21 January 2006 - Leauge Junior Cup 2nd Round
Surrey Fire 1 v Darkside 0
Team: Adrian, Andy, Alan, Chris, Craig, Dan B, Dan S, Eddie, Mike, Phill, Steve, Tim, Wooly
Goals: - / Assists: - / MOTM: Adrian / MM: Phill

Darkside arrived on a sunny, but chilled afternoon knowing they’d be in for a battle, there opponents topped the division above and hadn’t dropped many points all season. But the boys on the back of a morale boosting victory (just!) over Outcasts felt in buoyant mood and looked to put the Surrey Fire out of this, our 4th cup competition!

With Kev, joining the two Bens and Ant on the sidelines, and Ian a late cry off due to illness, the squad was once again stretched. Minty showed his versatility by playing at right back, Chris K provided the width on the right, and Dan and Mike were reunited up top. Could they climb that ladder to dampen the flames of the fire? Eddie and Woolly warmed the bench. So we were ready to go, but something was missing………………the ref!!

Finally Mr Burns arrived to officiate the match (god help us), and on a flat surface (for once!) and a large pitch the game got under way. In a cagey affair the battles took place in the middle of the park and neither side managed to stamp their authority on the game. Plus the ref was very picky and kept stopping the game to make sure throw-ins were taken from the exact spot!

Surrey Fire had been limited to a long ball game mainly, and with the back up of a shady linesman who had rose tinted specs and should of gone to spec savers, one or two controversial decisions fell by the way side. But French Dan and Aidy kept the opposition at bay.

As Darkside upped their game, they created the first real opportunity, and it was a glaring chance at that. Kidwell showed a turn of pace and some twinkle toed moves that even Travolta would have been proud of, to cut the ball back and from about 6 yards out Gale some how miss-kicked and watched as the ball trickled agonisingly the wrong side of the post.

The game continued to be a scrappy affair, and one particular challenge involving Ady, Phil and a Surrey Fire player, left Phil on the deck and in some pain. Unable to continue he was carried off and left by Neil on the sidelines. Fortunately, for him, “Nurse” Little Ben arrived and took him to hospital. Woolly gave up linesman duty to come on at left back, could he get his hose onto the fire!

As the game started to open up both sides began to find some space and the breakthrough finally came and possibly against the run of play (bias maybe!) it went to Surrey Fire. A deep cross from the left was volleyed goalward with power and via a deflection found the back of the net. 1-0.

Darkside again upped the ante and a number of free-kicks and corners were causing The Fire havoc and it seemed only a matter of time before the equaliser would arrive, another opportunity arrived, from Swains cross Masuku found himself unmarked 10 yards out but failed to connect fully and the keeper kept it out.

The half finished, and despite being behind Darkside felt confident they could turn it around. A few words from Tanna, and everyone checking on Phill’s well being, plus the great news that Everton had beaten Arsenal, upped everyone’s’ spirits, (well Tim and Aidys!)

The second half commenced and with so much riding on it, became a fiery battle! Woolly clashed with an opposite number, and kind of accidentally booted him off the ball, and the ball at him, resulted in a mêlée of most players, their linesman also arrived on the park and had a stand up row, much to everyone’s amusement with the ref, who promptly dismissed him from the pitch, he was to return......

Moments later the Surrey Fire skipper found himself in the book too for a late and crude challenge on Kingston! Tanna played his final card and replaced Kidwell after a hardworking performance, with Eddie, a competitive Darkside debut, I think.....

The game seemed to have lost its rhythm after a number of niggly fouls and the ref’s continual lack of understanding for the game. But time hadn't quite run out, and Darkside created further chances, Boyd heading straight at the keeper, Masuku just unable to get a final touch to another flowing move involving Fletcher, Gale and Swain.

But it was the big centre back Boyd, who almost sent the game to extra time for a second week running, as he swivelled on a six pence and forced a stunning stop from the Surrey Fire keeper. Surrey Fire did threaten to finish the game, but Mayes kept up his recent good form and kept them at bay.

Finally, to compound the Darkside misery, the Ref checked with the sent off coach of The Fire on timings and on his advice finished the game, some what quickly!

After a spirited display, Darkside gave there high flying opponents a real battle and a real scare and will be confident of defeating them in the forthcoming meeting of the two sides in the Teck Junior Semi-final; as yet unscheduled........

Match report by: Tim