Saturday 23rd September 2017 - 1st XI

1st XI v Old Blues (H), Old Boys Cup, Won 4-2

What did Mr Mourinho, Mr Guardiola and Mr Jackson have in common this week? All three were lamenting early season cup games. Arguably for slightly different reasons. With a strong squad available, it’s hard to deny the fact I would rather have had the 3 points that would have put us top. However, with Old Stationers boasting the proudest of traditions in the Old Boys Cup it was up to us to put in a performance and who knows, could we be celebrating our 11th Senior Old Boys cup victory in 2018?!

With two new players added to the squad, both centre midfielders, the biggest conundrum of the day was finding a formation that suits 9 cm’s. With a 3-5-2 settled upon, I can imagine to the dismay of the onlooking Ian Meyrick. We settled early, keeping the ball well. The only surprise being just how good our opening goal was. A great passage of sharp incisive passing, carved open the old blues defence leaving Marcus Archer with the easiest of tap ins.

I’ve been bribed by certain individuals not to mention how Old Blues equalised. A note to all players, my silence comes at a price!

The equalising goal rocked us a little, and whilst we were no longer dominating possession we kept our work rate high, and it was through that we won the ball back in a dangerous area, fed Billy Di Maria on the edge of the box, quick swivel, shift of the ball out of his feet. Ping. 2-1 Stationers.

2-2. I’m assured that no one saw how this happened. Silence is Golden. Cha Ching!

We produced a very solid second half performance battling up the famous Stationers slope. Marc Smith deservedly banging in his 2nd in 2 games, Marc excelling in this new midfield role and producing Lampard like stats.

I wonder how many goals Stationers have scored over the years like the 4th? A great goal kick from Perry Langley, flicked on by Marc, flicked on by Marcus, Billy through one on one, producing a deft lob over the advancing keeper.

All in all a great performance, we have been rewarded with a home tie against Old Parkonians, who are currently joint top of the 1st Division. A great opportunity to pit ourselves against the best. Win that and we are in the quarters……….

MOM – Tie between Billy Phillips who produced two great finishes and Cieran Power who was a rock at the back.

COYS