KINGS AFC 1 - 0 MELTIS CORINTHIANS RESERVES

Watson Shield Semi Final

Saturday 23rd February 2008

Kings: Kirby, Wilson, Loosemore, Dyer, Sansom (B.Whelan), Haywood, Sacbuker, Tomlin, Morgan (Minty), J.Clements (Barber), Milner

Half time score: 1-0

Kings AFC Scorer: Morgan

Yellow Cards: Haywood, Tomlin, J.Clements

MAN OF THE MATCH MIKE MILNER

The much anticipated game was upon us. The Kings players had been focussed on this for the past few games and with Nathan Clements ruled out through injury, the team had some minor changes. Josh Clements moved up front with the ever reliable Milner coming in at right midfield.

The game kicked off at a frantic pace with Meltis dominating the opening minutes without really creating any chances. The much changed Meltis had several players from the first game missing, but the Kings team handled well what was thrown at them.

Milner began the first Kings attack, launching a cross field wonder ball that Clements was unlucky not to get onto the end of.

Kings continued to build on their usual slow start with Tomlin picking the ball up coming in from the left and sending a through ball for Morgan to latch onto. With the Meltis defender letting the ball go under him, Morgan ran through on goal and unleashed a left footed drive that went under the keeper and nestled in the back of the net. 1 - 0

Kings piled forward again with a shot being blocked in the box. In what seemed an eternity Sacbuker, Morgan & Tomlin tried to create a shooting opportunity, with the ball finally landing at Clements feet who, off balance, shot powerfully at goal. The keeper managed to palm the ball away from the goal leading to a Kings corner. From the corner, Milner swung in a beautiful cross and with the aid of the wind, appeared to fly straight into the goal. With the back if the net rustled, Kings players began to celebrate, until the glanced at the linesman who did not give the goal.

Kings were beginning to use the flanks with Wilson & Loosemore sending some quality throw-ins down the wings. Milner used his vision to pick a pass out and Tomlin was using his skill to past the players. However the 1st half had few chances and was scrappy with the conditions of the pitch being poor. Kings battled through out with Haywood & Sacbuker dominating the midfield. The Kings players were getting stuck into their opponents with several crunching tackles, with Tomlin being booked for a mis-timed challenge. The ref had been solid and fair to both teams in the opening half.

HALF TIME

The second half saw few Meltis attacks, however their forward line were lively and mobile and with the pacey right winger, had a few options going forward. Early in the half, a Meltis player had a hopeful shot that was goal bound, until Kirby, diving the wrong way, extended his right leg and clipped the ball round the post. This was by far Meltis best attack, but Kings were in battle mode and were going to ensure that this opportunity didn't happen again.

Sansom & Dyer were strong throughout along with both full backs who marshalled the Meltis attacks turning them into Kings Attacks. As the second half progressed, Sansom intercepted a forward ball and passed to Morgan, who in the left wing area hit a cross field ball to Wilson who was powering up from right back. Wilson had a great first touch and hit the ball forward, running past two defenders before hitting a cross that was deflected out for a corner. The best move by Kings so far.

Haywood was battling hard against his Meltis counterpart. With Haywood getting the better of his opponent, he was blatantly fouled, with the ref blowing his whistle. Haywood was infuriated by the challenge and pushed his opponent to the ground. Luckily the ref saw that the Meltis player was the culprit here and booked him. The Kings captain was lucky not to get booked, but continued to dominant the midfield alongside Sacbuker.

As the game progressed, the game became scrappier with few chances. Ben Whelan came on for Sansom, with Milner slotting in at Centre Back. The new setup brought an instant return with Dyer sending the ball to Wilson. He then sent a ball to Morgan's feet, who turned and sent a through ball for Whelan. Whelan, on the right wing, ran onto the through ball into the Meltis goal area and dragged the ball back to his stronger left foot and was about to dispatch the ball, when the on rushing Meltis keeper touched the ball away from Whelan’s feet.

Kings were getting stronger as the game came to an end, Tomlin & Loosemore linked up well before getting the ball to Haywood’s feet who sent a wild shot out for a throw in! Although Haywood "claimed" it was a ball out to the wing! With time ticking, the Meltis team had a rare attack, getting into the Kings penalty area and the Meltis player appeared to fall over Haywood’s vital interception. Calls for a penalty went unfounded and the ref shouted play on.

Kings ran down the clock with Sacbuker & Tomlin skilfully wasting a few minutes in the opposition area. Minty came on for the last 6 seconds of the game with Kings deservedly winning and making it to the final!

Wembley here we come!

By Lee Morgan