Reaction: Reserves March into Semi Finals
Boldmere St Michael's Reserves 2-0 Oadby Town Reserves
Wednesday 10th March 2010
Midland Football Combination Challenge Trophy Quarter Final
The Mikes Reserves turned in another gritty display to overcome their in-form Leicestershire visitors. It was a goal in each half from leading goalscorer Johaine Thompson that secured a two-legged semi final with Chasetown, but in truth this was a team performance full of guts and character which showed their determination to hold on to the trophy.
Joint Manager Rob Clarke was delighted: "We've worked our socks off tonight and deserved the win. They started the brighter, but without getting behind us. We got a grip of the game and it was a cracking contest. The first goal was critical and we got the break just before half time with Johaine charging down the keeper's clearance, but he went in bravely and deserved a kind bounce. His second sealed it and Jenko produced a great stop to keep the distance. It's a compliment to the lads when you look at the strength of team they put out against us. Given their attacking flair on display, the fact that Jenko only had one save to make shows just how well we defended as a unit."
The Mikes will now face Chasetown in the semi-final, playing the first leg at home on Wednesday 24th March (7:30pm). This comes seven days after the teams clash in the semi final second leg of the Challenge Bowl (Wednesday 17th March). That game kicks off at the earlier time of 7:15pm.
Before then, the Mikes will be defending the other trophy they won last year. This Saturday 13th March they visit Knowle Reserves of the Midland Combination Division 2, in the Quarter Final of the Smedley Crooke Memorial Challenge Cup (3:00pm).
