The 1’s set out to replicate their quarter final win of last week in the league cup against a Bank of England side they had already taken 4 points off this season. The boys stormed to a 0-2 lead by the break, a rare goal from Tom Lytton and yet another one for Demi to keep the blood in Nyongs eel. Realisation soon set in that no one wants to win the league cup and it’s a waste of time so in the second half we masterminded a 3 goal swing to sneak out of the trophy before we were in too deep.
3’s went and got five on it.
The weather has somewhat got in the way since the Christmas break - with only one game surviving the elements before our weekend trip to EBOGs. A treacherous place to visit at this time of year with pitch conditions almost as lacklustre as their often combative approach.
We could have been excused for a slow start given our lack of game time, yet it was quite the opposite. On a particularly heavy pitch we stuck to our passing game and dominated the early exchanges, the pressure paid off 15 minutes in as Jay Edwards-Hill played a slide-rule pass through to Luke Jones who cooly slotted past the keeper.
EBOGs rarely threatened as we set up resolutely from front to back. We experienced a lot of joy down the flanks and should have been two up by the break as Nathan ghosted into the penalty area from left-back and slotted a loose ball home - only to be incorrectly called offside.
After the break it was much of the same with our early pressure paying off. Excellent hold-up play from Nic O’Callaghan allowed Jay to dink through and drive home from the edge of the box to make it two.
The second-half saw the introduction of Chris O’Reilly - fresh from a loan spell in South America. Normally a centre-half, he came on at right midfield much to the disbelief of several team-mates. He didn’t look out of place, contributing a brace to the cause.
The first of which was nodded in at the back post after a DELICIOUS left-footed cross from captain-for-the-day Joe Alkins. And it was Alkins who rounded off the scoring with a shinned effort from a Jay Edwards-Hill corner. 5-0.
Customarily the second-half saw Nic produce a couple of clangers - although he also had one incorrectly ruled out for offside.
All in all a comfortable win - but made comfortable by our competence and endeavour.
The 4’s were due to face a Finchleians at home but with only a couple of playable pitches they were ousted half an hour before kick-off and sent packing.
To the pub.
A few hours in the White Lion before a superb tactical switch the Worlds End to ensure viewing of the late kick off before once more setting up camp in the White Lion.
Harvey did not score.
Coming Up….
Saturday 10th February
1st XI v Old Owens
3rd XI v Winchmore Hill 3rd
Sunday 11th February
Freddie’s Birthday – 7PM @ The White lion