27 September 2009
Chet Reublic 2 Midland Strollers 2 (after extra time)
Midland Strollers won 5 - 4 on penalties
This week Chet played host to Midland Strollers of the Cannock Chase League in the Staffordshire F A Cup.
Disaster struck early in the game when a defensive slip up gifted Strollers the opening goal. Chet pressed throughout the remainder of the first half but failed to capitalise on their dominance.
Strollers only threat came from a number of well taken corners which Andy Thomas dealt with comfortably.
Ryan Tait was introduced at half time; shortly afterwards Steve Bailey and Adam Bonser joined the fray. The reorganised midfield of Jon Mayer, Gavin Horsfall, Stuart Talbot and Dan Lowndes took control of the game. Chet pushed forward continuously and the equaliser eventually came in the 75th minute when Ryan Tait headed in a through ball from Shaun Jessop.
Chet could have taken the lead almost immediately as Styart Talbot's brilliant 35 yard shot cannoned back off the cross bar with the defence well beaten.
Five minutes later Strollers, on a rare foray, regained the lead from the penalty spot.
Chet refused to give up and their efforts were rewarded in the eighty fifth minute when Ryan Tait turned and neatly slotted home from the edge of the penalty area.
Two chances to wrap the game up were spurned in the final exchanges and the game went into extra time.
Both teams fitness faltered and extra time ended in stalemate. The game was decided by penalty kicks which Strollers won by five goals to four.
A cracking game which provided many positives most notably the return of our much cherished team spirit; maintaining this progress will see us climb up the league and, hopefully, win trophies in 2009 / 2010.
