09 October 2004 - Surrey Cup
Molesey Church 3 v Darkside 2
Team: Allan, Andy B, Ben E, Ben M, Craig, Emmon, Errol, James, Jim, Phill, Richard, Steve C, Stu, Tim
Goals: Andy B (Pen), Richard/ Assists: Allan, Tim / MOTM: Ben M/ MM: Errol / Booked: Richard, Jim, Andy

Darkside lined up following an unbeaten record that had spanned the previous 3 weeks. The squad was strong, as was the wind across the pitch. To accommodate strong attacking options the boss opted for a 3-5-2 formation. The early kick off seemed to favour the away side. It was a lively start to the game with the Darkside taking a lot of early possession, just three minutes in and the Darkside earned their first corner of the game. It was swung in to the far post where young hot-shot Alan Fletcher was unable to direct his header goal bound. As the game progressed the possession evened out and both teams felt they were in with a good chance of winning this tie. Young Ben on the right wing looked lively, causing the defence problems throughout. Going agonisingly close with a left foot shot. The breakthrough finally came just before half-time when Andy found a yard of space outside the box to fire in a shot in at goal which was spilt by the Molesey Keeper into the path of Fletcher who was hacked from behind before being able to fire in a shot... PENALTY! Andy stepped up coolly from 12 yards to net his first of the campaign.

At half-time Neil decided to make some changes, with solid Ben replacing Jim in goal and Phil being substituted for Steve. It was not long into the second half when Ben was called into to action for the first time, tipping wide a great effort. The game progressed quickly and before the new outfield players could adjust to the pace of a tight Cup tie Molesey fired themselves into a 2-1 lead with two long range shots putting the home team ahead for the first time. Then a hotly disputed pen, conceded by Jim, extended their lead. With Fletcher missing a few chances, one an 8 yard header from a beautifully crossed ball by Tim Gale, boss Tanna felt it was time to bring the youngster off for the more experienced Errol, who's first touch saw him firing over from 6 yards. Tempers were flaring, Richard Deere and Jim both went in the book for verbal attacks on the ref, and Andy also joined them for a petulant kick out.

The clock was ticking and the Darkside were down 3-1, Neil used the last of his three substitutes bringing on James for a tired young Ben. The Darkside pushed more and more as the game progressed, and as an inswinging ball fell sweetly to Gale at the far post, his header found the post only for Rich Deere to follow it up to close the deficit, but it was in vain as the game ended a disappointing 3-2 to Molesey Church.

Match report by: Alan