L4 Football Academy (L4 JF 1 vs 5 AFC Warner Colts

Over use of the new sin bin rule and an inconsistency of officiating led to us being reduced to 10 men with over 35 minutes left to play. Our first half performance was outstanding despite the awful pitch which neither side could adjust too we got off to a dream start when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Gift. Zico put the ball in the net but the decision stood and up stepped Anthony Cooke who kept his cool from 12 yards. It was a battling display against the league leaders and our work rate out of possession was superb. Warner hit back not long before the break with a deflected shot but we sill created several good chances and should have restored our lead when Zico latched on to Paddy’s terrific through ball to round the keeper only for his effort to go wide.

Five minutes into the second half an error from Harry led to the ball crossing the line and in frustration Sam questioned why an offside decision wasn’t awarded, that led to the ref showing him a straight red card which was extremely harsh and ultimately cost us the game. Further mistakes were made and Warner finished with three more goals but 5-1 was a tough blow to take in a game that we felt we were very much in up until the sending off. The lads must be applauded however for their attitude and positivity until the very end, despite exiting the cup there can still be positives from a season that has been full of drama and frustration.