Methven march into the final

 

Christchurch Utd 1 V Methven 3

 

This was not just another match, it was a duel, a survival of the fittest; whoever wanted the game more would take the spoils. It was to be treated as a semi final, seen as both sides had gained 6 points each in the group stage so far. John 'the governor' Peneycad lead the boys out, as the skipper for the day in what could be an epic encounter.

The match began with both teams working hard at denying each other space and attempts at goal were few and far between. 

The breakthrough final arrived via a defensive error. The fullback stood on the ball, propelling his body out of control as if he was fired out of a canon, leaving the ball on a plate in the 6 yard box. Luccini has had quite the appetite for goals of late and he only needed one bite at this chance. The talisman took one swing at the ball and fired it past the keeper, leaving the home side with food for thought on cutting out the gifts at the back, 0-1.

Halftime came and went but the game was to go flat with the action mainly in the middle of the park, neither side able to penetrate or create goalscoring chances. 

Was it casualness or just bad luck? Either way the Methven side were given a wake up call when young Scholesy picked up the ball down the left flank; cut inside and launched an audacious effort at goal. The wind still being a nuisance, helped the ball along the way in a looping fashion as it bared down on goal. The veteran keeper, Wasley was simply caught out by it and was unable to prevent its trajectory as he and the ball ended up in the back of the net, 1-1. The game was well and truly on now and the home side had the bit between their teeth. However 5 minutes later Methven calmed the situation in true champion style. Hugo Smith played a majestic sidewinder pass through to new boy Liam Hett, who still had work to do as he beat off 2 defenders with his caveman strength. He lifted his head and noticed the keeper admiring the breakaway attack, stood in no mans land. Hett with quality and placement, gloriously chipped the ball across goal where it nestled comfortably in the net, 1-2.

This was the tonic they needed and it really wouldn't be a match without a Luccini corner. Unbelievably it would be a carbon copy of his last set piece, which makes it 3 against the same keeper now. The Czech genius whipped in the swinging corner, untouched and as pure as it's inception, as it deceived everyone and found its way to into the net, 1-3. The Christchurch keeper will be happy to see the back of Luccini as he shook his first in contempt at the Methven celebrations; cursing the day he laid eyes on him.

Christchurch Utd had run out of puff by this point. Methven had done a good job all day, keeping the attacking centre back, Rooster penned in; stifling their creativity.

The final whistle sounded and Methven had done it, they had made it into the final of the league cup. Already this season we have seen the mountaineers break their own record by winning the league title for the first time and now there is a chance to break another record and win the double. As if written in the stars, they will go head to head with Western Generals for the honour. This is a team that has been the thorn in Methven's side all season long, as they have drawn and lost to them already. The scene has been set for a thrilling encounter next Saturday 18th August, 2:30 kick off at Warren Park.

 

Other results:

Methven Reserves 5 V FC Twenty 11 Dads Army 4

Methven 15th grade 3 V St Bedes