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Having not played for two weeks, Golden Hill needed inspiration for this "Star Match" game if Golden Hill were live up to their winning expectations. Manager Martin therefore picked the following squad : Chris (GK), Craig (RB), Glenn (CB capt), Jason (CB), Danni (LB), Matt (LM), Rich (CM), Mark (CM), Andy (RM), Steve (CF), Neil (CF), Geoff (sub), Tony (sub), Gavin (sub), Paul (supporter), Amy (supporter).
The first half hour saw Golden Hill dominate. A 1-2 between Matt and Neil down the left wing saw Matt cross the ball to Mark in the penalty area--1-0 to us! Soon after, however, a high cross from the right wing saw the attackers nod in an equaliser within 5 minutes. Golden responded, some keen play in the middle found Rich just outside the penalty area, and he turned and lobbed a high ball over the keeper into the top left hand corner of the net : 2-1 to us. Further attacks saw Glenn's corner head straight towards Neil waiting at the near post--as Neil turned to avoid a ball in the face, the ball hit his right shoulder and went in for 3-1--Golden were on a roll.
Katsura, however, immediately made 2 substitutions for some late arrivals, and the game became instantly harder. Golden struggled for the rest of the match to hold on to their lead--the opposition clawing their way back to 3-2 from another header, and finally to 3-3 following Geoff's (who came as sub for Neil) pull back in the area which gave them an easy penalty. The game became much more fearsome as time progressed, with chances at both ends before the referee blew for full time--extra time and penalties may follow !
In extra time, Golden appeared to get on top of the game although again both teams made chances at either end. Despite a few tempting crosses, Golden failed to capitalise--and the attackers almost secured victory a few minutes from the end until Chris's diving body saved a sure header from hitting the back of our net--Phew!
And so to penalties--1-1, then 2-1 as the opposition fired one over the crossbar but , then 3-2--as Danni scored to the top right--but wait--the ref asked him to reshoot, "same place?" said Danni, as he scored in the top right again, BUT then 3-3 as fresh back from injury out normal penalty taker for recent years, Tony (on for Andy), hit a slow ball towards the keepers legs, then 4-4. Bring on sudden death !
5-5, the oppo stepped up--shot--Chris dived right and trapped the ball between his outstretched legs--here was Golden's chance to secure Victory for the first time in front of the Evening Post Star Match reporter--and so Craig was called up--shot--GGOOAALL--Golden Hill thus victors in this gripping cup tie on such a wet and heavy pitch !
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