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I have to say I wish someone else could be writing this match report.  I don’t think I have ever been so frustrated watching a game of football in all the eight years I have tried to support youth football.  During those years I have experienced so many highs and lows I have lost count.  Today whilst delighted to get through to the next round I have to say I have been left rather numb.

Carshalton Athletic really came to this game fired up.  It is a credit to their boys the way they battled and I think I speak for all the Carshalton FC mums, dads and supporters in saying you did not deserve to exit this competition.  Perhaps it does the Carshalton FC players a disservice in me saying this.  That is not what I want because at the end of the day playing against a team you know is never easy.

Carshalton Athletic opened well and it was clear from the start that they were determine to take the game to Carshalton FC.  Whilst FC were on top, Athletic looked dangerous on the counter.  Indeed it was after such an attack that Athletic got their first goal.  After that I was convinced it was not going to be FC’s day as we hit the bar and Chris Tupper who had to contend with man marking put two in the net only to see them disallowed.  The game progressed and despite repeated FC attacks the Athletic defence headed by James Hawker held firm.

After the half time interval usual service seemed to have resumed when Tom Lawler’s shot found the back of the Athletic goal.  However Athletic were not for giving up and despite going behind from well taken Mesure and Tupper goals they kept coming back and at full time the score was level at 3-3.

Extra time and both sets of parents were well and truly hung out to dry.  Real end-to-end stuff and it was clear to all that Athletic will be a Premiership side next season.  Still no break in the dead lock and the prospect of a penalty shoot out.

As the extra time closed everyone knew it was down to the goalkeepers.  Chris Thompson and Mark Cowhig.  Both had had a great game with Tomo probably the busier and the guy who had kept Athletic in the game.  It is never easy for either penalty taker or goalkeeper and I will not dwell on the final outcome.  All the lads in both sides were brave today and their mums and dads should be very proud of them.  Yes there had to be a winner and FC took the game.  However, whilst due to the familiarity both teams had for each other this was not going to be a great game, it was a hard battled one.

Lee Tupper