WorldNet 2005: Sunday
Last updated : 19 July 2005 By Firparkcorner
Welling did not have the best of Saturday’s, losing all three games without scoring a goal. After a bit of a midfield battle FPC managed to take control though and when Dave H scored from a knock down it was probably deserved. This jarred Welling into a response but they only created one chance which was scooped high over the bar. The game was put beyond doubt when Tony shot home from around twenty yards, wrong footing the ‘keeper.
 | Professional as ever |
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Due to the nature of the draw the team were aware that either Oxford or Everton would be waiting in the next round. That game was scrappy but Everton looked marginally better and pinched the win with an injury time header. The team used the break between games to return to bed and enjoy some breakfast – the day was finally starting!
However, the performance against Everton was rather muted. The first half was a total non-event but Everton scored after a fortuitous break of the ball early in the second period. FPC raised the game at this point and promptly got an equaliser – Joe heading/nosing in from a corner. Neither side dominated the remaining 10 minutes although after forcing a series of corners Everton may have felt they should have won the game in normal time. Some strong words were spoken before the golden goal period started and the team responded superbly. Joe robbed a defender and raced to the by line before finding Barry with his centre and he had a simple task to side foot home and send FPC into the next round. The game could have gone either way and FPC were well aware and improvement was needed.
 | It begins to go pete tong |
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The quarter final match was against Stockport County and by this point it was evident that both teams were feeling the pace of the day. Stockport’s main tactic involved launching high balls to the head of a giant striker but FPC could not break down their resolute defence either. The game had 0-0 written all over it and another golden goal period was coming up. The Stockport guys were dead on their feet by this stage and had taken to defending the 18 yard line with nine outfield players. Despite this, FPC had two glorious chances to win the game. A soft penalty was awarded for a barge but Gav had his kick saved. Moments later Barry raced through but stuck the ball from six yards with only the goalie to beat. That was that and the game went to penalties, to be taken into the exact same goal as FPC’s last shoot out exit at WorldNet. This time a good start was made, Farmer saving the first kick but subsequent misses from Tony and Clarko gave Stockport the advantage. Their man then blasted high and wide and the shootout went to sudden death. They scored, Farmer saw his shot brilliantly saved and the team were denied in cruel fashion again.
So, the Leeds competition was over for another year but yet again the team did themselves proud. There’s always next time!