The 2nd Qualifying Round of the F.A.Cup. £7,500 for the winner and dreams of Arsenal or Manchester United in the final in Cardiff in May. But first, today at Clarence Park for the visit of Wingate and Finchley of The Ryman 1st Division North where they are in the top third. A young side save for the veteran Clive Wilson, formerley of Spurs and Chelsea, and they include former Saint Andy Walker in goal.
The Dynamic Duo made one change from the midweek game at Hayes, Brown in for Townley. The full side: Wilmot in goal; the back four: Moran, Brown (C), Campbell and Naylor; in the midfield: Oakes, Challinor, Castle and Smith; and up front: Martin and Crawshaw. On the bench: Townley, Hollenbach, Keen, Sippetts and De Souza. In the stand: Roberts and Gould. Getting married today: Evans.
Well it wasn't a classic.
Teams from the middle of Division One are not going to come to the Premier League leaders and allow them to show their class. To their credit, Wingate and Finchley were up for the cup and they play good football. They defended tightly, at the back and in midfield and made it difficult for City to create many chances. Quality teams don't need many but it was a frustrating wait until the 34th minute before the opening goal. An Oakes free kick from wide right was met by a powerful Crawshaw header, unchallenged, from 9 yards. 1-0. Shortly after, Crawshaw tweaked a hamstring and was replaced by De Souza. H.T.
As is usual, the second half followed the first, and the pattern of the game was repeated, too. The visitors stretched the home defence for a good spell and Wilmot was required to safely gather a number of crosses from either flank. Hollenbach came on for Smith and Sippetts for Martin. The Saints second goal came from an Oakes through ball, gathered by De Souza a few yards outside the box. Walker came out smartly but De Souza hit a firm chip into the net from 18 yards. A fine strike. 2-0. City shut up shop and finished at a canter. F.T.
Well it wasn't a classic but in the second qualifying round of The F.A.Cup, winning is the only thing. City were comfortable winners against a willing Wingate and Finchley side, who worked hard in defence but found it difficult to create real chances in attack They restricted the home side to a very few chances but that was enough. The Duo will be pleased with a workmanlike victory and will hope for a home tie against Spurs, Liverpool, Chelmsford or Carshalton in the next round.
The crowd was, perhaps 450 and I would struggle to choose a MotM. They all did their job today.
Entertainment 7/10. Technical merit 7/10. Atmosphere 6/10. Referee 7/10.
Match report by Homer |
