Two goals scored by Adam Cowan.
After the previous weeks debacle, Matching returned to there usual game, Brookside who are a very good side were going to be a strong contest. The first 20 minutes, Matching dominated, the passing and moving was a pleasure to watch and there are too many players to mention specifically. After 20minutes they got their reward, when the keeper acme out and made a poor clearance, when James Mc Geagh, hit straight back into the open goal form 40 yards. Matching seemed to slow the tempo a bit and the contest became more even, although Matching were still the better side. With Jack Holgarth deputising in goal, he had to tip over an excellent 30 yarder. Matching came close Barry Watkins put one wide when it was easier to score and a couple of good chances that would normally be put away by the normally accurate striker. Watch and wait for this man to hit form. Pat Orange was causing problems with his tireless running and closing down up front.
With 5 minutes to go, Brookside played some good football leaving Mitch to round the keeper and score. Half time 1 - 1, this was not a fair reflection, but Matching bounced straight back Barry Watkins going close and then finally Pat Orange scrambled a goal, Matching kept up the pressure, but 5 minutes later a similar goal to Brookside's first against the run of play and the score levelled at 2 - 2.
The game evened out in midfield and with 15 minutes to go no team looked like they were going to score when Matching's Pat Orange scored his second of the game. Brookside as always maintained there effort and unfortunately a lapse in defence and a third goal scored as the keeper tried to come out.
With three minutes to go Matching were at cleared the ball out from a corner and the ball was hit first time to a Brookside player on the edge of the box who had time to turn and cross for Brookside to snatch a winner.
Congratulations must go to Brookside for their endeavours, whilst Matching's only consolation was a moral victory, Jody Holgarth had an exception game and was ably assisted by James McGeagh and Paul Smith and Nick Wright in the midfield.
Whilst it was a bitter pill to Matching who always start the season slowly, they know that they are capable of better things, and last weeks blow out is consigned to a distant memory. Everyone played well including the defence lead by Paul Salford with Alex, Adam and Uncle (yes that's right!!).
Next week it is the derby firsts versus the reserves; this is believed to be the first time that a competitive match has been played with the reserves. The new look reserves are looking to create an upset with their much strengthened team.
A mouth watering clash with the much strengthened reserves determined to upset the first team. The game was played at a fast pace typical of a cup match. Matching first team moving the ball well, but with Gary Pelka playing well in goal, and some resolute defending the game was very competitive. The best chance though fell to the reserves with Dean Perret putting wide. The first team continued to move the ball well and had the majority of the possession, but it was a break where a good ball through to Ray Connelly who fed Dean Perret who finished with his normal lethal accuracy
The first team kept up the tempo and Gary making some fine saves to deny Paul Smith which was tipped over the bar and an excellent move which saw Jody get on the end of a one two only to be denied yet again by who made a great save from 8 yards out.
The first team kept shooting with Alex Groom and James McGeagh having shots from outside the box. With 5 minutes to go from a corner that was cleared, James McGeagh drove a low shot that was stopped on the line but unfortunately for the reserves the clearance was closed down by Barry Watkins and the ball went into the net.
Half time one all and a good game, the second half started much the same with Pat Orange through a couple of times but both times closed down by Gary Pelka.
The first team continued to play good football, but with resolute defending By Wayne Mansfield, Nathan Best and Simon Lane keeping the first team mostly to shots outside the box which didn't trouble the keeper.
The reserves were playing on the break and Ray Connolly always dangerous caused a few problems one good move but the cross was straight at the keeper. Being a typical cup game this was finally in the balance and with 15 minutes to go Ray Connolly got goal side and put a good cross into Dean Perret where the ball was directed into the goal. With the reserves fans and team celebrating fervently the goal was disallowed as the striker had guided the ball into the net with his hand.
The match was still in the balance when Jody Holgarth and slipped James McGeagh who with only the keeper to beat attempted the lob but didn't get enough height to trouble the keeperMicheal came on and had a couple of good efforts the second one whistling past the far post
With the first team pressing and with only a few minutes to go there was a number of corners which were being well defended by the reserves, but unfortunately a deflected header by Scott Drane gave the keeper no chance and the first team took the lead.
The reserves brought on another forward and tried to press the first team, unfortunately they were punished with a minute to go when Barry Watkins made a diagonal run onto a good ball and rounded the keeper.
This was a good competitive cup tie and all the players played well, Chris Hart played well on the right wing, and fortunately for the first team he didn't get enough of the ball. This game could of gone either way and the reserves can now take this performance to ensure that they are challenging for honours this season.
It would be hard to pick a man of the match for either side however Simon Lane and Gary Pelka were resolute for the reserves and for the first team Alex Groom and Jody Holgarth stood out
The first team knew that they had been in a difficult match, but the kept on and with their usual toughness got stronger as the game went on.
After the game the presentation was held where Alex Groom collected the player's player of the year, closely defeating Nick Doree who was the managers player of the year.
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