Match: League Cup – Cadbury Athletic 2 vs 1 Redditch United (AET)

Date: Sunday 30th September 2007

Report: (By Kevin McGarry)

The Reds played their first cup game of the season in good conditions, on a superb pitch at Cadbury. The boys were first to attack when Charlie and Max combined to fashion a half chance for Nick, which was well saved. Cadbury’s then mounted some pressure and a good last ditch tackle from Huddy prevented a chance for the home side and Ross soon had to make a good save. Jack was next to turn defence into attack, releasing Max but the keeper did well racing at his feet to smother the ball. The game was now end to end and the Reds were next to threaten from a long Rob throw which Brad looped just over the bar. Some good interlinking play saw Charlie release Max for a long run at goal, which gained a corner. As Cadbury attacked George and then Sam made excellent interceptions as the defence looked very solid. Ben N was working tirelessly, breaking up attacks and regaining possession on a number of occasions. Not for the first time Max appeared to be harshly given offside when a break appeared likely. The home team began to exert pressure, forcing Ross to claim a high ball well whilst being fouled and then heading over from a good cross. The Reds continued to break at speed and from a huge Sam clearance Max outpaced the defence and fired a great shot which came back off the post. An even half drew to a close with Cadburys attacking with a long range effort drifting wide.

Half Time Score: Cadbury Athletic 0 vs 0 Redditch United

Dan replaced the hardworking Ben N at the resumption and was immediately involved in the midfield battle. The game continued to ebb and flow with Nick and Brad having half chances, whilst Huddy and George defended well at the other end and Ross was still being called upon to gather. The best chance of the match came from a superb 30 yard shot from Rob, which the Cadbury keeper did well to tip onto the crossbar as the Reds pressed on. From a spirited Brad run, Nick harried the home defence and looped in a cross which Max latched onto to fire home from close range for the opening goal of the game on 35 minutes. Cadburys continued to play hard and almost got back in the game form a great left wing run until Sam excellently blocked and cleared his lines. Matt joined the fray replacing Brad with over 10 minutes remaining. As Cadburys became hurried the Reds now created some good chances to close out the game with an elusive second goal. Jack, Nick then Max all had chances but the home keeper was in top form to deny them. Following a Reds corner George centred and Jack fired just wide. Cadburys were still dangerous on the break and Ross made a couple of saves before superbly holding a long cross under pressure. Sam did well to block a free kick and as the 50th minute clocked up Charlie broke out of defence and shot just over. Cadburys mounted a last ditch assault and gained a free kick as the game inexplicably entered its 53rd minute. A good delivery found an unmarked attacker who headed home well to take the game into extra time.

Full Time Score: Cadbury Athletic 1 vs 1 Redditch United

The Reds picked themselves up from the disappointment of the late equaliser and were first to have an effort in the extra time as Nick had a good low shot well saved. Ben Mc got his first action replacing Huddy with Rob moving to centre half. A poor tackle on Max led to Jack’s free kick being cleared. Both teams were trying to win the game and Dan saw a decent looped shot saved at the start of the second period of extra time. Cadburys then attacked and following a goalmouth scramble poked the ball past Ross to lead for the first time with only 3 minutes remaining. The Reds surged forward in search of an equaliser, Rob setting Charlie free who was just unable to deliver a telling cross following a great run. The referee surprisingly brought the game to a close short of the full 5 minutes of the second extra period. Although the Reds were knocked out it was a pleasure to see both teams play some good football in a well contested match.

Extra Time Score: Cadbury Athletic 2 vs 1 Redditch United

Reds Goals/Scorers: 2nd Half: Max - well timed volley between defenders following looped cross from Nick.

Man of the Match: George - Stirling in defence throughout and started good attacks down left side)

Formation:  4 - 4 - 2

Colours:  Red/White Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

Substitutes:  BEN MC, MATT, DAN