Cup run continues with spirit

Good cheer after a spirited performance at KGV on Saturday to match the Christmas lights.Citys’ name will be in the hat for the much anticipated next round draw as they shrugged off a lack of match practice due to the recent waterlogging and returned with arguably one of their best performances so far this (very enjoyable) season.

With Josh failing a late fitness test and Ryan sportingly standing in as a sub first half,even a last minute formation re jig did not phase the boys.

Conditions were very wet underfoot but on a sunny,warm day,it seemed more like late summer as the professional referee,confusingly known to Shane as Lino,strode through the long grass to do the honours that resulted in West Exe kicking off and playing towards the carpark.

Opening exchanges were very even but City were well on top of their game from the outset with Oscar welcomed back into the fray seeing plenty of the ball down the leftside attacking position.

After Tom had rifled in a shot following a great move by Dan,City really settled in to a pattern of link up play that saw Alfie W doubling the advantage,when his stinging shot was parried by the diving West Exe keeper but,in slow motion,the ball gradually made it’s way over the goal line.

Lino was even more strict than Dad lino’s on the throw in rules and certainly in the first half,most of these went Citys way as the Braddock factor featured from far away antipodean shores.

Despite City pressing and forcing more saves,the away team went in at halftime with a reduced deficit as City failed to clear from consecutive corners.

Resolution and belief saw City through the second half with Dan latching on to a through ball to calmly slot past the keeper one on one and Alfie W heading in a more difficult chance that the one missed before to secure a final 4-1 scoreline.

Ryan stepped in to Will A’s boots at right back,clearing with precision and testing the keeper from distance.Will P,Joe and Ewan just never seemed to stop running and Sam R in goal,caked in mud at the end,played a blinder.

Toms’ efforts in this and in training were rewarded with the next period of captaincy.Which leaves Man of the Match.

Charlie.Why?.Because,every time there looked danger on,it was always OK.Because Charlie was there .To clear the danger.To turn defence into attack.It was simply OK because Charlie was always there.

So as we progress in the cup,we have to think about booking studio time for the all important cup song.

Surely,with our very own Ossie (Oscar) we can improve on the Spurs embarrassment with Chas and Dave.Key line?.”Ossie’s going to Wembley,his knees have gone all trembley”.

Andrew & Jasmine