Cruel Cup Exit After Classy Performance !

<p>Midweek quarter final was up next for high flying TTC. We had 16 players available for selection the only decision was what formation and starting 11 was we going to go with baring in mind it was our 2nd game in 4 days and an important 4th round tie in sheffield n hallamshire cup to come 3 days later. After a few days of deliberating and a few phone calls we decided to go 4231 for reason to set off compact and in a good shape knowing previous meetings between queens they have come out fast 1st 15 mins. So the line up was aaron n jack at full bk dosh n brunyee at centre half. dukey was holding and sean was the floater salty n rougvie it the wings jonty played in the whole and coult9 lead the line. Left a very strong bench of ian jake jonni phil b and ollie.

<p>For a change we set off really well seeing alot of the ball but not long into game dukey turned is ankle with no 1 round him and forced us into making our 1st change. As ian had took it well been on bench we decided to put him on at centre half with brunyee moving up into midfield. Luckily this didnt affect us and we was only team playing any football queens was happy just to keep launching the ball long at every oppertunity to there winger or forward who seemed to love been offside. Our play and pressure was rewarded from a set piece when after a scramble round the box super sub ian headed home. The pattern of the play for rest of the half was same but unfortunately we couldnt find that 2nd goal.

<p>2nd half again thought we set off well playing some good stuff and had sum good chances from set pieces a few free kicks into box and a few corners too but we couldnt make it count. Queens started having a bit more of the ball but didnt look like scoring till we gave them a penalty. There lad slots home well to bring queens level at 1-1. Queens remained on top and took the like quite spawny from a 20 yard shot that took 2 deflections and trickled into bottom corner. We had made 2 changes a welcome bk from injury saw jonni replace rougvie and jake replaced jack at full bk. We showed great character to roll our sleeves up and try find that equaliser and we was knocking 4th change came with under 5 to go, phil badger replaced arron for the closing moments. Heading into the last few minutes of the game we was now chucking the kitchen sink at them and finally after a goal mouth scramble the ball drops to salty who smashes home from close range to put the score level and take us into that dreaded penalty shootout.

<p>The pens are a lottery queens it 5 unsavable 1's and unfortunately for us saun missed our 2nd kick. Cruel way to go out which over the 90 we didnt deserve was another great team effort and performance. We put it to bed and move on to sunday's 4th round cup tie were again the management will be looking to rotate the pack going into our 3rd game in 7 days.