megs, you Fat B*stard!" The retort was something about looking in the mirror but I was laughing too much to hear it.
The introduction of Adam Hughes with twenty-five minutes left gave Wulfs more attacking impetus - this however led to the inevitable when a long hoof up the field fell to the Silhill striker. Skedge was running alongside him, shoulder to shoulder when he fell just inside the box and was given the most shocking penalty decisions of all time! Sihill converted the penalty and broke Old Wulf hearts.
The frustration of going two - nil down was getting to everyone and the referees decisions weren't helping matters. Lingy picked up the first booking of his illustrious career with a two-footed challenge that was surely only worthy of a talking to.
The game nearly boiled over before the final whistle but everyone was best of friends at the end - it's only a shame the communal bath was shut because of the threat of AIDS.
Before we left, Andy Carey still had time to joke with the opposing manager that he would leave without paying him our half for the ref and linesmen. He then did leave without paying him - whoops!
Final score: Silhill 2 Old Wulfrunians 0.
|
|
