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Carshalton 6th XI

 4 Andy Bitmead 2, Dave Robins, Jez Carter

Polytechnic 6s

 3  

SAL Cup Semi Final - 14 February 2004

 Having just read the Polytechnic version of the game, I am not even going to 'bite'.  Poor attitude to a game we really should have won by a canter before half time.  Messrs Robins and Bitmead should have put us out of sight full stop.  We went 1-0 up early on through Mr Bitmead and continued to pummel their goal.  We were actually surprised with their lack of quality, bearing in mind they were a division above us and flying in that division. 

Second half was more of the same but we did become a bit edgy as the second goal did not materialise and consequently Terry let a soft goal in under his body.  To be fair he was unsighted.  Disappointed we were but to be fair to the lads, we rolled our sleeves up and scored twice more through Dave Robins and Jez Carter.  3-1 up with 5 minutes to play.  We thought we were there, but life and football have the happy knack of turning things upside down. 

Poly were awarded a number of last gasp corners and through our poor defending (Matt Huffer you were indeed missed) managed to put two into the net - 3-3 at full time.  The team was on the floor having thought we were there and to have it taken away was a bit much for some of the lads as emotions ran high during the extra time team talk.  To be fair to the lads, they kept going with Andy Bitmead scoring the winning goal.  This time we did hold on with everyone playing their part. 

It was our own fault.  We should really have finished the game off before half time but we got through and deservedly so.  Credit to Poly for playing right to the end.  It must have been a good game to watch.  

Got in the changing room after the game to receive a text from the Boughton Clan (on some ski slope somewhere) asking what the score was.  After texting him the result and brief description of the performance I have not heard anything since!!!!  Seriously, well done to the whole team.  Seven games to go and a cup final! 

Message to the Poly reporter - the ref had a good game.  The result was nothing to do with him.  We really let you off the hook but well done - it was a really good semi-final.

 Dave Jenvey