Today we have a cup quarterfinal against a side in the top division in Crofton Albion. The pitch itself wasn’t the greatest, but we just have to deal with it like the other side will do. As the game started, we found our feet a little bit, they weren’t suffocating us with a press and at times we could play out and get into promising positions. However, the balance of the game shifted to them a bit following George Bastick finding himself on the receiving end of a sin-bin for 10 minutes. Our opponents capitalised on this as a ball over our defence was played, and their striker raced onto it for 1-0. As George came back onto the pitch, we carried on playing the way with balls out from the back and moving through the midfield. The game was even for a bit, but they grabbed their second as another ball was played through to their striker, and he finished past Romeo for 2-0 just before half-time.

Overall it seemed a close half between the 2 teams, but we just need to take our chances in the second half when we get them. However, we didn’t have the best start as only 10 minutes into the half, Jake received a straight red card for a challenge that probably didn’t warrant a sending off. They then got their third after a mix up at the back from us which put the game to bed for 3-0. Yet, the drama was not over as George White then got himself sent off with only 10 minutes left for a second yellow card. Overall it’s a bit disheartening to lose in the way we did, but we look to bounce back next week against Ellis.

Match report by Ciaran Larkin.