WE GET THE MONKEYS OFF OUR BACK

The main positive to take from this Herts Charity Shield encounter was that we booked our place in the Final where we have the chance of making history if we lift the trophy for the 3rd season running something we believe has never been achieved before by any club. The down side from this game was that our performance was well below par but full credit must go to our opponents who played well and defended solidly and will have some justification in feeling disappointed at not making their first appearance in this County Cup Final.

The superstitious amongst our supporters might have attended the game with some trepidation because we have lost our previous three cup ties which were all held on a Tuesday evening and then when we went to penalties they would have been aware that we have lost our last 4 penalty shoot outs going back to last season. Fortunately our two centre backs Dave O’Connor and James Kimber came to the rescue with DOC scoring the winning penalty and James, who took over from Josh Ameganvi in goal when he got injured, making the crucial save from the 4th penalty taker and his performance was rightly recognised with the Man of the Match award.

The game got off to a slow start with neither team creating much until the 15th minute when a long throw fell to Jonas Kalonda whose initial shot was blocked with his follow up effort going over the bar. A minute later a defensive error presented Pablo Kalamaras with a path to goal but the Eagles keeper Adam Seymour did well to rush off his line to block the danger, Our opponents were playing some nice football without troubling Josh in goal but in the 20th minute they had a free kick in a good position on the edge of our area but Luke Shimell put his effort over the bar.

There was a worrying moment when Josh tipped the ball over the bar from an in-swinging corner and injured his shoulder in the process. There was a long break whilst he received treatment but he had to go off and we hope that Josh makes a quick recovery. He was replaced by James Kimber who has certainly not appeared in goal for us before so this was a new challenge for him. We had the chance to take the lead in the 39th minute when Pablo went on a terrific run down the left and then picked out Max Hercules who forced a great save from the keeper.

We then had a good spell in possession but we were rocked in the 41st minute when a long ball out of defence was pick up by centre forward Shay Kelly who finished smartly to give his side the lead just before half time. HT Score 0-1.

Within 19 seconds of the start of the second half we levelled the score when Pablo Kalamaras’s shot was saved by the keeper but Max Hercules was on hand to slot the loose ball home. Score 1-1.

Within a minute of the restart we nearly doubled our lead when Mason Clarke sent Dylan Whitelock away down the left and his cross picked out Pablo whose shot was well saved by the keeper. The impetus was now in our favour and no doubt our supporters hoped that we would go on and win the game but the opposition defended well and with about 10 minutes left to play had an opportunity when one of their forwards was sent through on goal but James Kimber made a superb save with his feet. Then sub Ayub Aseen had a chance for glory when just faced with just James Kimber but he shot wildly over and the game ended all square and went to penalties. FT Score 1-1.

Bearing in mind our recent record on penalties it would not be unsurprising if there was some nervousness until Kimber showed some innate goal keeping skills by saving the 4th kick so setting up a grand finale. DOC was coolness personified as he stepped up and slammed the ball high into the net giving the keeper no chance and booking our pace in the final where we will meet Baldock Town who beat Harpenden Town 5 -3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw on the same night. We should also mention Josh Chamberlain, Max Hercules, Greg Deer and Dylan Fitzpatrick who all superbly converted their spot kicks. We wish our opponents the best of luck for the rest of the season. Penalties 5-4.

On Saturday we make a welcome return to League action with a visit to Wormley Rovers who are 3 places below us in the table.

TEAM,
TA: Josh Ameganvi (James Kimber 31), Greg Deer, David O’Connor, Mason Clarke, Max Hecules, Pablo Kalamaras (Harry Beaumont 74), Jonas Kalonda (Dylan Fitzpatrick 63), Blake Argent, Jack Harvey (Capt) (Lincoln Gilmartin 74), Frankie Hecules (Josh Chamberlain 63), Dylan Whitelock.

Scorers

TA: Max Hercules (46)

DT: Shay Kelly (41)

Crowd: 65