We had a tough challenge ahead of us today, away to a very good Stanway Rovers Blues team in the 3rd round of the League Cup. Again a full squad to choose from. I changed it around a bit today moving Adam in to central midfield and starting Luke C along side Liam at the back. I also started with Reece up front. I was aware the boys hadn't played for so long so I was expecting them to start slowly, however they started really brightly and took the game to the home side and after about 10 minutes we took the lead. Luke W put a great cross in from the left and Reece met it perfectly and shot first time, the ball coming off the inside of the post and in to the net. Just before the break we had a corner from our right which Charlie took short to Isaak, who played a great ball to Luke C just outside the box. Luke took the shot first time beating the keeper but the ball crashed against the bar. The first half finished with us 1-0 up.

I told the boys to keep going and working hard and that I was really impressed with their first half performance.

The second half started and Stanway were playing more attacking and put us under some pressure. Jacob, in goal, was called upon on numerous occasions to keep us in the game with some great saves. The boys were still working hard and trying their best, but about half way through the second half Stanway found the equaliser. We gave a player on the edge of our area too much time and didn't close him down and we were punished with a good strike giving Jacob no chance. Normal time finished 1-1, so after a quick check of the rules, straight to penalties. I have decided not to name the penalty takers, it is not a nice way to lose a football match and it is a team game. Unfortunately we lost in sudden death after being level after five penalties each.

I was really proud of the boys today, as they should be of themselves, we gave our everything as a team, this was a match neither team deserved to lose. Man of the Match went to Jacob for a superb goalkeeping display. Well done boys see you all on Saturday, Tim.