GOAL SCORER CHART
Merchants settled well into an early rhythm as each player got an early touch and they were the first to have a range finder Brian flashing a shot wide of Dave Johnson’s upright. Real were finding it hard to pin their foes down but Liam was starting to get to grips with Meluci it was another star that opened the scoring, Veteran defender Kim Green striding from the back to slot home with a well taken finish. It wasn’t the start Real had hoped for but they knew that if they could get Will and the unpredictable Ross on the ball and in front of goal they could remain within touching distance but their hopes took a dent as Muzzy made it two, again with a neat finish.
Real were missing influential stars Gaz Tutty and Cliff ‘Hollywood’ Darby and that meant not much strength in depth but they stuck to the task despite being on the end of a 75% possession stat however a counter attack paid of as Ross smashed the ball home after good work by Will, the game was alive so it was down to Real and manager Dave Johnson to give a Now or Never performance in the second half.
Real came out in the second half with a high tempo but they had too as Merchants were also at full throttle searching the game ending goal but they were closely guarded when they tried to attack and their efforts were either being thwarted by Dave in goal or by a last ditch block or tackle, Merchants became slightly ragged and Real were quick to capitalise and a Will shot shaved the post much to the despair of the attacker.
It wasn’t long before Merchants were back on top and they made it 3-1 with lil Muzzy finding the bottom corner after dancing his way through the Real rearguard. Real kept at it though and were playing some nice football but that final product was missing as Will and Ross missed several chances and as everyone knows you must take your chances against the best in the business and Real were finally served their final blow as man of the match Melusi took the game beyond Real’s reach and secured Merchants their second cup in as many weeks.
Real Cono have been much improved this season and deserved this shot at glory but in their way were the best in the business and Merchants have cup final experience in abundance so this was an intriguing final in prospect.
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MATCH ACTION |
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LIAM MARKING TIGHT |
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DUAL |
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MEL ON THE BALL |
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M.O.M MELUCI |
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SIR WILL |
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FROM ABOVE |
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ADAM AWAITS |
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