Following a string of poor results, Facelad were able to upset the odds with a performance to marvel at against Premiership opposition in the Senior Cup. Stanmore Athletic sit pretty in third position in Barnet’s top flight and, with that in mind, Facelad lined up looking to frustrate and attack with pace on the counter.
The Sheepherders took an unlikely lead, when after some good play down Facelad’s left, Charlie Comerford squared for Josh Knott (AKA Matthew Howell) to drive home from range. Facelad ended the half one goal to the good and there was no signs of the defensive frailties of recent weeks. They were a far more compact and organised unit with the midfield provided constant protection to a back line of Charlie Comerford, Ralph Fox, Michael Coffer and Jack Lawrence, who all put in magnificent shifts.
The second half saw Stanmore throw more and more bodies forward in pursuit of an equaliser and they were rewarded with a dubious penalty, which was well dispatched. Undeterred, Facelad again took the lead when Michael Alderman dribbled the ball into what seemed a cul-de-sac, only to deliver a peach of a cross for Darren O’Brien to tap home. In one of the few lows of the game, Facelad’s Achille’s heel struck when Stanmore scored their second equaliser from a corner kick. It would be a disservice on my part to not reference the spectacular display of goalkeeper Charlie Muir, who not only pulled off a series of outstanding saves (included a truly remarkable double stop), but also managed to set up Facelad’s third. A large dropkick was hunted down by O’Brien, who headed home with but 10 minute on the clock.
If Stanmore’s first was dubious, their third was a downright injustice! Following a flick on that was cleared off the line, an outstretched HAND poked the ball home. Despite Facelad’s protest the goal was given by the poorly placed referee and it would take extra-time to settle the score.
Facelad were down trodden and anxious at being robbed of a famous victory but with a few words from the manager, the players knew they had enough in them to lift their heads and earn the win they so rightly deserved.
Gem Moran made a huge impact off the bench replacing the tireless Jordan Scott, and following good work down Facelad’s ever profitable left side, Darren O’Brien teed up Moran whose shot curled passed the Stanmore goalkeeper nettling neatly in the net. Stanmore proceeded to tire and in truth Facelad were comfortable after scoring their fourth, especially after a moment of madness saw Stanmore’s number 10 strike Charlie Comerford on the back of the head with a fist. Jerry Clynes, wanting to add to his heroic display, stood up for his friend…. but walked away, somewhat disorientated, with a sore jaw. The gent in question was promptly sent off and Facelad’s assured performance ended on a high with a second assist for Charlie Muir. Another long ball up field allowed Darren O’Brien to bravely head home and complete his hat-trick.
Jacky’s Men were utterly unrecognisable from the defeat against Brotherhood in their previous fixture and if they can maintain the level of performance displayed here, promotion will be very much expected of them.
