AFA Senior Cup - 11th November 2006

The 1s on Saturday turned their attention away from gradually picking up more points in the league and looked to concentrate on progressing in the daddy of all cups: the AFA senior cup. With Swanny suspended (just for a change) our 'retired' leader was forced to make a rare appearance in the starting line-up...Keith was so eager to get the number 10 shirt back on that unfortunately a good hour before the game he was walking around the dressing room with no top on, occasionally donning his rather fetching sheep-lined jacket as we waited for Luke's kit arrival.

Before the game we were reminded that Hampstead, from a lower league to ourselves, could provide a tricky game and we didn't want to end up like Man Utd earlier in the week (did we Scotty- ''they will never lose!'')

As the game started Cars made a slow start and due to a defensive mix up we found ourselves 1-0 down. But this proved to be an early wake-up call as we quickly got back to our passing game, which has been developing well over the past few weeks, the ball being spread nicely from flank to flank. This passing put the pressure back on Hampstead and it wasn't too long before the equaliser. I found myself on the edge of the penalty area with the ball at my feet and seeing the keeper slightly off his line executed a 'dink' of a chip which looped over the flapping keeper and eventually crossed the line! The keepers choice of astro boots and Chicago Bulls jumper may not have helped his cause!

Now that we were back on level terms the pressure continued and due to good work down the left flank Luke burst past the last defender and struck the ball hard and low past the advancing keeper: a calm and well taken finish. By now the defence were calmly knocking the ball around and feeding the midfield as Cars were patient in their build-up. Our third goal was soon to come, Webbo received the ball at right back and proceeded to launch a beautiful pass over the Hampstead back line, which was met by Fisky who let the ball bounce once before hitting an outrageous volley from the edge of the box over 'astrokeeper' into the far top corner! Cue Fisky being mobbed by the whole team. Cars were in at half time 3-1 up.

The second half promised many goals and eventually after many chances the fourth goal came. Andy Taylor took the ball down the right hand side past the defence and much like Luke in the first half hit the ball sweetly past the keeper. Cars made changes, bringing on Jonny Phillips and Justin 'Euroboy' Said (inspired I'm sure by the purchase of a nice pink i-pod, yes pink) and the chances kept coming. Hampstead pulled one goal back, but to be honest by the end we could have had 6 or 7.

But the game ended with the score at 4-2 and Cars advancing to the next round. The game was a good all round team performance, with some attractive football being played giving much promise for the league games ahead.

Robbie Morley