Sunday 22nd November 2009

South Rushden Gladiators 2 Northampton ON Chenecks 2

Penalty shootout denies the Gladiators!

Team
Matthew Bland
Alex Ferdinandez - Matt Fensome – Ross McMullan – Josh Bellingham
Scott Clampin - Nathan Doherty - Oliver Pendered – Kain Devonald
Reagan Betts - Aaron Halliday
Sub: Jack Lake – Danny Gallagher

Our second round county cup game saw us up against ON Chenecks from the Northampton & District Youth Alliance top division, a great well fought game it turned out to be. The game was fast and furious with every tackle well fought. The first goal came when following a restart after an injury to Josh we suggested that from the drop ball the ball be passed back to their goalkeeper, this we did and the keeper decided to let it through his legs 1 – 0. As I felt this was not the way to score, decided that we would let them run freely on goal following the restart and equalise. 1 – 1 at half time.

The second half was just as competitive with chances at both ends. We then had a free kick and Nathan with his trusted right foot powered the ball towards goal and although the keeper tried to save it there was too much power on the shot 2 – 1. Still with 20 minutes to go and other chances being created a quick break by Chenecks who managed to legitimately find our net, with the full time whistle going and the final score 2 – 2.

Extra time of 6 minutes each way again proved well contested and every credit must go to each and every Gladiator player who all played out of their skins and represented the club in a tremendous attitude.

As the game needed completing we went to the dreaded penalties. With Matthew in goal, cold and wet and although the game was end to end didn’t really have a great deal to do. Although during the penalties he made several great attempts to keep the ball out but with Chenecks scoring 3 goals and the Gladiators unlucky not to score theirs we found ourselves out of the competition. Although it was bought to my attention that it was felt that the visitors had not finished with the goalkeeper who had finished the game, I spoke to the ON’s manager and referee and they had made the switch with several minutes to go.

We wished them well and it is back to league action next week away to Corby Kingswood Swifts. If we play like we did today then the team will reach and achieve their goals and ambitions.

Well done today boys.

Ian

Club note : First of all bad luck to all the Gladiator players and coaches and well done for all your efforts.  Ian has demonstrated what this club is all about, that even in an 'important' cup game, you know and do what is right.  Thank you all for the way you represent South Rushden Junior Football Club.  Good luck to ON Chenecks in the competition.