WE MISS OUT ON CUP FINAL

This was 4th time we had played Biggleswade FC this season and we still have to visit them again in 2 weeks time for an encounter that may determine whether the League title goes to Beds or stays in Herts after Welwyn Garden City triumphed last year.

They say familiarity breeds contempt but that's not the case between the 2 clubs, there is a lot of respect and knowledge about how each other plays and that's why our contests are always close.

There was little to choose between the teams but our hosts probably edged it and deserved to go through to the final of the Premier Division Cup a trophy we lifted in 2009. A goal each half by the Marsh brothers gave our opponents a 2-0 lead and although we pulled a goal back through Jon Clements it came too late to change the final outcome.

Ian Richardson made 4 changes from Saturday's starting line up and after only 27 minutes had to reshuffle his side around when Jack Sunderland went off injured with the curse that has hit our left backs this season and seen Chris Vardy, Chris Mason and Connor Church all on the injured list.

With Brima Johnson and Tommy Twelves unavailable we were shot of cover at full back so Luke Dunstan dropped back into defence which meant we missed his competitiveness in midfield.

The game started with some meaty challenges from both teams, although Luke Dunstan seemed to be main target, and amazingly the Referee kept his cards in his pocket but later flashed the yellow one three times for offenses that seemed minor by comparison.

Fortunately the game calmed down and became fast and furious. We started well and looked lively going forward although goal scoring chances were at a premium at both ends. In the 28th minute came a controversial moment when Ashton Campbell seized on a defensive error and was through on goal only to be clearly tugged from behind by Adam Hunt. It was enough to put Ash off and he shot wide but the home defender was rather fortunate to escape a sanction.

As the first half wore on our opponents got more into the game and they opened the scoring in the 36th minute. We failed to clear our lines and the ball fell kindly to an unmarked Lawrie Marsh who swept it past Pat Sinfield. Score 1-0.

A tense and competitive first half with few scoring opportunities ended with FC holding a crucial albeit a slim lead. HT Score 1-0.

Again we started well with Kieran Turner and Lee Stobbs both having shots on target although they were easily dealt with by keeper Ross Tompkins. Our opponents came back and won 2 corners and we managed to get a couple of good blocks in on potential goal bound shots.

Around the hour mark Alex Marsh got away but his shot from distance was safely caught by Pat Sinfield. We then had a lucky escape from a corner which nearly resulted in an own goal but was cleared by an acrobatic overhead kick from right under the bar by Jon Clements (I think).

We then had a great opportunity to equalise when Carl Mensah's superb pass sent Kieran Turner through on goal. You would have put your kids savings on Kieran scoring but somehow he didn't manage to get a shot off and after a scramble the keeper was able to gather the ball safely.

Alex Marsh cleverly found some space and got his head to an accurate cross but young Pat Sinfield made a super save with his feet. We were now having to take more risks to find a way back into the game and as a consequence we were leaving ourselves open at the back.

Jon Clements produced some great skill to work his way out from the corner flag and whip over a tremendous cross that was just a fraction away from picking out Ash in the area. We were inches away from an equaliser but 4 minutes later we conceded another goal, such were the fine margins between winning and losing in this game.

The home side were awarded a free kick outside our area and although it hit our wall it took a hefty deflection to give Pat Sinfield no chance. Score 2-0.

To the players credit we kept going and pulled a goal back in the 88th minute. A ball over the top of the home defence sent Jon Clements away and he skilfully evaded 2 challenges before rifling the ball home with his left foot. It was a well taken goal and was Clem's 4th from the last 2 games. Score 2-1.

Unfortunately for us there was not enough time left to get an equaliser so FC went through to the final where they will meet Baldock Town, which means there will be a new name on the trophy. We wish Biggleswade FC all the best in the final.

This defeat halted our tremendous run of results in last 8 games of 7 victories and 1 draw. Its disappointing to miss out on a cup final but importantly we are still in a good position in the league although we face a very stiff challenge on Saturday when we visit Colney Heath. Always a difficult place to go and they will be full of confidence after beating Biggleswade FC last Saturday.

Teams:

BFC:1 Ross Tompkins 2 Adam Hunt 3 Lawrie Marsh 4 Pat McCafferty 5 Nathan George 6 Benat Pena 7 Alex Marsh 8 Tom Coles (Capt) 9 Tom Cookman (12 Justin Leavers 85) 10 Lee Northfield 11 Ryan Inskip. Subs not used: 14 Josh Holmes 15 Joe Bradbury 16 Abrham Eze 17 Oscar Smith.

TA:1 Pat Sinfield 2 Joe Fitzgerald (14 George Ironton 67) 3 Jack Sunderland (15 Mark Riddick 27) 4 Roy Byron 5 Dave OConnor 6 Carl Mensah 7 Lee Stobbs (12 James Verney 73) 8 Jon Clements 9 Ashton Campbell 10 Kieran Turner (Capt) 11 Luke Dunstan. Sub not used: 16 Dave Saunders.

Scorers

BFC:Lawrie Marsh (36), Alex Marsh (73)

TA:Jon Clements (88)

Crowd:169

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