Game of Two Halves

Today's match-up was between the sole-surviving lower-league sides in the County Cup draw. 70 teams started on the trail back in September and, of the remaining 8, only these two are from outside the top 2 divisions.

In fact, the other six are respectively: four of the top five from Division One, and the top two sides from Division Two! Strictly speaking, the two 2nd Division sides are 2nd and 4th but that's only because they have up to 5 games in hand over the league-leader. No doubt this is because they have been playing cup fixtures.

So, all credit to both Brickhill and AFC Luton for coming this far. A tough encounter awaits the winner.

Sandra will have been hoping that our team were not complacent about their prospects against the visitors - who plainly are not 5th Division quality. Nevertheless, it was a good draw for us, and we must have fancied our chances. Likewise, the Luton manager was facing the best possible draw for his outfit but, strangely, he claimed pre-match that he'd be happy to see their cup run end here so they could concentrate on the league.

We said we'd be try to oblige him.

Brickhill dominated possession throughout the first half. However, it was at times rather subdued and even the ball itself seemed a little heavy, or the pitch a little slow. Whatever the reasons, Brickhill failed to stamp their authority on the game and despite a number of chances - many from Josh - it was well past half-distance in the period before Elijah skilfully earned our first corner. However, this was wasted and the goal-drought continued past 20 minutes and it began to look like a rare scoreless half.

Greg was brought into the action, and shortly before half time was involved in more promising attacks that resulted in another good effort from Josh, but still no goal.

Meanwhile, our defence was doing well but with little to do. Cameron made a number of effective clearances. There was still less for Harry to do but he was tested by a good effort right before the break. However, this was safely caught and indeed the rather surprising result was:

Half Time: BRICKHILL 0 - 0 AFC LUTON.

We all know that not taking your chances can lead to heartbreak. The touchline chatter during the interval was to the effect "what a travesty if they nick a goal now ..."

Both teams returned with more vigour in the second half and Luton in particular were keen to press ahead. So it was that they forced an early corner, their first of the game. "POSTS!" was the cry from Derek, a variation on his common "SHOOT!" refrain. Perhaps the boys did not hear, perhaps they had forgotten the defensive training, perhaps they had not defended a corner for 6 weeks. The result, anyway, was that there was no one at the back post to stop a deflected ball finding the net. 1-0 down against the run of 33 minutes play. A tragedy unfolding ?

Brickhill now bid for a quick equaliser which saw Fred hit the post from a corner but, when this ball ran free, it led to a swift counterattack and Luton found themselves one-on-one with Harry and unlike Brickhill throughout the first half, they shot it away from the keeper. 2-0 to the bad guys with less than 10 minutes played of the second half.

Suddenly it felt like every time Luton touched the ball they might score. There was some danger that the Hawks might lose the mental fight.

However, this is not usually our way, and it wasn't long before ever-ready Fred found the ball at his feet on the edge of their area and made no mistake this time in burying the shot away to the right. A step forward.

Dominic was brought into the action to add some firepower upfront, and his characteristic strong play was key to the equaliser which soon followed - Niall and Ewan involved in the build-up.

Determined to gain the upper hand, there were many white-shirts upfront now, Angus being prominent in the opposition box. After multiple corners, we found the third goal. No-one claims to have made the final touch, so we shall call it a team goal (technically known as an own goal).

Despite this reversal, it was obvious Luton weren't giving up. They had a number of good players and a very solid keeper. The pace and energy was also apparent - from both sides. Quite a change from before the break.

3 - 2 remained the score until a few minutes from the whistle when Sandra brought on Sam H (back from illness & injury) to bolster the defence.

Although there were less than 5 minutes to play, there was clearly plenty of football left. Harry had to deal with a dangerous lob; perhaps the Luton striker was smart enough to know the shot would be difficult to pick out with the low sun in play. Luckily Harry was wearing a cap, and saw it just in time.

Luton's determination also saw them hit the post from a narrow angle. Brickhill got the ball away and into Luton territory only for the visitors to seize the advantage again and create a must-score opportunity. One of their best players was nearly clear in the box, and probably good enough to give Harry no chance, when suddenly Sam C (super-solid all game) found a hero-tackle. Hard but fair, it neutralised the attack and saved the match. In the process, he took a bad knock himself.

Once he'd recovered, it was time to defend one last attack. From the right wing, Luton floated a high one and the wind curled it in, down and inevitably towards goal. No defender could reach it as it hung in the air on the line. But, wait! Two gloved hands appeared and plucked the ball to safety, just when it seemed too late.

It was now end-to-end action, and it looked possible that Brickhill could kill the match as the away keeper was drawn outside his box. No goal, however, and it was the referee's whistle which finally ended Luton's chances.

What a match! Worthy of a cup-final, almost. Somebody should tell the boys that it is not a rule that you have to win by valiantly coming from behind.

Well done to all the team and the coaches ! Tomorrow, we will learn our opponents for the semi-final on March 9th.

BRICKHILL 3 - 2 AFC Luton
Fred (41min), Dominic (46min), o.g (48mins)