United Chelmsford Churches (Away - Cup)

Date: Saturday 6th January '07         
Time: 1:30                                             
Competition: National Christian Cup
Location: Away

St Albans Romans                                    6 (1)  AET
  Gray (2)
  Harris
  Kumar
  Whittakar
  Pouncey

United Chelmsford Churches                 3 (0)  AET
 

Match Report 

Wet,Wet,Wet

Love was all around as Romans made a journey through the wind, rain and spray to play a UCC team who had proved tough opposition in the past.

With the UCC manager having to do last minute pitch maintainence and using his diplomatic skills to appease the groundsman, Romans were keen to continue their pre-Christmas form and avoid extra time & penalties (1 out of 3 isn't bad) in order to get back to sunny Hertfordshire in time for striker Gray to get back in time to see his beloved Liverpool triumph in that other cup competition.

So with the prize of an awayday in Gray's home town at stake, both teams started at a good pace and both had some good spells of play in tricky conditions. The greasy pitch was holding up well but showed how important a good first touch is and chances were few and far between early doors.

Romans had just withstood a period of UCC pressure when Kumar claimed an assist and goal with a mazy run. One theory is that his lack of pace confused the two defenders he rounded but there was no denying the quality of his cool finish on 30'.

HT 1-0 and a precious half time lead.

This wasn't going to be the end of scoring in conditions which defenders hate though and UCC pressed hard and started to get a grip in midfield in the 2nd half with their extra midfielder beginning to make a difference.

On 60 minutes UCC equalised through a low shot from their striker, who impressed all game. A good strike but one which Laurence would have normally saved (he redeems himself later).

Some earlier missed chances looked like being costly when UCC's striker got the better of the defence and latched onto a long ball (will we ever learn) to make it 2-1 with a neat finish.

Romans didn't panic though and the goal seemed to be the signal for everyone to get sharper, quicker and show the kind of play we are
capable of.
By my watch it took 3 minutes to equalise when, on 83', Gray had a shot well saved by the 'keeper but, fortunately for us, the ball squirmed away and Harris (he who only sprints in the penalty area) was first to it and sidefooted the ball in to send the following support (thanks Richard) wild.

FT 2-2 probably just about right. Why is it extra time always happens when it's most inconvenient?

With the pitch holding up better than could be expected the main danger now was bad light stopping play.

Romans got a lucky break two minutes in when an attempted clearance from a not particularly good Kendal throw in was sliced to Gray who reacted quicly to turn and finish well in the bottom right corner.

HT ET 3-2 Romans, a slender lead and we knew that one goal was not safe enough in the conditions.

The second period of ET and UCC had to throw caution to the wind and push more men forwards. It only took 108 minutes, but the ball finally got to Whittaker on the right from Baxters clever ball and it was 4-2 and the first comfortable lead of the match.

With gaps appearing and legs tiring, Pouncey was introduced to the fray as it would have been cruel to deny him 6 minutes of exercise having come all that way!

111' - Inspired Substitution Pt I as the long haired kids first touch was a shot so powerful the 'keeper could only parry it straight to Gray
who made it 5-2

113' - Inspired Substitution Pt II (return of long haired kid) Whittaker eased past the left back and crossed for Pouncey to score his first ever goal for Romans (including friendlies and training)

6-2 somewhat flattering but that wasn't the end of the scoring as the UCC centre forward (name recorded for future reference) scored his hat trick with a good finish.

A good match in the conditions and there was actually some good passing play by both teams in spite of them.

MOTM - Gunning. Solid defensive display.