Chasetown 1-2 Boldmere St. Michaels Reserves
(1-2 on aggregate, 1-1 at 90 minutes)
Monday 12th April 2010
Midland Football Combination Challenge Trophy – Semi Final Second Leg
The Mikes Reserves progressed to their second cup final of the season, keeping their grip in the competition they have won in the last two seasons. An extra time penalty was all that separated the sides, following yet another epic battle at The Scholars.
The hosts had the better of the first half, but the battle largely took place in midfield. Play swung end-to-end as the game was again played at a frenetic pace, but neither keeper was really troubled until just before half time. The Mikes were caught out by a set piece and a low 20 yard drive deflected off Mikes skipper Cam Fowler and flew into the bottom corner past the wrong-footed Adam Jenkins.
The home side were in the ascendancy, and The Mikes had to dig in deep to keep the hosts at bay. Ramarlo Barrett was a towering presence, clearing two dangerous long throws and the visitors were glad to hear the half time whistle.
Half Time: Chasetown 1-0 The Mikes
The Mikes started the second half more positively and made an early substitution, sending on Tom Clews for Adam Morton. The Mikes were looking threatening from corners, and they got on level terms via this route. Richard Dunleavy headed an Andre Gonzales delivery back into the danger area, where Johaine Thompson showed good alertness to nip in front of keeper Green to nod home from close range.
Thompson powered away from Lewis as the home defence opened up for the first time in the match, but keeper Green saved bravely at the feet of the big striker. The match then settled into a similar pattern to the first half, with no let up in the furious pace, but with defences firmly on top.
It was the Mikes who looked the more likely to prevent the tie going into extra time, and felt they should have had a late penalty. Swain was clearly clipped as he turned in the box, but he received no reward for his honesty by staying on his feet, as no decision was forthcoming and he was crowded out.
In the dying minutes the hosts carved out the best chance from nothing. A superb cross to the far post found the waiting Scandrett. As the home contingent prepared to celebrate, Adam Jenkins produced a wonder save to claw out the home striker’s goal-bound header from close range.
90 minutes: Chasetown 1-1 The Mikes
The Mikes started the extra period well, penning the hosts back from the outset. They deservedly gained the advantage when Tom Clews capitalised on some uncharacteristically hesitant defending in the home ranks. Tom Clews dispossessed his marker as he tried to shepherd the ball out of play. As he wriggled free in the box, he was wrestled to the ground and a spot kick was the only possible outcome.
Jorma Seabourne stepped up to confidently despatch the spot kick beyond the diving Green.
The Mikes defended resolutely to keep the home onslaught at bay. With Ramarlo Barratt and Richard Dunleavy outstanding at the heart of the defence, Adam Jenkins remained largely untroubled. The only real alarm came when Jamel Wilson was penalised on the edge of the box, but home skipper Jamie Hawkins flashed his shot narrowly wide.
After the turnaround, the home side visibly tired. With a lead to hang onto, the Mikes looked stronger and ran the clock down to register their third successive Challenge Trophy final appearance. They will now round off their season with a trip to Barwell for the final, which is scheduled for Thursday 6th May (7:45pm).
Full Time aet: Chasetown 1-2 The Mikes
The Mikes:
1 Adam Jenkins; 2 Adam Swain; 3 Jorma Seabourne; 4 Richard Dunleavy; 5 Jamel Wilson; 6 Cam Fowler (Capt); 7 Ceiran McLean; 8 Ramarlo Barrett; 9 Johaine Thompson; 10 Adam Morton; 11 Andre Gonzales.
Subs:
12 Tom Clews (for Morton); GK Luis Connor; 14 Liam Morrall; 15 Jack Stone; 16 James Walker.
Scorers: Thompson; Seabourne (pen).
