Tooting travelled a long way to battle against the current cup holders Leyton. After going to the WRONG LOCATION, they eventually reached the stadium. After a quick warm up and team talk, Tooting took the late afternoon kick off.
Tooting began to try and play the ball about and retain possession. However Leyton were slightly more alive in the opening minutes. This led to a Leyton corner, the inswinger was met by a Leyton head which was blocked! But a goalmouth scramble caused Leyton to eventually head the ball in the net. Tooting 1-0 down. Yet their heads didnt drop, and they continued to press on the Leyton defence. 2 minutes later an inch perfect cross by Kelly was met by a cracking volley by Kad. The shot was unstopable and all the keeper could do is watch it fly over her head. Tooting back in the game! The first half continued in the same way, most chances came Tootings way. The ladies began to calm it down and play the right passes but the ball mainly remained in the centre of the pitch.
At half time Tooting knew they had the majority of the possesion. The job for the second half was to actually make use of it! Natalie came on at half time to replace Crystal down the wing. Tooting still battled in the same way, attempting to release the strikers and get some goals. The great team effort benefited with a free kick just outside the area. Tamara placed the ball down, and didnt consider anything but a shot. She met the ball with the right amount of power and accuracy to launch the ball into the roof of the net. 2-1 Tooting !! The confidence was evidently raised by the players, and Tooting demonstrated some nice football. They knew they had to secure the lead, and it took just 1 minute. From the Leyton restart Tooting stole the ball away. Great composure from individuals led to a perfectly weighted through ball into Pam. Pam made no mistake of ruthlessly placing the ball far beyond the keepers reach. Oh yes, 3-1 Tooting!
But the game was far from over; 36 minutes still remained. Tooting knew that the defence had to remian strong in the final minutes. The midfield dropped back a bit to support the defence. Although Tooting continued to rain down on the Leyton defence, Leyton managed to get several corners. Eventually in the 70th minute another goal mouth scramble from a Leyton corner led to a 2nd Leyton goal. Chanell managed to get a fingertip save on the shot, but it was just too powerfull and bounced in off the post. 3-2, and 20 minutes left; there was time for Leyton to get back in the game.
Fortunately for Tooting they managed to keep their cool. Tooting dominated for the rest of the game. They showed what they were made of and started to settle in to their one touch passing. Mel and Kelly came off after displaying very determined efforts. They were replaced by Eleasia and Bushra, Bushra making her debut for the first team. Soon after Tooting finally killed off the game with a 4th goal. Some great determination by Pam, allowed her to cross the ball in to Tamara. Who went round a player and sloted the ball passed the goalie.
A few minutes later and the final whistle echoed around the stadium. Such a well deserved win for Tooting. The real capability of the team was shown and Tooting have prevented the current cup holders from regaining the title. Tooting are through to the next round of yet another cup.Thank you to the travelling supporters, who really encouraged the team. Now lets hope we can go far! Welldone ladies!
