The confidence was flowing as Carshalton took the field against Civil Service in a tough first round cup game.  Having been letting the opposition get in front in previous weeks, the team were determined to start well.  Conditions were far from perfect - the pitch was heavy and the grass long, but Carshalton started their passing game early on.

Civil Service’s physicality tried to stop the ebb and flow but Carshalton over ran them on several occasions.  The breakthrough came after Michael Hammond crossed from deep, the keeper looking favourite to win came for the ball, but like a salmon on the far post Rick Morris headed in 1-0.  A surprise as Mr Morris is well known for missing open goal opportunities!

Carshalton pushed on looking to extend their lead, Civil Service then hit on the break, a ball over the top led to an excellent finish.  Unperturbed, Carshalton continued to create chances but lacked the finishing.  Then Alan "Akinbye" Thake latched on to a through ball to finish with finesse passed the despairing lunge of the keeper 2-1.

Half time came with Carshalton the stronger side but changes had to be made with striker Jon Smith suffering an injury and young starlet Michael Taylor was pulled into the fray.  After the restart Carshalton's flowing football was still causing Civil Service problems, especially Michael Taylor whose twisting and turning was leaving the Civil Service defence for dead.  It was Michael’s class that led to Carshalton’s third goal, after beating his man on the left he crossed for Alan "I haven’t scored in years" Thake who pounced.

Complacency crept into Carshalton’s play as they thought victory was in the bag.  Misplaced passing, long balls and laziness rejuvenated Civil Service.  Then came their second goal.  A mix up at the centre of defence led to a back pass to ‘keeper Mark Brown which was intercepted by the Civil Service striker who rammed it home.

Civil Service pushed on, going with three up front.  Could Carshalton’s defence weather the storm?  They did for a well-earned victory.  That’s three on the bounce - its not only Chelsea with a 100% record.  Does promotion and a cup run beckon for the 7s. COME ON!!

Razza Roberts