01 March 2008 - League Intermediate Sheild Round 2
Oxshott Royals 1 v Darkside 1
1-1 aet Darkside won on penalties
Team: to follow
Goals: Cullum / Assists: Rob / MOTM: ? / MM: -

Tanna was on international duty with Vietnam, Dixon's Vietnamese ancestors made him eligible for duty leaving Gale to lead the squad into a cup quarterfinal. Kingston was down under, leaving the squad a little stretched. An organised warm up and a couple of new balls bought the team to life. The site of some Soccer AM crew members on the sidelines was of equal importance.

The first half passed with little note, a scrappy game, some last ditch defending and lots of Gale shouting from the sideline. Masuku burst through a couple of times but the pitch had been unfavourable, often finding ourselves in good positions, but unable to find a final ball.

The second half was bought to life with the opening goal, a long free kick and a firm header, the home side lead 1-0. Olivares came on at Left Back, and performed a sterling job, Sadza came on to try and add some attacking flair to proceedings, Darkside duly obliged with an equaliser. Big Bob won the ball on the edge of the box and Cullum fired home, 1-1 no more than the team deserved.

Richard replaced Bob in the final 10mins, with extra time looming, and Rob’s ankles and legs not looking forward to it. Cullum was moved to partner Dave in the middle of the park.

As extra time approached, Richards ball over the top found Sadza, round the goalie, Gale already off down the touchline celebrating, but from a tight angle the ball trickled past the far post, the wrong side of the goal. The game was starting to catch up with both sides, and extra time was a fairly limp affair, maybe both teams were hoping for pens.

At least 7 players offered themselves for penalty taking duties, such was the team’s confidence. Masuku stepped up first, the goalie made a decent save, palming away, the worst possible start. Olivares despatched, before Mayes levelled things up comfortably saving. Webb saw his first effort saved, but the ref ordered a retake he made no mistake 2nd time round. Sadza thumped in another well-taken pen, before Mayes pulled off a finger tipped save to push the advantage to Darkside. It was left to Adams to score, everyone losing cunt, and confused, but Adams buried his penalty expertly and sent Darkside through to the next round, just.

Match report by: Tim