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I have watched hundreds of games of junior football in my time and been privileged to support the boys at five cup finals, seeing them succeed so often.  I just can't explain what was wrong on Sunday and why we did not win the game.  I think the main thing was that Tooting & Mitcham (T&M) were more committed to chase for everything, wanted  the game and at the end of the day deserved the win. 

T&M started the match much stronger and were first to the ball. Carshalton just could not seem to string together passes.  This was so out of character and given the excellent surface surprised everyone.  About half way through the first half T&M got a well deserved goal and all the supporters hoped this would be the event that set Carshalton off.  Whilst in the run up to half time Carshalton did come back into the game and created chances the T&M defence held firm and their goal keeper looked assured. 

Half time came and went but still Carshalton could do little to threaten T&M, indeed as Carshalton pushed on the T&M attack looked increasingly dangerous on the break away and the Carshalton defence had to work hard to stop T&M scoring again.  Mark Pucek, Stevie Greenslade and Tom Lawler came on for David Booth, Oliver Adams and Luke Adams.   Mark Pucek seemed to provide the link that got the passing going.  However, T&M remained solid and whilst Carshalton went close the final whistle saw T&M win the Cup. 

Obviously the boys were disappointed.  However, lets not be too downhearted; after all we are still in with a chance of the most important one  - the League Championship.  Lets learn from this defeat, lets play the rest of our games with real determination, fight and commitment.  We must all pull together and work for each other in the remaining games.  This was the first defeat in normal play since May 2003.  That in itself  is a great achievement. Players, parents and supporters now is the time to show the League we are still champions.  Lets win all our remaining games and finish the campaign as true champions.

Lee Tupper