Cup semi final

WSV 3-2 Eden Stallions

Our 3rd division 3 cup opponents of the season proved one too many for the Stallions. Playing into a strong wind in the first half we took an early lead with good work down the right ending in McKinlay finding the net via a small deflection. WSV had the better of the play but couldn't find a way past our inspired keeper and the wind wasn't helping with their set piece delivery. Jason went on a Maradona-esque run and almost doubled the lead but the keeper made a good save. He also came to their rescue when he somehow kept out Rob's downward header from a corner.

Stallions were riding their luck though as Villa poured forward aided by the wind with our keeper making several important saves, including one from a flying Bonzo header.

HT WSV 0-1 Stalls

No rolling subs, so only one change was made at half time with Keg coming into the defence in place of Nick. Villa came out all guns blazing and were 2-1 up before we knew it. We were quickly running out of steam after our first half effort but got back into it when Gartside tapped home after a scramble in the box. Fortunately the ref missed a possible handball by Rob in the build up.

We had some more half chances but couldn't convert. However our keeper made more important saves as the much fitter Villa took hold of the game.

The set pieces were causing us all sorts of problems in the 2nd half and a good header in off the post won the game for the Villa. It could have been worse for the Stallions when a dubious penalty was given, but fortunately for us it was missed wide. Other than losing, the one down side was the referee's bizarre decisions. He gave far too many free kicks which bred moaning from both sides. Probably more so from them, but despite that Rob was the only one to go into the book. Having said that though, we probably got more decisions going our way and it's much better having one than not. We even had 2 official linesmen!

Final score WSV 3-2 Stallions

Eden Stallions 3-3 Western Blues

Lets acknowledge this game happened, but not dwell on it. Goals from Bugs and Gartside (2). It was an awful performance.