The 4s played thier best football of the season so far on a day when it was most needed. Economicals, although plying their trade lower in the league ladder had been finalists in this cup 2 of the last three seasons and sat happily at the top of thier league. They were to be humbled on a visit to Riverside Lands however when Meads produced a performance of quality and resilience, overcoming thier visitors 3-1.
As two of the big hitters of the competition locked horns on Saturday it was Meads that got the early advantage. An excellent ball from Owen, replacing Lister 'Ive got to work' Reekie, gave George an excellent chance to put Meads in front. His header rebounded off the post and George tucked it in from a tight angle. After the game he was trying to get extra credit for it, insisting it was a really tight angle, it was a tap in George, there is no getting away from that. Economicals played football representative of thier name; they hit the big man up top early and tried to make the most out of territory, notably set pieces and long throws. Meads defence was is no mood to let anything get through today, with Eric proving in inspired form at the back and Jon looking to end his winless streak as captain. With the full backs Rory and Dave keeping their wingers under lock and key Economicals were finding it hard to create anything of real note.
With Meads playing all the football it was inevitable that there was going to be some overplaying, something that comes with the territory with the 4s, but on Saturday the team quickly adjusted their football whilst still playing with a composure and incision that was great to watch.
The 2nd goal was one of true quality from our visitor from Bristol; Owen picked up the ball inside his own half and skipped past three challenges, he then played the ball into George who ran at the centre backs before slipping Owen back in on the left hand side. Owen left the full back, who was the worst full back I have seen at our level for a while (he was kindly hauled off in the 2nd half), on his arse and then chipped the keeper from a tight angle with his right foot, floating the ball into the far top corner, 2-0.
Meads continued to create the chances that really mattered, with George thundering an effort of the post from 20 yards, Roni didn't get his head to a corner that with any contact would have resulted in a goal, and then Jon missed the chance to seal the deal before half time. A low pass from Ash found Jon by himself on the 6 yard box, he had enough time to make a cup of tea but instead scuffed a first time shot with his studs with the ball only just getting to the keeper, it was probably going wide anyway to be honest. Economicals had earlier pulled one back with a team move to make it 2-1 going in at half time.
Half time was a case of more of the same but perhaps playing more football in their half as their defence was pretty dodgy. The 2nd half was a tight affair with Meads still playing some brilliant football but, at times, it seemed that we were the one's 2-1 down with the way the game was stretched out as the half progressed. Economicals always seemed dangerous from set pieces but Jake was comfortable all afternoon with his handling exemplary when under pressure.
There were few real chances of note in the 2nd half, Andy was taken out in the area but protests were waved away, their keeper made a few saves but could do little about the goal that was to seal the deal. Foz, who makes sparing appearances due to his migration back to Nottingham, scored his first ever goal for Meads at the perfect time. Having come on for Ash with 20 to go it seemed like he had never been away, with a sure touch and an eagerness to get involoved all the time. His energy was to be rewarded when George cut the ball back from the left hand side and Foz swivelled and shot first time with the ball finding the far bottom corner, leaving the keeper with no chance. 3-1, the final whistle blew minutes later.
A great team performance, every player worked tirelessley and we were rewarded with the win. The defence recieved the plaudits after the game for thier control of Economicals attacking threat, and it was Rory aka the powerhouse (that is his name for himself, certainly was not given by us) that took away the MOM with his performance at right back. He kept one of their real threats in his pocket all day and he is starting to see the benefits of providing defensive cover for his centre backs!!!
