The first fixture of 2007 saw the 7s return to AFA Cup action, this time at home against a decent Alexandra Park outfit. Any fears that the 7s may have suffered a loss of form as a result of the Christmas break were quickly dispelled, with a high tempo start to the game from the home side. The early pressure eventually told when Adam Lemon cut inside the Alexandra Park full back and fed Jay Breen, who coolly controlled with his right foot before slotting home with his left.

Cars continued to attack after this goal. Jim Armstrong and Dylan May working hard down the flanks to keep the visitors pinned back within their own half, resulting in a few goal mouth scrambles. However, the second goal didn’t come and Cars were duly punished for their wastefulness midway through the half, when a hopeful ball wasn’t dealt with by the defence and the Alexandra Park striker finished from an acute angle.

This goal seemed to affect Cars confidence and the work rate dropped. Suddenly Steven Hayes and Matt Boyman started to lose the midfield battle and the visitors had a golden opportunity to go ahead, but the striker delayed his strike giving a covering defender the chance to tackle.

With the first half drawing to a close, Carshalton scored a quick double to take a commanding lead into the break. Firstly Jay Breen took advantage of a defender poor touch to drill home with the outside of his boot, before Adam Lemon slotted home the rebound after a Jim Armstrong shot was saved.

3-1 at half time and all was going well. Then, 5 minutes after half time, Rick Morris demonstrated his tactical genius once again, substituting Jim Armstrong and Mike Hammond who were two of the most impressive players on the day. Cue the comeback.

First a hopeful cross found its way into the top corner and minutes later a driven ball wasn’t dealt with and an Alexandra Park forward gratefully slotted home an equaliser. Twenty minutes to go and Cars looked to be suffering a lack of fitness. A few half chances came and went, Rich Clark just missed with a clever flick and a Jay Breen thunderbolt just flashed wide, but Cars seemed to have run out of ideas.

However, with full time fast approaching, Cars managed to force a corner and a delightful Matt Boyman corner was headed home to settle the game.

A great result considering the circumstances, but the 7’s are aware that they need to raise their game and close out leads if they are to progress beyond the quarter finals. Next week local rivals Merton in what is sure to be another tough game.

Matt Boyman