15 December 2007 - Teck Intermediate Cup Round 3
L.M United 0 v Darkside 3
Team: Adrian, Andy, Ant, Berti, Craig, Cullum, Dave, Ian, Kia, Mike, Paul, Phil N, Rob, Tim
Goals: Paul, Tim x2 / Assists: - / MOTM: Cullum / MM: -

A semi-final awaits!!!

The last game of the 2008 Calendar saw Darkside provided with the opportunity to end the year on a high. All that came between us and a semi final reunion with old foes Surrey Fire were the high flying LM United. Sitting proudly at the top of the division and boasting a 4-2 victory in the earlier match this season, this was to be a test of the highest order. However, buoyed by excellent earlier cup results and back amongst the points the week before and the end of year team outing to slutskies, Darkside confidence was showing signs of life.

Following on from the inspired tactical revamp that almost brought us victory last week, Tanna made a change from the usual 4-4-2. With Tagg suspended and Branners away on social duty there was shock re-positioning at left back for flying winger Austin and the ever-versatile Wright slotting in alongside Boyd at centre half. Harris filled his usual berth at full back with Mayes in goal. Adams and Kingston provided the anchors in a new look 5-man midfield, with Sadza and Masuku providing the electrifying pace down the flanks and O’Donavan, making his penultimate appearance in a Darkside shirt for this season, supporting Dixon upfront.

The groundsmen had done a fantastic job in braving the cold overnight weather to get the pitch in top condition, they knew these boys both liked to get the ball down on the deck and the re-laid centre strip provided just the surface to do that. It was Darkside however who were almost caught cold early on, a hopeful cross caused confusion in the Darkside defence and the ball was deflected wide via a combination of Boyd and Mayes. The early let off seemed to spur Darkside into action though and a lightening break gave us the early lead. Dixon received the ball with his back to goal on half way and drove at the defence. With the centre half closing in he slipped a ball into the path of the maraudering O’Donavan who took one touch before firing in across/ through the flailing keeper. 0-1!

The game continued to be played at a high tempo, Darkside happy to sit back and soak up the United threat, defending from the front with Masuku and Sadza helping out in defence; LM struggled to find a breakthrough. A couple of long-range efforts and defensive blocks kept them at bay, a combination of arm and chest from Harris on the goal line did the trick when they finally did get close enough to the Darkside posts.

The Darkside strike force was working as hard as anyone in their tireless running and mid way through the first half Dixon got his reward. Chasing a through ball he kept his composure to coolly lob the approaching keeper. His third goal against LM this season had given Darkside belief that this could be their day.

Within five minutes the game was up….or so it was thought. Austin’s long ball down the line was challenged by O’Donavan and the United full back. Strength and pace took him away from the defender leaving him in a heap on the ground before firing high across the keeper into the far corner of the net. 0-3 before half-time. Seeing the full back crumpled on the floor the ref, having already given the goal, went to see what all the fuss was about. Jubilation turned to disbelief as the ref, coerced by the moron on the sideline with his flag, took the word of the LM assistant and disallowed the goal. Half time quickly followed with Darkside in the ascendancy.

Tanna and his team of backroom staff/ subs gave words of encouragement to a team still in anger. The game was there for the taking, though we had been here before this season on this ground. That day the 0-2 half time lead evaporated quicker than Saunders can usually get injured. Hey, don’t forget I edit these bit out normally! I was punched in the nose and just remember we let 3 goals slip after that brutal attack!!

The second half started with LM pushing forward, increasingly desperate to find a way back. Their wingers began dropping off to receive more of the ball but Austin and Harris held firm. Adams continued to snap at the heels, harrying in midfield with Kingston spraying the ball about where possible.

Tempers began to flare in frustration as LM pressed without reward and the ref seemingly making decisions based on what was happening on the pitch next door. It wasn’t long before the red card made its customary cup appearance, a string of ill-timed tackles brought out a yellow, which was followed by a red for backchat. LM’s 10 soon became 9. The LM centre half, whose name everyone knew from his constant jabbering was now swaggering all the way to the sidelines.

To their credit LM continued to attack and a through ball drew a first real save from Mayes who managed to get a hand to the strikers shot and the defence cleared the danger. Within a minute the game was over. After a slick passing move, O’Donavan was fed by Adams in midfield. Dancing around two defenders on the half way line the striker suddenly found himself bearing down on goal. Dixons run was spotted and he was released in the inside right channel. O’Donavan continued his run into the area and Dixon unselfishly squared the ball for him to slot into the net. Goal of the game, maybe the season and a Surrey Fire re-union was secured.

There was still time for Bari, Neill and Bain to get in on the action as Darkside closed out the game. Adams faith in Tanna’s new system…or maybe his desire not to leave the action was summed up when he told his manager ‘not to change the midfield’ !! United continued to show their displeasure towards the ref  - “you’re s%$t….and you turned up late!!”  -  until the final whistle blew. One of the best team displays of recent times, Cullum fully deserved of his MoM award.

Match report by: Andy