The 2nd Cup game for the Thorns ended in exit in the first round again. The were 3 missing for us, Kenny Lee through injury, Ston and Adjei didn't turn up. The team was as follows:
Shrimpy Senior, James, Murphy, Nick, Declan, Connell, Geoghegan, Gaz (c), Shrimpy Junior, Hatty, Goode. Sheils: Kevin (for Connell 2nd half), Ronan
Bookings: Hagley Nick
There was one change to the team that played against Saltwells with Goode replacing Ston up front. Kenny Lee was still not back from injury.
This was a much improved performance from the Thorns and the game looked to be heading to extra time has the deadlock looked as if it was not going to be broken. Hatty had the best chance for the Thorns in the 1st half after a through ball from Geoghegan and he hit the chance just wide.
It was 0-0 at half time with few chances for both teams.
The 2nd half was the same as the 1st, a even game with few chances for both teams. Midway through the half Connell could not continue and I came on for Connell. Murphy switched to right midfield, James centre half and me going right back. This lasted about 5 minutes then Murphy went back to centre back, James right back and I played right Midfield.
Old Cross scored with about 10 mins left. This was harsh on us but it looked like a single goal would settle the tie. Towards the end of the game we had a penalty shout turned down. Geoghegan had the ball on the left put a cross over and the Old Cross defender handled the ball. The ref did not award a penalty which looked stone wall. Hagley Nick was booked for discent as a result of the penalty claims. He became the first Thorns player to be booked. He also had a shot from far out that went just wide.
All in all this was a much better performance by us and against a division 3 team. It's back to the league next Sunday against Singh Saba, where we need to start getting points for our promotion push.
This also could of been the last game under the name Quarry Bank Thorns, with a new name looked to be found shortly.