03.11.07
Man of the match: John Quinton
AFC Corinthians went into this cup match against opposition from a far higher division with nothing to lose and thus manager Matt Charters opted for an attacking 4-3-3 formation. With Dan Groves, Fin Mulholland and Richard Cotterill unavailable several changes were made, and with this being Dave Hurley’s last game before he disappears off to Australia, the boys were hoping to give him a good send off.
From the outset Sandhurst looked to stamp their authority on the game, moving the ball quickly to the flanks and looking to attack at every opportunity. Corinthians managed to contain these attacks and looked to attack themselves which made for a very open and entertaining cup tie.
As the game settled the Sandhurst right-winger began to look very lively and was giving Jon Simmons at left-back a torrid time, cutting in off his flank and causing havoc by committing players and running at pace. A combination of good movement and quick passing led to a couple of early chances for Sandhurst with their number 9 guilty of shooting wide from 6 yards out with the goal at his mercy. Quick link play from the home side’s front two was causing problems and although centre backs Jon Quinton and Ian O’Reilly were standing up well to the challenge, shear weight of numbers and composure on the ball meant Corinthians were on the back foot for much of the opening twenty minutes.
Corinthians were holding out and defending well though and were starting to look dangerous on the break. On fifteen minutes Joff Charters managed to slip a neat ball through for John Smith to find himself through on goal but the onrushing Sandhurst keeper made himself big and parried the shot.
The game was opening up and Corinthians were beginning to command more of the ball and with Sandhurst committing fouls around their box, one leading to Joff Charters heading just wide from a Ben Charters free-kick. Another good interchange between Joff Charters and Smith led to the latter firing wide, but Corinthians were starting to grow in confidence. Andy Taplin and Joe Charters in midfield were starting to see more of the ball, and Daniel Huggins in particular was looking lively up front.Sadly, just as they were staring to get a foot hold in the game, Corinthians found themselves one down. Sandhurst broke down the left wing leading to the number 10 cutting inside and trying his luck from outside the box, the low shot just too wide of Jamie Scott in goal.
After initially holding on to the ball well Corinthians were being closed down quickly by a tenacious Sandhurst team and they began to rely more and more on the long ball up to the front men. This ultimately surrendered possession and Sandhurst were using the ball well. With Corinthians holding a high line, the Sandhurst no.10 timed his run to perfection and was through on goal. One on one with Scott, he slid the ball to his right winger who rolled the ball into the empty net. Although the linesman did flag for offside the referee decided he had a better view from the and over-ruled. With ten minutes of the half remaining Smith was replaced by Drew Warnke after pulling up with a muscle injury. 2-0 at half time.
Although 2 down, Corinthians were still very much in the game and the manager’s team talk was very much reflected that.
The second half was a lot tighter than the first, with Corinthians being pushed further and further back as the half progressed. Sandhurst retained the ball for long periods without really causing too many problems. Again Corinthians relied on the break but were cautious not to over commit.
Ten minutes into 2nd half the Corinthians were punished for some half hearted tackling when the Sandhurst left-back picked up the ball close to the half way line and was allowed to run with it. After cutting inside his maker and then eluding a tackle he found himself in on goal and fired into the corner leaving Scott no chance. Frustrating as Corinthians had been containing Sandhurst up to that point.
Hurely was replaced by Chris Long and the bulk of the second half was played in midfield, with both sides struggling to make clear cut chances, although again Sandhurst enjoyed the Lion’s share of the possession. With nothing to lose Corinthans changed to a 3-4-3 formation for the last 10mins meaning that they were quite frenetic but with little real quality.
Much like last weeks cup game, Corinthians can walk away from this with their heads held high. A gutsy and spirited performance against a good side should stand them in good stead as they resume league duties with a tricky game against Unity at home next week.
Special mention goes to Dave Hurley who is now off travelling in Australia for 6 months. Everybody at the club wishes him a good time and a safe return.