SCFC 3 - 2 OLD SALOPIANS

Southgate County 3 -2 Old Salopians

SCFC made it through to round 1 of the London Old Boys Senior Cup with a hard fought 3-2 win over Old Salopians from the Arthurian Premier league. Coming back twice, with a Cam Wallis's, 51st minute penalty, a Rich Fahey's 63rd minute free-kick and a Tom Case 77th minute winner.

Playing back at the school and kicking off the clubs new era, the 1s were looking to mark the occasion with a cup win.

A flying start saw County put Salopians under constant pressure, chances over the first 10 minutes went begging though. Tom Case has chances to score and Cam Wallis saw a flick cleared off the line but the best off these fell to Luke Kelly but he saw his first effort saved and the rebound put wide.

We should have been 2 up inside the first 10.

Our back 4, Chris Westwood, Neil Spackman, Luke Kelly and Bradley Doherty looked organised and solid and thwarted anything Salopians had to offer.

New debutants Jules Cinotti and Glen Farley were comfortable and started well.

After a solid 20 minutes , Salopians started to get behind us. Our wide men were a little slow in getting back, over running our full backs. On one of these occasions a Stef Shamlian save and a last ditch block from the ever youthful Neil Spackman, kept the score level.

After a comfortable start we began to panic and allowed Salopians far to much space. On one of these occasions too much room on the edge of the box saw a 20 yards lopping shot beat Stef Shamlian. 0-1

HALF-TIME 0-1

Responding after half time, County again took the game too Salopians. A couple of half chances, with the best falling to Tom Case, his header missed the target after a fine cross from Cam Wallis.

Then on 55 minutes after a good passing move, saw a strong challenge in the box and the referee point to the spot. With Salopians still steaming and after surrounding the referee, Cam Wallis calmly stepped up and slotted home. 1-1

With County still buoyed by the goal we switched off. Poor defending allowed Salopians down our right and still sleeping the cross came in and the unmarked forward slotted home. 1-2. Poor goal!

Having to do it all again County upped the tempo again. Matt Paton replaced Tom Case. Matt immediately started to upset the Salopians back line.

We were award a free-kick. Rich Fahey stepped up. Delivering the ball box-wards it simply flew over the goalkeeper. 2-2

County Matt Wright replaced Jules Cinotti

Tom Case replaced Glen Farley

County again took the game to Salopians, we just had to be careful not to push too many forward and get caught out at the back.

Then on 76 minutes a fine passing move saw Cam Wallis put through Tom Case and with the on-rushing keeper he calmly clipped his shot over him. 3-2

As the minutes ticked away another couple Tom Case chances saw him hit the post and another well saved.

On 88 minutes Matt Paton was shown a yellow card.

FULL-TIME 3-2

A good win against decent oppo. Some good footy played, some easy things to correct. Still need to gain that fitness for the last 10 minutes, so attending Tuesday training is a must

Well done chaps.

MoM - Luke Kelly - A fine all round centre half performance. Just needs to pick the right long ball.

Donkey - Westwood - Got this for the second goal!

County (4-4-2): Stef Shamlian, Chris Westwood, Neil Spackman(c), Luke Kelly, Bradley Doherty, Jules Cinotti, Rich Fahey, Glen Farley, Damian Proto,(Matt Wright 70), Tom Case (Matt Paton 60), Cam Wallis.
Referee: Chris Beament

Attendance 5