Goal: Michael AO Assist: O’neil
Saturday saw LAFC arrive at Waring Park looking for their first win against NC in order to get one step closer to retaining the Mike Laxton Trophy. The only previous time LAFC had played at this ground they lost to Eltham Green in the semi-final of the 05-06 Mike King Cup, LAFC hoped this time they would have a quarter final win.
Following the success of last weeks recording of the game this week we had early 12 o’clock KO off to aid Sky Sports in their scheduling of live matches. Unfortunately the outside broadcasting unit got lost on the way and gave up and went home. Discussions are underway for next weeks match.
A last minute withdrawal from the side for what must be the lamest excuse yet meant the return of Ade between the sticks. The only other change was the introduction of Junior up front. For the first half of the game the match was evenly poised with both teams making chances but failing to convert. The match, a physical battle for both teams, was a passionate affair with everyone giving their all. An early substitution was required early on as Fish withdrew injured to be replaced by Jon B. Notable moments in the first half included a NC player almost putting Junior in a headlock to try and get the ball off him, and a NC handball appeal rejected by the referee when Jon B, on the post, cleared the ball from a corner. Half time came with the score 0 – 0.
The second half started with no changes to the LAFC line up. NC kicked off only for there 3rd pass to be intercepted by Jon B. A quick move involving Junior and Mustafa followed playing Jon B though the back line only for the shot to be just over. This move set a precedent for the beginning of the half LAFC had the majority share of the ball in the opening stages. During this spell Junior was replaced by Richard and swap of positions around followed. This stage of the match contained the first yellow card. This was awarded to the NC captain who fouled Michael while chasing him as the last defender. NC started to keep the ball and during one attack O’neill won the ball in the right back area and played a beautiful ball forward which found Michael. He controlled it well passing the last line of defence, shot and scored. NC restarted the match and within the minute equalised. The linesman had flagged for offside which was overruled by the ref. An aggrieved Michael “pointed this out" to the referee who booked him for dissent. LAFC’s first yellow of the season. The game then returned to much the same as the first half – an even battle with both teams having periods of control and opportunities to score requiring Ade to make a couple of amazing saves. LAFC soon had another opportunity to score when following a spill by the NC keeper the ball fell to Richard who headed the ball towards an empty net. An empty net that is apart from Alix who was standing in the middle of it and the ball hit him in the back. Another NC picked up a yellow for bad tackle, and then the NC captain got his second yellow of the match for a really bad tackle and was sent off. LAFC then attacked hard but were unable to get through the 10 men. Full time score 1 – 1.
Extra time now followed. Jon B came of to be replaced by a fresh set of legs in the form of Julian. The first half passed without much incident. The second started and about 5 mins into the second period of extra time a counter attack from NC gave a long cross into the box and the attacker beat the LAFC defensive to the ball and headed it home. It was heard said by one LAFC player that the scorer was a good look-alike for Peter Crouch! LAFC continued to pressure the NC goal but unfortunately weren’t able to score. For two years running LAFC were knocked out of cup competitions at Waring Park.
LAFC can take credit from this match though they played one of the, if not the, best team performance of the season so far. Hopefully this will carry across into next weeks match.
