A sensational giant-killing performance by Red Star. After falling behind they clawed their way back into the game with a penalty and then rode their luck for a while, relying on a couple of ‘worldies’ from their octopus/cat between the sticks. After a long second half stalemate, Red Star nudged ahead with a crucial second, followed swiftly by a calamitous own goal which seemed to break Reunion’s resolve. A fourth goal put the cherry on top as Red Star ended their long journey to the cup final in cruise control.

 

4-1 to Red Star

On the green pastures of Clutton FC, tucked behind the former ‘Warwick Arms’, now disappointingly ‘The Soap Bar Cafe & Gift Shop’, Chew quietly slipped out of the cup. And so was created the most cumbersome sentence ever written for a mild soap joke.

A great day for Corinthian football as we were finally able to assemble for the 45s cup Quarter Final. Div 1 against Div 3 this may have been, but from early on it was clear Red Star weren’t just here for the occasion. Balanced, compact and well organised, a one nil half time lead was well deserved. When a second was added from long range the crowd (2) began to sense a famous giant killing. However, when Chew pulled one back reports of a slaying seemed perhaps premature, but Red Star weren’t about to crumble/flake/dissolve. Two further goals for the league 3 minnows catapulted Red Star into the semis as Josh completed an accomplished hat trick.

A fantastic performance from Red Star, picking up from their bright early season form. A year of ‘what might have been’ kept alive with ‘what might just be’… If the Soap Bar had been open they could have cashed in on silver polish sales.

Thanks to Chew for organising and hosting the game on a very good pitch.

Rapid made the long trip out to a very picturesque Rangeworthy. Unfortunately the ground (and the pub) was the to be the most attractive thing about the match.

Rangeworthy offered a very competitive opposition, with some very good players but seemed oblivious to the Corinthian spirit that we have come to enjoy and expect. Bad tackles aside, I thought I had seen the last of trash talking, diving and ridiculous appeals, sadly this game was full of them!

Rapid certainly weren’t at their best and squandered numerous chances, hitting the post on three occasions so no complaints about the defeat. Rangeworthy defended well, were organised and held a 1 nil halftime lead for the entire second half of the game.

We wish them well in the cup but on this occasion its very hard to give them an even reasonable Corinithian League score.

 

On a Glorious early May Bank holiday weekend, Rangeworthy hosted Rapid Dementia for an eagerly anticipated return to 45’s action. It looked, felt and smelt like it was going to be proper game of football as we arrived for our 11am kick off with the opposition already waiting and ready for action. The smell of deep heat and the discarded “just for men” bottles added to the gladiatorial atmosphere.

Rapid started off with guile and determination forcing the “Worthy” keeper who was to become the man of the match into three or four critical saves within the 1st quarter of the game. Rangeworthy eventually settled into the game after a switch of personnel, thus allowing the influential “Foxy” to show his energy and creativity in the wide left position. With a more balanced side “Worthy” took control of the midfield despite the best efforts of the Rapid captain with his bright, shiny armband and his rapidly tiring centre midfield partner. Worthy taking the lead with a superbly struck right foot shot from one of the Worthy centre midfield trio. The rest of the 1st half petered out relatively uneventful with the only noteworthy incident containing Oscar worthy acting after a robust challenge which was quickly dealt with by the efficient, experienced official in black.

The second half was a story of resolute defending, squandered chances, one BAFTA winning incident (for which the culprit was heavily fined for) and some good football played by both teams. Raid became more and more frustrated as the game went on and as that frustration intensified, a couple of toys came out of the pram. Thankfully though, it was just a minority and the vast majority of the team came for a beer and some nibbles laid on by the local hostelry after the game.

All in all a good day out tarnished somewhat by sour grapes. Let’s hope our next game will be as close and competitive as the first.

 

 

Barely report.

A great cup game which ebbed and flowed. Played in good spirit with Rangeworthy edging a 7 goal thriller.