On Friday evening, AFC Sudbury Manager Keith Martin prayed to his God:
"As you know, my Lord, The team is unbeaten in the Jewson Eastern Counties League, Premier Division with 9 wins and 2 draws, and we should win the League for the 4th consecutive season. Tomorrow, we play St Albans City, top of the Ryman Premier League, 3 divisions above us in the pyramid, in the 4th qualifying round of the F.A.Cup, and I need your help.
Please let my team start strongly, quick, creative, using the width of the pitch and dangerous in attack. After about 15 minutes, allow Claydon to cause confusion in their defence and score. 1-0. Let us dictate the play. Limit the visitors to one shot on target in the game, and one corner kick in the first half. Make them play far too deep throughout the match. Most important of all, Lord, and I don't know how you will do this, camouflage from St Albans City that my defence are all over 6 feet tall and dominant in the air. In comparison with the Ryman Premier, they lack pace and would be badly exposed if the ball is kept on the ground. If that isn't spotted, and they launch high balls at us from deep all day, we can progress in the competition."
A voice replied:
"Well, my son, The Lord prefers the oval ball and is not that interested in football. In addition, the desires of the good people of St. Albans, Englands First Martyr, must be recognised. However, prayers should not go unanswered and The Lord will look kindly on Sudbury and grant you your wishes to this extent. You can have all of that for 80 minutes. After that, you are on your own. Good luck, my son."
And so it came to pass.
Midway through the second half, The Duo brought on Oakes for Townley and reverted to three at the back. 1-0 down and with 15 minutes to go, Mackail-Smith replaced Browne. City were pressing for the equaliser and in the 83rd minute, a cross from Oakes to the far post was headed back by Mackail-Smith and stabbed home from close range by Moran. 1-1, and The Saints would have time to sort it out before the replay. No. Sudbury were tiring fast. Into injury time, a long crossfield ball by Challinor found De Souza who ghosted between two defenders into the left corner of the penalty box and unleashed an unstoppable shot from 20 yards which gave the home keeper no chance. 1-2. F.T.
'Get out of jail' had nothing on this one.
My MotM? Despite De Souza's terrific goal, Challinor or Naylor. 8 or 900 spectators? Some 350 Travelling City Faithful having made the 90 minute trip up from Hertfordshire.
We were the very last ball out of the plastic bag (what happened to the velvet one?) at F.A. HQ. and we are drawn away at Stockport County. How many minutes until Cardiff next May? I left the ground with a big smile, of course, but shaking my head in disbelief.
Entertainment 5/10. Atmosphere 7/10. Technical Merit 4/10. Referee 4/10. |
