NWM Olympico 5 vs 4 Plumtree

<p>The actual game ended 1-1 after extra time and NWM Olymico won 4-3 on penalties.

<p>Match report by Matt Court

<p>Empal Cup fever hit Plumtree again this weekend, with an exciting tie against NWM Olympico who were sitting mid table in Division 2.&nbsp; A win today would have put Plumtree into the last 16 for an even more tempting tie against Arnold Cross Keys (top of Division 1)!!<br />&nbsp;<br />Defensive casualties had left the management with a few problems to address, but upon suggestion to the team to go with an aggressive 3-5-2 formation, the boys were up for it.&nbsp; Chris P looked slightly concerned with the prospect of running up and down the wing all game following a night on the shandies!!<br />&nbsp;<br />Plumtree started the game well, Olympico had some good players with a pace, but the formation was definitely was playing to our advantage.&nbsp; Unfortunately (as often it is) we went a goal behind after the ball was crossed long, Olympico's left back came flying in unmarked and slotted the ball into the corner of the net.&nbsp; Perhaps this displayed the risks of the formation being played.&nbsp; However, heads were not dropped and instead of Olympico taking the initiative, Plumtree upped their game.&nbsp; Paul T, Simon and Dunc were doing a great job in the middle of midfield, all putting in strong tackles to win the ball back to get the wingers and strikers into the game.<br />&nbsp;<br />Plumtree's first chance came from a long clearance by Roscoe, flicked on by Omar to be chased down by Matt.&nbsp; Upon beating the defender to the ball and to be subsequently through on goal, Matt was hacked down just outside the area.&nbsp; The resulting free kick unfortunately came to nothing.&nbsp; The next noticeable chance involved a lovely move between Omar and Jonny Rowe, Jonny delivering a superb cross as he so often does, only to be headed just over by Matt.&nbsp; It wasn't long though before the ball was in the back of the net for a well earned equaliser.&nbsp; Again it was a good move through midfield that released Jonny on the right wing.&nbsp; His cross was once again met by Matt, and a strong header (on target this time) ended a great move.<br />&nbsp;<br />For much of the second half we struggled to get going in the same strong vein of the 1st, but defensively we remained pretty strong.&nbsp; Roscoe was in great form and a made a number of saves throughout to keep us well in the game, including saving a penalty after a dodgy handball decision.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />Extra time brought some fun in the shape of Toz on the floor being kicked repeatedly by one of their players.&nbsp; Handbags ensued as you can imagine. I say fun, Toz was still smiling anyway.&nbsp; Some more last ditch defending and a header from Muzzy that was cleared of the line, completed a very even game of cup football.

<p>Our penalty luck of round one unfortunately wasn't with is this time, but the spirit displayed throughout the match was definitely there.&nbsp; I mentioned in last weeks report about our lack of passing and generally looking to play football on the floor, today was a complete turnaround.&nbsp; If we continue this form into the league I'm sure it will bring every success and more chances will be created.<br />&nbsp;<br />MOM for me was Chris P.&nbsp; Everyone played well and defensively I have to mention Dino, CK, Paul Gray and Roscoe as they played out their skin for the Gladbach cause.&nbsp; But Chris P I think edged it this week for his tireless running up and down the left wing, supporting Dino defensively whilst being part of some good attacking moves.<br />&nbsp;<br />By the way, those of you that were there are probably thinking "He hasn't mentioned the ref much?"&nbsp; Well...obviously he was shocking, had no control over the game and spoilt the game in many ways.&nbsp; But...he did provide me with my comedy moment of the day.&nbsp; Just before extra time was about to start, he finished his coffee from his flask, lit a fag and proceeded to put a lit fag in his pocket.&nbsp; Pure class!!!!!&nbsp; I'll leave you with that one.... Laters!!