Affinity 3 vs 2 Bilton Evangelical Church

<p>It was a first meeting between Affinity and Bilton for this quarter final cup clash.&nbsp; An early change of shirts was required with Affinity pulling on the grey of Streams of Life.&nbsp;

<p>The start of the game was nip and tuck with both sides feeling their way into the game slowly.&nbsp; Bilton tested the Affinity defence early doors and Jobo in particular ensured that tackles were effective and balls were well cleared.&nbsp;

<p>As in recent games Affinity found themselves a goal behind and playing catch up when they failed to deal with a long throw with ball being played out to left and Dale beaten from a tight angle.&nbsp;

<p>Affinity&rsquo;s response was effective though and within 10 minutes we were level with Josh P prodding home a Lee cross, with Bilton rueing not clearing their lines as Affinity had minutes earlier.&nbsp; Plenty of endeavour followed with Affinity nearly taking the lead with Lee just failing to reach a cross shot from Josh P.&nbsp;

<p>A half time switch was necessary with Josh S replacing Lee who had turned his ankle in trying to reach the through ball minutes before half time.&nbsp; The second half was a more open affair with both sides pushing forward for the next goal.&nbsp; Neither side were able to gain the control that they hoped their endeavour would be rewarded with.

<p>Bilton would strike first though with a penalty being given as Dale took a bit of man and ball following the defence&rsquo;s failure to clear a ball following a Bilton attack.&nbsp; The somewhat cocky penalty was placed in the left corner giving Dale no chance.

<p>With plenty of time still remaining there was no sense of panic with Affinity&rsquo;s play and steady pressure began to mount.&nbsp; The equalising goal would be a bitter blow for Bilton as the goalie allowed a fairly weak shot from Josh P to slip through his hands and into the goal.

<p>As the game edged towards extra time Dale made a brave save at the feet of a Bilton attacker that brought him a yellow card for his reckless challenge.&nbsp; Affinity&rsquo;s winner came 10 minutes from the end.&nbsp; Jordan&rsquo;s well placed free kick beat the goalie but came back off the bar with Gary reacting quickest to place the ball in the net.

<p>Bilton pushed men forward but Affinity&rsquo;s defence held firm seeing the game out.&nbsp; A hard fought victory in the end with the manner of the second goal somewhat fortunate.&nbsp; Affinity move onto a semi final only 90 minutes away from a 2nd cup final in a row.

<p>Man of the match goes to Jobo whose all action performance contributed greatly to the win