Hadlow United Vrs Brenchly

2nd October 2005 (WKSLSC)

5-2 Loss

With only having played them a fortnight ago in the league, Hadlow had no problems finding Brenchley's ground for their first ever Senior cup match. This competition starts out with groups of 4 and with div 1 Artois and div 2 high fliers Simla being the other teams this was going to be Hadlow's easier game.

Copying the tactics from their previous successful visit (4-0) Hadlow kicked up the gradient in the first half. The first 20 minutes contained gentle sparring with Hadlow retaining possession well at the back through Matt Betts and Bridges but failing to create many chances. At the same time Cooper was having to mark Brenchley's danger striker.

Then suddenly out of nowhere Brenchley were 3-0 up! Hadlow got one back before half time when a defence splitting pass by King was finished by the left foot by Phil Betts so at half-time it was 3-1.

With the downhill advantage Hadlow started the second half attacking more but again failed to create much and when they did it usually ended with the Brenchley keeper tipping a shot/header over from the lively Phil Betts. With Hadlow piling forward they were caught on the break with their defence outnumbered to make it 4-1. Hadlow's two subs then combined when debutant Paul Kneebone connected with a Webb cross to make it 4-2 but again Hadlow were caught all out attacking by Brenchley to make the final score 5-2.

Hadlow were disappointed at the result given their easy win over the same opposition recently and are beginning to understand the fine line between success and failure at this rarefied height.

Team: Kerton, Carlton, Cooper, M.Betts, Bridges, Excell (Kneebone (1)), King, Garside (Webb), Marsden, Cooley, P.Betts(1)

Sub Not Used: Cook