A & Z Reserves FC vs NK Dons FC
Guest Post by James Sargeant
With the recent arsenal-esque capitulation fresh in their memory, the Dons were able looking to further their impressive cup run. However their opponents, heralding from the league above would certainly be no walkover. The game itself was also called into question with continued pitch inspections by the match officials, due to a frozen pitch. However under much pressure from both sides the officials agreed to let the game kick off.
The frozen pitch seemed to affect the mindsets of the Dons player, early on who started sluggishly. This allowed their opponents to take an early lead when the Dons failed to clear their lines allowing a cross to come in, which was met with a delightful volley from the opposition’s main threat, a striker who could only be described as Peter Crouch due to his gangly physical appearance. Don’s fans were no doubt worried as tall strikers often represent a great challenge for the Dons defence, who are hardly renowned for their height or ability to deal effectively with balls in the air.
The half continued with neither side seemingly able to keep hold of the ball and neither side willing to make many crunching tackles, no doubt due to the pitch which still resembled an arena more befitting ‘Jurassic park on ice’, than a football match. The hosts almost doubled their lead through a Whitehead header which luckily bounced off the post and into the arms of the grateful Sewell. However just before half time the Dons were able to get back into the match when a corner was met bravely by the head of John Fairbairn who wasn’t put off by Luke ‘The big hairy monster’ Vint screaming behind him and Fairbairn levelled the scores going into half time.
Goal Scorer J Fairbairn celebrates with Vint
The second half continued in a sloppy manner, with neither side able to dominate. A great chance fell to the opposition strikers when Sewell made a great save which was parried to an opposition player just 12 yards out who struck a vicious goal bound effort goalwards only to be blocked albeit with a hint of handball by Sargeant who was able to save the Dons with some defending John Terry would be proud of! However his good fortune did not last long as a pull over the top caught him out of position and put Crouch through on goal and with neither Sargeant, Mendes or Fairbairn able to catch him Crouch dully slotted the ball comfortable into the corner passed Sewell making the score 2-1 to the hosts.
The Dons aren’t renowned for battling back from losing positions but this did not enter their minds as the continued to fight their way back into the game. Perhaps inspired by their captain Marvel and his inspirational words of ‘come on lads this isn’t a tea party’. With his words fresh in the minds of the players the Dons were able to level when a delightful ball from Matt Fairbairn was controlled expertly by super sub Oakley who dispatched the ball into the net sending the Dons fans wild and continuing his fine tradition of only scoring important and impressive goals.
The Dons were sensing rivers of blood and continued to look for a winner, with Mendes in particular impressing at the back as the Dons finally seemed as though they had Crouch under control. Mendes’ determination was highlighted by his aerial battle with Whitehead who continued to look a threat in the air, with one clash of heads resulting in Mendes chipping Whiteheads tooth.
Finally however the Dons were able to take the lead. A Dons attack was looking promising when another ball was played through to Oakley who turned on a six pence and found himself through on goal… However the referee inexplicable did not allow play and pulled the game back for an earlier infringement much to the Dons Fury. However they need not have worried as from the resulting Mendes free kick Luke Vint rose like a salmon the put the Dons ahead for the 1st time, with not long remaining. However with recent defensive problems the game was far from over as the dons have shown all season by conceding late goals. However in this instance they were able to hold out for the win, setting up an eagerly anticipated semi-final as they go in search of their 1st silverware.
Result: 2 – 3 (W)
Man of the Match: Nick “the baby face assasin” Oakley
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