JW Hunt Cup 1st Rnd.
Ettingshall 1 v Continental Star Res. 2
Team:
C Hunter, N Sawyers, A Powell, R Gough, R Hoyte, W Hughes, D Moses, S Griffiths, D Chisinga, R Thompson, A Robinson; subs used L Rhule, T Powell, A Williamson.
A good solid start to this cup tie with Star demonstrating good ball retention and using the fullbacks effectively. Daniel Chisinga had a fine performance in what was his debut game. He was supported by midfield stalwarts Daniel Moses & Wes Hughes. Hughes brought his experience to the fore, controlling the midfield at will. One such occasion resulted in a penetrating pass to striker, A Robinson who was clinical with his finish. This was a well overdue goal.
Ettingshall’s game plan was to try and catch Star with fast, direct, counter attacks, but this was foiled time after time by Star’s rearguard, marshalled by 1st Team keeper K Hunter (returning from injury,) and assisted well by the promising centre-back R Gough, R Hoyte, A Powell and debutant N Sawyers. However, Ettingshall did manage to pull a goal back following a lapse in concentration by the defence, just before half time.
The team-talk at the interval was simple: keep it tight and start converting the chances created.
L Rhule and T Powell were introduced after the break and they didn’t take long before they began to make an impact. Star were awarded a penalty following a late tackle on L Thompson. Ettingshall’s keeper saved the resulting spot-kick but the referee orders it to be retaken. Up steps ‘Bobby’ confident after scoring his first goal in awhile; the keeper makes a save again! With the game nearing the closing stages, a third goal is need by Star in order to kill off Ettingshall, who are growing in confidence. Star’s coaches ‘Deno’ and Adrian were nervously clock watching when Star were awarded another penalty. Surely not! Confident of putting the game beyond all doubt; up steps Relly. And, you’ve guessed it; the keeper saves the penalty again! Star hold out to win the game two goals to one, but we will definitely need a new designated penalty taker.
Reporter: ‘Deno’ Moses