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Barnett
Dunmore
C.Carter (pen)
Bayliss
Ref: Vernon Turner
Asst Ref: Steve Hill & Nick TaylorTrinderbox
squad: Parmar, C.Carter, S.Cobley, Jones, Mills, Goddard, Creedon, Dunmore, Morgan, Bayliss, Barnett, Knight, Hoegger
Fosse turned up on a bright sunny morning at Narborough & Littlethorpe, to face in form Trinderbox in the Stokes Cup Semi-Final. This was the first Semi-Final in the clubs history, and the players were looking forward to playing on neutral ground in what Fosse were hoping would be a historic day.
After an inspired team talk from manager Hillsdon, and a rallying call from the captain, Fosse started brightly. Work rate and endeavour were the order of the day as Fosse time and time again snuffed out the Trinderbox attacking momentum. Barnett and Bayliss continued their fine partnership and were a constant thorn in the Trinderbox back line. With the game setttling down and a couple of half chances for both sides, it was the midfield magician Dunmore who waved his wand-like left foot (which is normally used for standing on .... nothing more) and lashed in a 20 yard volley leaving the keeper with no chance.
Fosse were beginning to dominate the game, but over exhuberrence cost them. Losing the ball upfield and with men committed, Trinderbox broke quickly down the right, and a deep cross was met by the Trinderbox number 10, who had drifted in between Carter and Jones (sort it out lads) The strikers terrific header nestled into the far corner and brought the scores level
Fosse were not to be down hearted though, clearly matching an excellent footballing side throughout the early exchanges. Bayliss and Morgan continued to provide decent service into the box from set pieces and it really was a matter of time before Fosse got another richly deserved break through. Another searching ball from Bayliss saw Mills and Creedon competing at the back post, and after bobbling around the box, the irrespressable Barnett stabbed home to add to his already excellent goal tally.
Half time came and went with the score at 2-1 and Fosse beginning to believe that a place in the final was well within their grasp. Trinderbox were forced into a change at full back after 'One leg' Goddard had destroyed the previous left back, though Goddard did receive a yellow card for a cynical piece of play (tut tut tut) on the very same player
The second half was much the same as the first, with Trinderbox still trying to play football from back to front, whilst Fosse stiffled their every move and continued to look dangerous on the break. With 20 minutes left the ball broke forward and Barnett was brought down for a penalty, all eyes turned to Carter, who despite the pressure smashed the ball into the corner, to give what Fosse hoped for would be an unassailable lead.
Trinderbox continued to press but the Fosse off side trap worked perfectly to deny the number 10 with barely 10 minutes left.
With time running out, the ever dangerous Bayliss delivered the final blow. His inswinging corner landing neatly in the far corner, Fosse were clearly jubilant.
Full time came and the celebrations began. Fosse can now order their Cream Match-Day suits and look forward to an evening at Holmes Park
If you think the report is sh*te, then write something better x
