Anfield Dreams Ruined in Enfield
Karakocan 4 GPR 3
The Salads missed their chance to go to Wembley on a grim day in Enfield, in a performance that left a bitter taste. There was plenty to be frustrated about that was out of our hands, but just as much to be reflected on as we let slip in the second half.
The logistics involved to get everyone to the ground with time to warm up (with one exception) despite the hour-long drive was a feat in itself. After some problems finding an available pitch, we got down to business and lined up to kick off the first of three consecutive cup ties.
Those familiar with our cup record know that our only victory to date came from an opposition forfeit – hardly an inspiring battlecry. All too keen to make amends, we charged in early against a team who focused on strong build-up play from the back.
Alan almost opened proceedings early on with a rising header from a corner, only to see his effort blocked in fine style. Shortly afterwards, Sina, still in search of that elusive wonder goal denied from him the week before, took a pop shot that demanded another parry from the keeper.
The truth is, however, we started too slowly. On quality, the sides felt about even, but for some reason we just didn’t get going at all at the start of the first 45 minutes. Karakocan used this to their advantage, and several fouls pinned us deep in our half of the pitch.
A lapse in concentration was soon punished, and the opposition forward found himself with too much time in the box as the ball dropped, and we were deservingly punished. Shortly after, the home team made it 2-0 when a failed clearance put the striker through for a cool finish.
Needing to switch it up and react to the situation quickly, we changed formation. The frustration was palpable, but when the chips are down, that’s when the big-game players step up. Fresh from his hot streak of two goals in two games, Gavin came through with the breakthrough we needed.
A quick ball to Joel opened the space and Gavin had the right flank all to himself. Spotting the opportunity, Joel played him in and the man of the moment only needed one touch to slot the ball through the keeper’s legs and into the back of the net.
Barely five minutes later, Oli knocked the ball long and over the defence. It landed in the zone of uncertainty between the centre backs and the keeper, all of whom dallied with the ball in the air. Spotting his chance, Gavin took it down and backed up. Sina and Joel were streaming in either side of him, but he turned, saw his chance, and buried the shot into the corner.
Having restored parity and with the momentum behind us, we knew we needed to take advantage. Overdue a goal, Josh saw his chance. A bouncing ball from a free kick fell to him 25 yards from the goal, and he spotted a gap. Nobody closed him down, and he let loose, firing the ball in and the keeper could only watch it sail past to open his account for the Salads.
3-2. Game on.
We went into the half confident, but knew we needed to keep ourselves in check. Out we went and took the game straight to Karakocan from the kickoff. Cal knocked the ball forward to Joel, whose beautiful cross to Gavin, brought back for offside, almost put us two goals up just seconds after the restart.
Here though, the game swung again, this time in favour of the opposition. I’ll keep it short, but before long we shortly found ourselves trailing 4-3. The clock wound down and we threw everything at the opposition, but couldn’t even the scoreline.
The final minutes couldn’t have been more tense. Both sides gave their fair share of offsides, with Marcus bearing the lion’s share of the decisions against the Salads. Rory hit an effort cleared off the line; Joel hit the post. In the final minute of the game, a clearance in the opposition box looked certain to hit the outstretched hand of the defender, but the referee waved away our protests, leaving us on the wrong side of the full time result.
It was a game that really could have gone either way, and we’re still licking our wounds. Certain decisions we disagreed with, but there’s not a single game in Sunday League where both side walks away happy. In the case of this weekend’s clash, both teams had a right to feel aggrieved. We have to be accountable for our errors on and off the pitch and regroup for next week.
That cup win will come. Probably…
MOTM 💫 = For his two goals and overall contribution this season, Gavin is more than deserving of this week’s accolade. Great to see his confidence grow, let’s hope he keeps up this form.
DOTD 👀 = Not today.
