EAST PECKHAM JUNIORS

25th October 2008 - EPJFC 1 (2aet2) 1 Tun Wells United (2-3 Pens)

 

Starting Lineup

				Nichols
	Tom Revell		Ryder		Scott		Tony Revell
	Pearson		Lardner		Willett (1)		Matthews
			Howell (1)		Hayes

Substitutes Used

Keoghan Bellew > Brett Howell, Liam Payne > Rob Pearson, Liam Jennings > Callum Matthews

Report

Having suffered with a seriously depleted squad in their previous match, Juniors were almost back to full strength, with Jagelman on the sidelines due to injury.

From the outset Juniors were by far the more creative side, however Tunbridge Wells produced the first effort on goal.  Within the first 15 minutes Juniors had numerous chances to take the lead, with the Tunbridge Wells keeper somehow keeping the visitors in the game, making two top saves, one a point blank reaction save, and the other a low save to his right to keep out a Matthews volley.

As expected with the strikers at their disposal, the visitors were dangerous on the break, but Ollie Scott filling in at the heart of the defence was standing firm and clearing the danger. 

Around 20 minutes into the game, Juniors deservedly took the lead, as good work from Hayes down the right released him to square for Howell who neatly lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper on the volley.

Juniors continued to press but could not turn their domination into the goals that they deserved.  Numerous Matthews corners whizzed across the face of the goal but Juniors were unable to apply the finishing touch.

As half time approached, Tunbridge Wells were coming into the game more and more, and a succession of free kicks on the edge of Juniors box led to the eventual equaliser, the ball was played into the box and as Nichols’ came to claim, he misjudged the flight of the ball and could only deflect the ball into his own net via his leg.

There was still time before the interval for Juniors to retake the lead, as Pearson played Hayes through on goal, but again the Tunbridge Wells keeper stood tall, refusing to commit himself and deflecting the ball wide with his legs.

At half time the talk was positive as the only thing letting Juniors down was the finishing, the first half showing had been more like that of the Juniors side from last season, and the home side were still positive they could get finish the game off.

Again Juniors started the second half strongly, creating more chances, but again finding the away team’s keeper in inspired form.  Juniors made changes, with Payne replacing Pearson and Bellew replacing Howell.  Midway through the half the home side almost retook the lead, Lardner sweetly catching volley that was heading towards the goal until the back pedalling keeper managed to turn the shot over the bar.

Wells were dangerous on the attack but Scott was filling in with great authority at the back and forming a strong partnership with Ryder.  As the game was drawing to a close Tom Revell then drew another fine stop from the Wells keeper, as he picked the ball up on the edge of the box after a corner, he curled the ball towards the top corner, but the keeper managed to push it onto the post.

The full time whistle blew and extra time would be needed, with Jennings coming on to replace Matthews.  The first half of extra time was very uneventful and drew to a close without incident.  The game again came to life during the second period, and Juniors deservedly regained the lead with a goal worthy of winning any game.  With the form the away keeper was in, it would have to be something special to beat him, and it was, as Willett chested the ball with his back to goal, before turning and hitting a right foot volley into the top corner of the net.

Juniors looked to have secured the victory, but Tunbridge Wells hadn’t given up, twice being through on Nichols, once putting their shot just wide, and the second time, the home keeper managed to deflect the shot wide with this foot.

The game entered the final minute of extra time and a hopeful ball forward found the Tunbridge Wells striker inside the Juniors’ box, he turned his man, and then smashed the ball into the roof of the net, Juniors’ heads instantly dropped, and it was practically the last action of the game with the final whistle blowing shortly after.

With both teams failing to produce the goods in the shootout, the away side eventually came away as winners, 2-3 in the shootout.  A cruel end to a game in which Juniors had done more than enough to win.

EPFC!