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YC&AC, Sun 25th Nov. It's interesting how the odd result can have a big impact on promotion and relegation issues. The last time these 2 teams played each other was last season in TML Div. 2, when the BEFC ran out 2-1 winners in a close game and of course went on to win promotion to Division 1. YCAC2 meanwhile didn't make the cut last season and ended up in the new Division 3. So although on paper this was a Division 1 versus Division 3 cup fixture, we were reasonably confident of giving a good account of ourselves.
The first 20 minutes belonged to the YCAC, where we played good football and caused the BEFC defence a number of problems. Confidence was boosted early on by a great strike from Matt Tuck. Shortly afterwards Alex Goldie was unlucky not to score, his effort rebounding off the post straight to Gavin Margetson who made no mistake from 10 yards. So 2-0 ahead and an upset looked likely. Unfortunately the next 40 minutes were largely bossed by BEFC, who scored 2 goals either side of half-time to be leading 4-2 on the hour.
In truth they were good value for the lead, but credit to our lads who never gave up on the game. Paul Wood it was who really took the initiative, starting to push forward and gambling with 3 at the back. But the extra man played dividends as Paul found himself in the BEFC area and hit a sweet first-time shot into the net. God knows what Paul was thinking, putting his membership of the Union of Centre Halves ("OUCH") at risk by flagrantly wandering into the opposition area during open play. This piece of reckless play visibly lifted the YCAC, whilst at the same time BEFC were starting to look jittery - as you might, if being bothered by centre halves who are not following the rulebook. Could we get the equaliser - well actually yes, with only a few mintes left, Gavin found his way into the area, a neat turn and a great shot at the near post and bringing us level at 4-4. There wasn't time left for either team to do much else and so penalties beckoned.
Our goalkeeper this season, Harty, is a fine shot-stopper and an imposing figure (i.e. bigger than me) between the posts. He saved 3 of 5 BEFC penalties which was a fantastic effort. YCAC penalty takers were Gavin, Phil Denham, Alex and Matt, and all bar Matt converted (but we'll let him off, it was well-saved). So that was enough for us to run out 3-2 winners.
Another really good effort across the whole squad with all the team contributing. If I had to single anybody out in addiiton to those already mentioned, I thought Taiki Rasmussen had a fantastic first half for YCAC on the right wing, really caused no end of problems.
Thanks to BEFC for a good game and as usual well ref'd by Paul.
Report by Big Steve McKie
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