Old Whitgiftian AFC

Sub: Jewell, Patrick

The game got underway and actually started at a good pace with Whits having the slope in their favour, early chances for both teams only yielded a somewhat fortuitous goal for CoL as a freekick was curled in, struck first the post, then the (oversized) backside of Quartey before being swept into the net by a grateful City of London attacker. 1-0 CoL and just the start they would have been looking for.

Still at 1-0 and CoL had another opportunity to swing the ball in from a freekick. The freekick brought a good save out of Quartey considering his view was obscured by the referee who decided to run across the 6 yard line as the kick was taken. The rebound hit said referee on the back and his attempt to flick the ball into the net was only thwarted by his apparent lack of footballing skill!! Despite some constant attacking from CoL , Whits always looked dangerous down the slope on the counter attack with pace and skill of Cobbett and Lakhani up front with excellent width being provided by Fran and Matt on the flanks. A succession of attacks and corners finally paid off when Oli Ward swung one in from the left hand side which evaded everyone (I think) and went into the back of the net. An earlier flowing move had brought an excellent save from the CoL keeper and at the other end some resolute defending and some good saves from Quartey ensured the teams went in level at half time.

No changes for Whits and one for CoL at half time, which looked to give them a more attacking edge. This seemed to play into the hands of a supremely fit Whits midfield with Toby McNamara the heart beat of it all. The third goal of the game fell to Whits and came after a lovely move released Cobbett on the right. The skipper either had his jet heels on or ate plenty of spinach before the game as he raced away down the flank, cut inside and slide ball across the face of goal to strike partner Lakhani who adjusted his feet to put Whits into the lead. Only 3 goals in it now for the race for the Golden Sock!

2-1 Whits and the next goal was crucial. The game became very end to end and stretched as Whits looked for the killer goal whilst CoL where looking to equalise. CoL looked dangerous from every set piece with Cappo coming up from the back for corners and throw-ins from the number 8 with the throw that was as good as any corner! On one such occasion, Whits caught CoL on the counter attacker and were only thwarted when (and I'm not quite sure how), Cappo made an excellent last ditch block to deny the ball reaching Lakhani. No disrespect Cappo but personally I was both shocked and impressed that you managed to get back that quickly! Whits made two substitutions with Patrick replacing Mike Tarlton at left back and Dan Jewell replacing Matt on the right wing.

The important fourth goal came through CoL striker J, when Whits were themselves caught on the counter attack, the ball was picked up on the right, the covering defence couldn't get across in time and the ball was slid into the back of the net with little chance for Quartey in goal. CoL pushed on to score a 3rd when (surprise surprise) a long throw found the unmarked number 16, his flick found an attack who out jumped Ward (in fairness Oli was giving away a good few inches) and found the corner of the net. Now the game was really stretched. Whits pushed forward looking for an equaliser and thought they had found it when McNamara lob drifted agonisingly close and other shots flew narrowly wide.

And so it finished, 3-2 and another battle royale with CoL ended in defeat for Whits. The season continues with a massive 6 pointer on Saturday at home to Glyn.