Battling City fall to cup defeat

Central City fell at the first hurdle in the Cup despite a battling performance in a bruising encounter against an Alphington side who are riding high in Division 1. Having more than held their own in the first half in the face of their opponents highly physical approach, City were ultimately undone after the break by some clinical finishing. Despite scoring two cracking goals in the game of their own, City went down to a 2-6 loss.

The early stages of the game were very even, City winning a flurry of corners and Cameron having a goal-bound free-kick blocked by a defender. Ten minutes into the game, however, and the visitors were a goal up, winning the ball on the edge of the City goalmouth and firing a low shot past the keeper to make it 0-1. Having taken the lead, Alphington continued to press and had 3 chances in as many minutes, with Will A called into action to make an excellent save from a shot from distance. City refused to lie down, however, and some persistent wing play by Ryan saw Alfie W rise to bullet a superb header past the keeper and make it 1-1. With the teams evenly matched, there were few further chances and the sides went into the half-time break level.

The visitors took the lead 5 minutes into the second half with a well-delivered cross from the left being met by an unstoppable header. Minutes later, though, City dragged themselves back into the game. With Alfie upended when bearing down on goal, it was left to Cameron to rifle a fantastic free-kick past the wall to make it 2-2. At this stage of the game, both sides were still in with a chance but the visitors finally made their superiority tell with four further unanswered goals, the final scoreline somewhat flattering the visitors. 

Cameron cracks an unstoppable free-kick past the Alphington wall to level the game at 2-2

There were many positives to take from the game. As in last week's match against Bideford, City were playing against a very well-organised team who are physically strong. It is to the team's credit that City remained so competitive for large stages of the game and there is no shame in losing to a team who play in a Division above. City can take great heart from both their performances and will certainly be wiser and stronger for the experience.

Man of the Match went to Teo for his battling display, tireless running and for always looking to use the space on his wing. Well done Teo!

So, City's name will not be on the Cup this year, but we wish Alphington all the best in future rounds.  It's back to the league next weekend for City and a chance to build on the spirit and 'never say die' attitude which they have shown against strong opponents in the last 2 games.